OCHRe News
11 August 2025
Dear OCHRe Members and Friends
We wish you a safe and happy weekend. If you have news you would like to share, please send it through to the team at ochre@uq.edu.au by Wednesday 2pm AEST.
OCHRe Central Hub www.ochrenetwork.org
News:
A Huge Success: Conference Workshop Empowers PhD Scholars
On Monday, 16 June 2025, on Kaurna Country at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health proudly hosted the Maximise Your Conference Experience: Impact and Engagement Strategies for Indigenous PhD Scholars workshop — a prelude to the Lowitja Institute’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference.
This student-facing event offered a unique opportunity for Indigenous PhD researchers to connect, learn, and prepare for a successful conference experience, and featured inspiring keynote speakers Associate Professors Hinekura Smith and Karla Canuto.
This workshop was facilitated by the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, funded by the Maali and OWL Hubs of the OCHRe network, with support from the Lowitja Institute.
Lowitja Institute & Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation
We announce and celebrate 1 AUGUST Lowitja O’Donoghue Day
For further information, click here.
National Health and Medical Research Council
NHMRC Public Call for Submissions: Research Priority Areas in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
The National Health Medical and Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking community input into research priorities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, which may form the basis of a Targeted Call for Research (TCR). Submissions should address a significant research knowledge gap or unmet need for which there is the potential to greatly advance our understanding of the issue.
Submissions open 21 July 2025 and close 15 September 2025.
Further details and submissions can be made on NHMRC’s Consultation hub.
National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025
The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025 was issued on 6 March 2025. The 2025 National Statement will take effect, and replace the 2023 National Statement, from 1 October 2025.
Co-authored by NHMRC, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia (UA), the National Statement is Australia’s principal human research guideline setting out the requirements for the ethical design, review and conduct of human research in Australia.
The 2025 National Statement and a summary of amendments can be found here. The major changes in this update are to Section 4. The National Statement was developed by NHMRC’s Australian Health Ethics Committee and was informed by public consultation
in accordance with the requirements of the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.
Indigenous Futures Conference | 4 – 7 November 2025
Kabi Kabi Country
Indigenous futures unbound: Reimagining Indigenous futures through knowledge and praxis
Novotel Sunshine Coast Region
This conference is a call-to-action.
We ask:
How can we protect the earth, our human kin, and our non-human relatives for the future?
What can our Indigenous futures look like?
How can we future proof our nations? and
What will being Indigenous mean in the future?
Keynote speaker | Professor Audra Simpson is a Kahnawà:ke Mohawk scholar
Professor Audra Simpson is a Kahnawà:ke Mohawk scholar and researches and writes about Indigenous and settler society, politics and history at Columbia University.
Her book, Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States (2014, DUP) won the Sharon Stephens Prize (AES), the “Best first Book Award” (NAISA) as well as the Lora Romero Award (ASA) in addition to honorable mentions.
For further information, click here
Walkern Katatdjin Roadmap Report
Working together to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ young people to thrive.
The Walkern Katatdjin Roadmap report sets out a plan to work together to empower individuals, families, communities, and services to ensure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ young people (14-25 years) are safe, healthy, and thriving.
This Roadmap was co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ young people, families, community, Elders, and services.
It is intended to be used by: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ young people’s family and community; health and wellbeing services and other services and systems; local, state and federal government; the wider community; and researchers.
The Roadmap webpage features resources including a Roadmap snapshot, targeted chapters, a video discussion between community members and services representatives, and links to further information and supports.
You can request a hard copy of the Roadmap Report here.
For further information, contact Rainbow.Knowledge@thekids.org.au
or (08) 6319 1062.
OCHRe Scholarships:
Maali Hub | Current Offers
Indigenous Early / Mid Career Researchers | Health Research Related Support Fund Item
The Maali Hub Indigenous EMCR Health Research Related Support Fund is available to support Early to Mid-Career Researchers with project costs, health research related training, international and national conferences.
This is a continuous Open Round which opened on 1 March 2025 and closes on 30 November 2025.
