OCHRe News 2025
14 November
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:
OCHRe 2025 Wrap Up
The OCHRe team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the OCHRe Convocation last week.
We had 150 attendees over the 2-day event and your participation, and contributions made this event truly successful and rewarding.
This year’s theme, Voices of Country: Research, Resilience, and Renewal, guided our conversations and reminded us of the importance of working together to foster innovation and resilience within our communities.
🌟A special thank you to our remarkable keynote speakers:
Professor Ngiare Brown
Emma Rawson Te-Patu
Professor Papaarangi Reid
Professor Jackie Huggins
Your insights and expertise set the tone for meaningful discussions and inspired us all.
This year’s Convocation also included 3-minute presentations from First Nations students currently enrolled in HDR in health. A huge congratulations to all 5 presenters who took part in this outstanding session - Becki Cook, Rhyann Roberts, Halijah Brewster, Deborah Wilkes, and Jane Linton.
Special congratulations to the presenters who received the following awards:
🥇First Prize: Jane Linton – The University of Sydney (University Centre for Rural Health)
🥈Second Prize: Rhyann Roberts – University of Newcastle
🏅 People’s Choice: Jane Linton – The University of Sydney (University Centre for Rural Health)
We also want to acknowledge and thank all our presenters for sharing their knowledge and perspectives, and our attendees for engaging in thoughtful conversations and helping create an atmosphere of collaboration and learning throughout the 2-days.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the connections made during the event. Stay tuned—photos and presentations will soon be available on our website.
Thank you again for being part of this journey.
We can’t wait to see you at next year’s Convocation!
Congratulations!
The inaugural Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems has been awarded to Malgana man, Professor Michael Wear
Congratulations Professor Michael Wear.
When a devastating marine heatwave struck Shark Bay in 2012, it wiped out vast stretches of seagrass meadows in one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments. For many, the loss was catastrophic. For Professor Michael Wear, a Malgana Traditional Custodian of Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) and Murdoch University's Professor of Practice (Indigenous Environmental Conservation), it was a call to action. This week, Professor Wear's pioneering response earned national recognition: the inaugural Prime Minister's Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems. It's an accolade that honours not just scientific achievement, but the power of Indigenous Knowledge to restore ecosystems and reshape industries. "I'm humbled, privileged and grateful- and I don't want to be the last Indigenous scientist recognised," Professor Wear said.
UTS Alumni Award Winners Announced
Congratulations Grace Ward – Awarded the Indigenous Australian Alumni Award
Grace Ward - Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management, 2014
Grace Ward, a Kamilaroi-Yuwaalaraay woman, is a pioneering force in Indigenous healthcare and diabetes education. As the first Aboriginal Health Practitioner to graduate the the UTS Diabetes Education and Management course, Grace broke new ground-not only for herself but for generations of Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) to follow.
Grace's impact is both systemic and deeply personal. Since 2022, she has volunteered with the UTS Diabetes Education program, mentoring students, moderating a national peer-support group, and championing Indigenous participation. Under her guidance, the number of Indigenous Credentialled Diabetes Educators has grown by 200%, and the UTS course has become the most sought-after program for Indigenous health professionals across Australia.
Her influence was pivotal in the course's 2023 reaccreditation, where she helped embed culturally responsive practices and elevate the Indigenous Graduate Attribute to a faculty-wide exemplar. Grace also secured scholarships for Indigenous students, removing financial barriers and empowering future leaders in diabetes care.
Before Grace, Aboriginal Health Practitioners were not eligible to become Credentialled Diabetes Educators (CDEs). She fought to change this, leading to a landmark policy change in 2024, enabling AHPs to CDEs, a move that has significantly increased Indigenous representation in this critical field.
Beyond her formal roles, Grace is a community builder. She has cultivated a national network of Indigenous diabetes educators, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cultural pride. Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including the Faculty of Health's Causal Academic of the Year and the Commitment to Indigenous Health Award from Indigenous Allied Health Australia.
Even today, Grace continues to lead with humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. Her legacy is one of healing, empowerment, and transformation-proof that one woman's determination can reshape systems and inspire a nation. Through her tireless efforts, Grace has not only elevated the UTS Diabetes Education program but also created a lasting impact on Indigenous health and education across Australia.
Men’s Health Champion Winners Announced at
National Men’s Health Gathering
Congratulations Dr Mick Adams – Awarded the inaugural Greg Millan Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations Dr Uncle Mick Adams, who was awarded the inaugural Greg Millan Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his decades-long contribution to men's health - particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The award honours the late Greg Millan, a founding member and long- serving board member of the Australian Men's Health Forum (AMHF). Greg was a tireless advocate, trainer and program developer who helped shape national awareness of men's health needs and mentored many current leaders in the field. His pioneering work in government, community and private sectors transformed how services engage with men.
Uncle Mick Adams' recognition carries that legacy forward. With over 25 years' experience, he has been instrumental in advancing health outcomes for First Nations men, including delivering the first National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Convention in 1999 and completing a PhD in public health in 2007 focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males.
