Improving Indigenous engagement and leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Aside from the specific medical priorities being targeted, an important part of improving Indigenous health surrounds the methods used to collect information, how the information is communicated, and the identity of those doing the communicating.

Indeed, a large part of ‘bridging the gap’ between Indigenous Australians and the non-Indigenous is not only to do with improving infection and casualty rates, but in encouraging self-determinism.

This is why our researchers who work in the field are often combining their health inquiries with projects to encourage Indigenous people to remain engaged with education through to university level, or to develop a career in the health sector.

Understanding how the qualities of health personnel can make a difference to Indigenous adherence to various initiatives is essential to progressing the cause.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), Professor Fredericks is responsible for leading the implementation of the Indigenous strategy and strengthening leadership within the University in relation to Indigenous Engagement, as well as building links with the community.

Associate Professor Maree Toombs

As Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement) Maree assists the Faculty of Medicine in implementing their Reconciliation Action Plan as well as ensuring the continued support of Indigenous students at UQ.

Professor James Ward

Professor James Ward is a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, an infectious diseases epidemiologist and a national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. He is Director of UQ's Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Professor within the School of Public Health at the University of Queensland.

Associate Professor Kym Rae

Her specific focus has primarily been to develop programs that reduce chronic diseases which afflict Aboriginal people more commonly through early detection and diagnosis, health education, and developing a thorough understanding of risk factors that impact on this community.

Meet some of our researchers