Research support funding offered includes:
· $10,000 Research support costs
· $5,000 Training
· $5,000 International conference attendance
· $2,500 National conference attendance
Please submit your application to maalihub@ecu.edu.au.
NEXGEN Hub | Current Offers
Health Research Experience Scholarships Program 2025
Round 2 Applications opened on 9 March 2025
NEXGEN are pleased to announce the launch of Health Research Experience Scholarships Program (Round 2) 2025 as part of our OCHRe NEXGEN Hub.
For this round, NEXGEN Hub will offer 12 Health Research Experience Scholarships Program (Scholarships) valued at $10,000 each. These Scholarships will provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders enrolled in an undergraduate degree (including Honours) or a postgraduate coursework program, to gain or enhance their research experience and skills.
The offer will be offered exclusively to Investigators (CIs and AIs) named on the NHMRC Targeted Call for Research application (APP 2005944: OCHRe).
This is a continuous Open Round.
Opened | 9 March 2025
Closes | 30 September 2025 or when all Scholarships have been awarded, whichever is the sooner.
Contact | nexgen@sph.uq.edu.au
For further information and application forms for both offers, see OCHRe Website - https://www.ochrenetwork.org/scholarships
Scholarships & Bursaries:
www.ochrenetwork.org/opportunities
Smoking and Vaping Cessation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
UoN PhD Scholarship Opportunity for an Indigenous Candidate
This Indigenous-led national research project evaluates a mailed-out smoking and vaping cessation intervention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents and adults.
Exciting PhD Opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students.
Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student passionate about health equity, tobacco control, and making a real-world impact in your community?
Join Professor Michelle Kennedy and her research team at the University of Newcastle to undertake a fully funded PhD as part of the Which Way? Quit Pack project, the largest national smoking and vaping cessation trial ever conducted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Please send the email expressing interest to Emily.Princehorn@newcastle.edu.au by 5pm on 31 August 2025.
For more information click here
Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Onemda – In Partnership with Nairm Marr Djambana
PhD Scholarship Opportunity for an Indigenous Candidate
The Indigenous Health Equity Unit in partnership with Nairm Marr Djambana, is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship for an Indigenous student to undertake a community-led research project that supports the development and implementation of an evaluation framework for Aboriginal community programs. This research project will co-develop an evidence-informed evaluation framework for Nairm Marr Djambana, a gathering place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Frankston, Victoria, focussing on cultural identity, social and emotional wellbeing, and community self-determination.
Base Stipend: $52,300 per annum (2025 rate and tax-free if full time study)
Project Top-Up: $20,000 per annum
Relocation allowance: $2,000 for students moving from States or Territories other than Victoria.
For more information, contact Professor Cath Chamberlain on cacham@unimelb.edu.au or Warwick Padgham on padghamw@unimelb.edu.au
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health - Centres and Institutes, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
UoM PhD Scholarship Opportunity
Fostering a healthy start to life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Relighting the Firesticks is a community-based participatory research project. This research is based on our learnings and evidence from the pilot project, Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future (HPNF), and the scale up, Replanting the Birthing Tree (RBT) project.
For more information click here OR contact Professor Cath Chamberlain on cacham@unimelb.edu.au
Auora Education Foundation
First Nations Cancer Scholarship
A new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in cancer.
Valued at $120,000 a year, these will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate students, health professionals, and early-career researchers (ECRs) to undertake full-time postgraduate study (graduate certificate, master’s or PhD) or research in a cancer-related field. It's funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia and established by the Aurora Education Foundation and Cancer Australia.
Closes: 12th Sept 2025
For further information click here: https://aurorafoundation.com.au/our-work/indigenous-pathways-portal/scholarships/first-nations-cancer-scholarship/
Auora Internship Program | Paid internships that build your career and your impact
Are you a First Nations university student or graduate looking to take the next step in your career?
The Aurora Internship Program offers paid placements with purpose – giving you the chance to gain experience, grow your confidence, and contribute to work that matters.