A respected mentor and advocate, Dr Adams continues to champion holistic approaches to men's health - physical, mental, social and emotional— and to inspire a new generation of researchers and practitioners.
Opportunities
NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Stillbirth CRE)
PhD Opportunity: Improving Perinatal Health Outcomes for Indigenous Families
Join the NHMRC Stillbirth CRE based at Mater Research as part of the Safer Baby SEEK initiative. This 3–3.5 year PhD project focuses on understanding help-seeking and care experiences of Indigenous parents during pregnancy to improve culturally safe maternity care and reduce stillbirth.
What’s involved?
Co-designed research with Indigenous communities in SA, WA and QLD
Development of tools and training for health professionals
Publications, conference presentations, and integration into national education programs
Benefits:
UQ scholarship living stipend
Mentorship from experienced Indigenous midwifery researchers Deanna Stuart-Butler and Valarie Ah Chee
Work within a collaborative research environment
Eligibility:
Open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates with backgrounds in public health, Indigenous health, midwifery, nursing, psychology, or related fields.
Contact: Dr Christine Andrews – christine.andrews@mater.uq.edu.au
National Health and Medical Research Council
National Health and Medical Research Strategy (National Strategy)
Webinar recording is now available
Available here: National Health and Medical Research Strategy Chair Webinar 3 – 1 September 2025 - YouTube
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.
Health Translation Queensland | Resource
Indigenous Data – Clause Templates and Guidance
This new HTQ resource, developed by Terri Janke and Company, provides clear and practical template clauses covering intellectual property, property, moral rights, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), and Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov). The document is designed to support research teams to embed best-practice legal, cultural, and ethical standards into their agreements.
For further information, click here
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.
Scholarships & Bursaries:
www.ochrenetwork.org/opportunities
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.
Closes: 31 December 2025
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
Professor Pat Dudgeon’s Groundbreaking Life and Work on Social Emotional Wellbeing
New Podcast Episode!
Join one of Australia’s foremost voices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental-health reform, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, as she takes us on a compelling journey to rethink and revive psychology from the ground up. In this episode you’ll discover the roots of her mission, the power of holistic wellbeing, and how she’s helping reshape psychology education through the lens of culture, community, and connection. An important conversation—gain fresh insight into health, healing, and change.
Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (TIMHWB) project
Research Forum
Here at the School of Indigenous Studies, at the University of Western Australia, we’re celebrating the completion of the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (TIMHWB) project, which has been running since 2019. With Indigenous leadership from Professors Pat Dudgeon AM, Helen Milroy AM, and Jill Milroy, the TIMHWB project brought cultural ways and healing into mental health and wellbeing systems to better serve the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Project partners have represented a collaborative of Aboriginal leaders and organisations, dedicated to creating long-term impact, and together we’ve conducted groundbreaking research, translation, and evaluation in the fields of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.
To commemorate the important work done over the last six years, we’re hosting a Research Forum on beautiful Whadjuk Noongar land along the Derbal Yerrigan river in Boorloo (Perth). The Forum will be a day of talks, workshops, and collaboration, as well as a ‘look forward’ to the future as we share our plans to launch our new identity as the Kwop Boorn Djenara Centre. The roots of the Boorn Centre are the TIMHWB project and the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention - two Aboriginal-led, transformative projects which we will join and evolve together into the Boorn Centre, where we will continue our work alongside community collaborators including the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.
We’ll be recording all the presentations and workshops at the Research Forum event and will make sure to share the resulting video with all those who are interested. Exciting things ahead!
Lowitja Institute
Journal Webinars
On 3 December, Dr Joanne Luke will present research from her PhD studies which explored how 'evidence' is generated and used in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and social settings, which was conducted in collaboration with Aboriginal organisations. An Aboriginal researcher, Dr Luke works with the Centre for Health Policy at the University of Melbourne, and the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency.
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.
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.
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.
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CONFERENCES 2025
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
CONFERENCES 2026
World Indigenous Cancer Conference | 20-24 April 2026 | Rotorua, Aotearoa, New Zealand
For more information, click here
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.
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.
MRFF – Preventive and Public Health Research Initiative – 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Grant Opportunity
Stream 1 (TCR): develop, implement and/or evaluate interventions to prevent or manage perinatal mental ill-health
Stream 2 (TCR): develop, implement and/or evaluate holistic approaches that support healthy development for children aged 2-5 years
Stream 3 (TCR): develop, implement and/or evaluate new co-designed and scalable health and wellbeing promotion and/or preventive health approaches to address modifiable risk factors in:
Minimum Data | Closes 19/11/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 03/12/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
For further information, click here.
MRFF - Australian Brain Cancer Mission – 2025 Brain Cancer Research Grant Opportunity
The objective of this grant opportunity is to provide grants of financial assistance to support medical research and medical innovation projects that develop novel approaches to reduce treatment toxicity and adverse effects of brain cancer treatment for patients, to minimise the short- and/or long-term negative impacts for patients and carers.
Minimum data closes | 21/01/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 04/02/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
For further information, click here.