Interns are placed in organisations working to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. From grassroots nonprofits to research institutes, government, and the private sector. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just bring your curiosity, commitment, and lived experience.
APPLY NOW OR LEARN MORE AT: aurorafoundation.com.au
Scan the QR code for full program details and how to apply.
(And if you’re unsure or have questions, the Aurora team is here to help.)
Webinars, Workshops and Professional Development
Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator (ASHRA) and the Guunu-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health team at The George Institute for Global Health
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Network: “Connecting Hearts & Minds”
Friday, 22nd August 2025 11:00am – 12:00pm
Presenter: Dr. William Wang
Join us for a webinar featuring Dr. William Wang a leading cardiologist based in Brisbane and Ipswich. Dr. Wang is an Associate Professor of Medicine at The University of Queensland, with research interests spanning cardiology, cardiac imaging, genetics, and Indigenous health.
Dr. Wang will present on: "Effects of a Culturally Informed Model of Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Tertiary Hospital in Australia"
Drawing on his clinical experience and research, Dr. Wang will explore how culturally responsive approaches can improve outcomes for Indigenous patients with acute coronary syndrome, and the broader implications for hospital-based care in Australia.
Zoom link: https://georgehub.zoom.us/meeting/register/k-FxzRkZQvePLburNzumJw
For more information click here
Lowitja Institute
Online Courses
These online courses were developed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. They’re also highly valuable for non-Indigenous people working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research sectors.
The following online courses are available:
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Introduction to Ethics in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Community data literacy: Foundations
Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge Translation
Introduction to Evaluation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Contexts
For more information and to apply click here.
University of Sydney | Central Sydney (Patyegarang) Precinct
Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion
Designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, our Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion aims to improve Indigenous health at a community level. This program will give you the knowledge and skills to identify community needs, develop a plan of action and execute it.
Our program is for Indigenous health practitioners who already have a role in promoting the health of their communities or hold equivalent qualifications. It is designed to give practitioners skills they need to help prevent illness and reduce the harms in the community.
For more information and to apply click here.
Health Translation Queensland
Online workshops supporting research with First Nations Peoples
Join our popular and free workshops supporting research with First Nations Peoples.
The workshops will be delivered by Shevaun Wright, Solicitor, Terri Janke and Company.
Workshop 1: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property
This session will explore the legal dimensions of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) which, together with cultural sensitivity and respect, provide the cornerstones of research with and for First Nations communities.
Developed by Terri Janke and Company, this workshop is anchored in the unique 'Ten True Tracks® Principles'®, a best practice framework for ethical Indigenous engagement.
Date: 7 October 2025
Time: 11am - 12pm (AEST-QLD)
Register Here
Workshop 2: Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Explore the concept of Indigenous Data Sovereignty in health research and learn how to apply it through Indigenous Data Governance. This session will explore how these principles can be embedded through culturally responsive approaches and ethically grounded research practices.
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 11am - 12pm (AEST-QLD)
Register Here
ALIGN (Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics)
Launched ALIGN’s Online Course - Genomics Our Way | An Introduction to Genomics Research with Indigenous Australians
ALIGN were able to develop and deliver this first-of-its-kind course through the ALIGN network, the OCHRE network, with financial support from the Australian Academy of Science–Theo Murphy Initiative (AAS-TMI).
What’s next?
Register now and take the course! https://indigenousgenomics.com.au/courses/genomicsourway/
Please share it with your colleagues, networks, and communities.
Follow the new ALIGN LinkedIn business page and help us amplify the campaign.
Tell us what you think - we’d love your feedback and reflections once you’ve completed the course.
‘Genomics Our Way’ is more than a course—it’s a statement about how genomics research with Indigenous Australians should be done.
Communicate Study Partnership
Hosted by Menzies School of Health Research
First Nations Health Communication Symposium | Stories that matter: reflecting and collaborating for change
EOI open: presentations, panels & information stalls
21 & 22 August 2025 – Larrakia Country, Darwin, and Arrernte Country, Alice Springs.