MRFF – Genomics Health Futures Mission – 2025 Genomics Health Futures Grant Opportunity
Stream 1 (Targeted Call for Research): develop and implement pharmacogenomic approaches to identify new medicines and enhance medication efficacy.
Funding under Stream 1 is available as follows:
Stream 2 (Targeted Call for Research): conduct genomics research to optimise the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of high-priority and high-burden diseases among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Minimum data closes | 21/01/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 04/02/2026 5:00pm ACT Time
For further information, click here.
National Health and Medical Research Council
NEW: Targeted Call for Research: Homelessness and Health 2025
The TCR: Homelessness and Health 2025 grant opportunity seeks to investigate the short and long-term adverse health outcomes experienced by individuals living in unstable housing conditions. The insights gained from this research will inform the development
and implementation of comprehensive interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities among people experiencing homelessness in Australia.
Minimum data closes | 03/12/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
Application closes | 17/12/2025 5:00pm ACT Time
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:
PRC3 – 12 November 2025
For further information, click here.
Employment
NHMRC
Director – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisor
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking a candidate that is passionate about using their skills and knowledge to realise health benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities. They will guide and influence policy development and programs design across NHMRC, supporting agency efforts to co-design with community as we contribute to Closing the Gap.
The work is challenging, engaging, and involves collaboration with all levels of NHMRC and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, health organisations and communities. As a high performing individual, our ideal candidate will use their cultural knowledge and health policy experience to deliver outcomes and provide strategic advice to peers and NHMRC’s senior executive.
A sound communicator, they will drive positive change and equity outcomes though NHMRC’s investment in research and community health guidance. Of note, they will use their leadership and project management skills as they work with the NHMRC - MRFF Indigenous Advisory Group and progress other initiatives with their team and agency peers.
This role is available as a non-ongoing vacancy for 12 months. A merit pool may be established for use in filling any future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies that may arise.
Highly desirable
An understanding of the health and medical research sector in Australia and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is highly desirable.
Further information
For further information refer to the Job Description or contact Alan Singh on 02 6217 9149 or email alan.singh@nhmrc.gov.au
Location of role
The role is available in either Canberra or Melbourne.
Eligibility
This vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. To be eligible for this role candidates must provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
To apply for this role, you must submit a completed online application form prior to the closing date and time, be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
Applications close
11:30 PM AEDT Sunday, 7 December 2025.
For further information, click here: Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advice NHMRC
NHMRC
Assistant Director
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is seeking a candidate that is passionate about using their skills and knowledge to realise health benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities. They will assist with guiding and influencing policy development and program design across NHMRC, support agency efforts to co-design with community as we contribute to Closing the Gap.
You will be experienced with managing your own time and be able to work across teams, in the Branch and across the agency to get good results. As a team member you will be responsible for setting priorities, managing workflows, liaison, coordination and building and maintaining of critical and sensitive stakeholder relationships.
You will use your excellent communication skills and high-level APS writing skills to support the Director, to deliver quality advice to NHMRC committees and the Executive Team.
This role is available as a non-ongoing vacancy for 6 months. A merit pool may be established for use in filling any future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies that may arise.
Highly desirable
An understanding of the health and medical research sector in Australia and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research is highly desirable.
Further information
For further information refer to the Job Description or contact Alan Singh on 02 6217 9149 or email alan.singh@nhmrc.gov.au
Location of role
The role is available in either Canberra or Melbourne.
Eligibility
This vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. To be eligible for this role candidates must provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
To apply for this role, you must submit a completed online application form prior to the closing date and time, be an Australian citizen and be able to provide evidence of this. If successful, you will also be required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
Applications close
11:30 PM AEDT Sunday, 7 December 2025.
For further information, click here: Assistant Director Indigenous Advice Section Research Quality and Advice NHMRC
South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN)
Data Analyst
South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) is recruiting for a Data Analyst.
The role will lead the design and development of SAWCAN’s regional Power BI data aggregation tool, integrating de-identified data from our 5 Partner ACCHOs. The role will be instrumental in building systems that turn complex health data into meaningful insights to support regional planning, evaluation and advocacy.
Flexible work from home arrangements
Work from home and mobile phone allowances
Salary sacrifice up to $15,900 per annum
Location: Ceduna, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Yalata, Oak Valley or Adelaide
Deadline: 21st November 2025 5pm (SA DLS)
Please see SAWCAN website for Job Description and submission details: https://www.sawcan.org.au/job/data-analyst/
THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA
BROOME CAMPUS Shape the future of healthcare education
in the Kimberley. The University of Notre Dame Australia is expanding its Vocational Education and Training (VET) program in Broome, and we're looking for passionate and dedicated professionals to join our mission of empowering the next generation of healthcare workers in regional and remote communities.
We are recruiting for the following key roles:
Program Coordinator (Nursing)
Lead the delivery and growth of our Nursing VET programs, ensuring excellence in curriculum design, compliance and student outcomes.
Trainer and Assessor (Nursing)
Bring your clinical experience and teaching passion to the classroom.
Student Support Officer
Be the friendly face and go-to person for our students.
Apply now: notredame.edu.au
Further information here