Example topics include:
· Codesign and collaboration
· Intercultural communication
· Culturally safe communication
· Health literacy
· Shared decision making
· Communication in clinical education
· Media and health communication
· Technology in health communication
· Patient-centred care
· Bilingual workforce initiatives
EOIs to present and/or host a stall at the 2025 First Nations Health Communication Symposium are now closed. The event will be held in both Darwin and Alice Springs. Event details here: First Nations Health Communication Symposium + Workshops - Menzies
University of Queensland Poche Centre
Pathways Program to a PhD: Doing Research for Mob
Ever thought about further studies to expand your career opportunities in the health and wellbeing space? Are you working in the health and human services industry and looking for a change or a new challenge? Do you want to learn about doing research with your community? Have you ever wondered about research and what's involved in a PhD?
Then UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Pathways Program to a PhD is for you.
To register your interest in the next Pathways Program to a PhD, which will be held on 19-21 August 2025, please complete the Pathways to a PhD expression of interest form.
When: 19 - 21 August 2025
Where: The University of Queensland, St Lucia and Toowong Campuses.
If you would like to learn more, contact poche.hdr.pathways@uq.edu.au - Link to website here.
Queensland Health and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Launch of a new Queensland Portal
This portal provides health information and resources to support anyone working or studying in First Nations health in Queensland, including students, academics and policy makers.
Funded by the Queensland Government Department of Health, the new Portal includes a map that allows users to filter content by Queensland’s Hospital and Health Services for a faster, more efficient search for relevant publications, resources, programs, organisations, courses and jobs. The Portal also supports the workforce with information on Queensland-specific events and funding opportunities.
The Portal is located on the HealthInfoNet website under the Learn tab and under the Locations subheading. Visit the Queensland Portal to access up-to-date information and culturally appropriate resources on First Nations health in Queensland.
You can also stay connected with the latest updates and content added to the Portal by signing up to the monthly Queensland State Newsletter and by subscribing to our yarning places: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing:
Indigenous Datathon: Applying Indigenous Data Governance to Healthcare
Expressions of interest are now open to attend the Indigenous Datathon 2025
Location: Brisbane | Dates: October 11 and 12, 2025
Co-located with International Data Week 2025, the event will see participants explore real-world questions using data science, guided by the CARE Principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) of Indigenous data governance.
The event is being run by the Indigenous Data Network (University of Melbourne), the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS), the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), QUT Centre for Data Science (QUT CDS) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS-Brisbane).
The event is designed for post-graduate students, clinicians, researchers, or emerging data scientists. Participants will work in teams to analyse healthcare datasets while learning how to apply ethical, culturally responsive data practices.
It is an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills, connect with others, and contribute to meaningful, values-driven solutions. We welcome participants with a wide range of backgrounds and skills who are interested in engaging with health data, but we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to apply.
Numbers are limited to ensure each participant is well supported by mentors, subject domain experts and datathon volunteers.
Please submit your expression of interest by June 29, 2025 here: https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/centres-institutes/onemda/research-group/indigenous-data-network/indigenous-datathon-2025
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CONFERENCES
10th Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium | 8 – 9 October | Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
Research from the heart – shaping rural & remote health futures’
If you have research findings to share, this is your opportunity to contribute to a movement dedicated to improving rural and remote health in Australia.
Presentation Opportunities: Find the Right Format for You
Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025 | 20 – 21 October | Meanjin (Brisbane) Walking Together, Flourishing Together: Pathways to Indigenous Wellbeing
Join us in Meanjin (Brisbane) as we share solutions to the most important wellbeing needs of all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.
OCHRe Convocation
29 – 30 October | (Meanjin) Brisbane
Voices of Country: Research, Resilience and Renewal
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Indigenous Allied Health Australia
24 – 26 November | Sunshine Coast
Tradition to Transformation: Leading in Allied Health
For more information and to register, click here.
Australian Indigenous Doctors Association | 27 – 29 November
For more information, click AIDA 2025 Conference
November 18th World Congress on Public Health
6-9 September 2026 | South Africa
Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability
For more information, click here
GRANT CONNECT
All Australian Government grant opportunities are advertised on Grant Connect including NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and many other grants. Below are some current opportunities.
For current list of all grants on Grant Connect click here.
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
CHM – 2025 Cardiovascular Health Grant Opportunity
The MRFF Cardiovascular Health Mission aims to make transformative improvements in cardiovascular health and stroke management for all Australians.
Minimum data due | 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time) 16 July 2025
Application closes | 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time) 13 August 2025
For further information, click here.
DAACM – 2025 Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Grant Opportunity
The objectives and outcomes of this grant opportunity align with the Roadmap and Implementation Plan for the Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission.
Minimum data due | 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time) 23 July 2025
Application closes | 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time) 20 August 2025
For further information, click here.
MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant Opportunity
This grant opportunity offers funding to support medical research and medical innovation programs of research that deliver a ‘moonshot’ by creating a treatment for a currently serious and incurable health condition, through a series of linked projects. The program of research can propose to develop novel health technologies and/or re-purpose existing health technologies in a novel way.
We expect that expressions of interest will close on 31 March 2026, with the last grants awarded by 30 June 2027.
Total Amount Available (AUD): $400,000,000
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): $25,000,000
For further information, click here.
National Health and Medical Research Council
Partnership Projects – 2025
Partnership Projects will support collaborations, within the Australian context, that translate research evidence into health policy and health practice, to improve health services and processes
Minimum data closes at 17:00 ACT local time on the following dates:
PRC1 – 19 March 2025
PRC2 – 23 July 2025
PRC3 – 12 November 2025
For further information, click here.
2025 NHMRC-Global Alliance Chronic Diseases: Strengthening Health Systems
Total Grant Pool (AUD) | $5,000,000
Application closes | 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time) on 28 October 2025
For further information, click here.
ALIGN (Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics) & The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)
Indigenous Visiting Research Fellowship
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and The Australian Alliance for Indigenous Genomics (ALIGN) have collaborated to offer an excellent opportunity for an Indigenous Visiting Research Fellow. This opportunity will support an Indigenous researcher using advanced genomics to improve diagnostic outcomes for people with suspected genetic immune disease. Flexible funding of up to $300,000 over two years is available.
Fellows can range from PhD students who have completed their confirmation of candidature, through to post-graduate, mid-career researchers. Clinicians with an interest in research are also welcome to apply.
Applications for this program opened May 2025 and are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you may apply at any time.
Applications close: October 2025
For further information, view the website here OR scan the QR code
Employment
Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health
Indigenous Student (PhD) Pathways Support Officer
POSITION NO: JR-001609
CLASSIFICATION: UOM 6 SALARY $98,870 - $107,023
SUPERANNUATION: Employer contribution of 17%
WORKING HOURS: Full time 1.0 FTE
BASIS OF EMPLOYMENT: Continuing appointment
CLOSING DATE: 19 August 2025
As the Student Pathways Support Officer at the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, you'll play a crucial role in supporting Indigenous PhD students throughout their academic journey. You'll have the opportunity to foster the next generation of Indigenous health leaders, contribute to groundbreaking research, and build strong relationships within a collaborative, values-driven environment. Your work will directly impact the success of Indigenous students and contribute to the Centre's vision of accelerating Indigenous leadership in health.
For further information and full position description, click here
University of Notre Dame Broome Campus
Positions available in Healthcare Education
For further information, click here
Journal of the Australia Indigenous HealthInfoNet
EOIs for Editor and numerous Associate Editors
The Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academics and health practitioners and those with expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health to submit an expression of interest to become an Editorial Board member for this growing publication. We are seeking EOIs for an Editor and numerous Associate Editors. The Editor and Associate Editors ensure the accuracy, culturally safety, academic integrity and rigour of the articles published by the journal.
Editorial Board members will be supported by the Director of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet who will provide assistance with author and reviewer queries. All members will receive training on the online journal management system supported through Elsevier publishing. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the Australin Indigenous HealthInfoNet’s ongoing mission to facilitate access to information that supports those working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.
Please click here to find out more information about the roles and details on how to apply.
