2026 OCHRe News
27 January
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:
Congratulations!
Dr Myora Stone has been awarded the Growing Strong Award at the 2025 National RACGP Awards
Dr Myora Stone is a proud Quandamooka woman who sought out her first-year placement at Yulu Burri Ba Corporation for Community Health in Brisbane, to strengthen ties to her mother's country and community. Dr Stone has also commenced a Master's in Public Health, and as a part of those studies, developed a key patient resource in consultation with mob for Yulu Burri Ba's Birthing in the Community Program, Jajum Bajara.
Dr Stone has been identified for her unwavering commitment to providing a gold standard of general practice care, a desire to enhance patients' experiences and to contribute to self-determination and health literacy.
Congratulations Dr Bekkie Lee – 2025 Indigenous Doctor of the Year
A proud Noongar woman, Dr Lee has been named the 2025 Indigenous Doctor of the Year by Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association With more than 20 years in health, Dr Lee began her career as a registered nurse before becoming a doctor through the #FlindersNTMedicalProgram and specialising in addiction medicine. As Acting Director of Addiction Medical Services, she leads multidisciplinary teams and provides outreach specialist support across the Top End, Big Rivers and Nhulunbuy. While grateful for this national recognition, Dr Lee remains focused on what matters most: Improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
National Centre for Indigenous Genomics
The National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG) team have launched their survey to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, priorities and concerns relating to genomics research.
The survey is open to:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
aged 18 years and over
Participation is voluntary and anonymous, and the survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
If you would like more information about the research or how the findings will be used, please contact: Lyndsay Newett (lyndsay.newett@anu.edu.au), Research Fellow National Centre for Indigenous Genomics | Australian National University College of Health & Medicine
Access the survey here: https://rsph-redcap.anu.edu.au/surveys/?s=3A9PL4X7KXMDYYPM
Cancer Australia
Key programs – Improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Achieving equity in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is a strategic objective of the Australian Cancer Plan and a priority for Cancer Australia.
Cancer Australia is leading activities to progress actions in the Australian Cancer Plan to improve equity and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
On 2 May 2023, the Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care announced $238.5 million in funding through the Improving First Nations Cancer Outcomes budget measure to help deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Funding provided to Cancer Australia through this measure is targeted at ensuring mainstream cancer care services are culturally safe and accessible, and building the capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research sector ($38.6 million).
NOW OPEN: 2025 Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant program
Cancer Australia established the Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant program to facilitate innovative, community-informed improvements to the delivery of cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
Addressing long-standing equity and cultural safety issues within mainstream health services where specialist cancer care is delivered is crucial to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access and complete high quality treatment and experience better outcomes.
Nearly $18 million is available over 2024-25 to 2026-27 through the program to close the gap in cancer outcomes and experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Applications are now open for the 2025 grant round.
Grants of up to $700,000 over two years are available to mainstream cancer services in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations to embed culturally safe, accessible, and responsive care across the cancer sector.
Applications are open until 3 February 2026. For grant guidelines and further information visit GrantConnect – GO8081.
For enquiries email FirstNationsGrants@canceraustralia.gov.au
A list of successful recipients of the 2024 grant round is available here. Recipients include 15 health services in partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.
First Nations Cancer Scholarships
Cancer Australia, in partnership with the Aurora Education Foundation, has established the First Nations Cancer Scholarship program. The scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, health professionals, and early-career researchers to compete full-time postgraduate study or research in a cancer-related field.
The aim is to grow the network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who drive improvements in cancer control, including through research, creating change for communities.
The scholarship will see Indigenous scholars receive up to $120,000 per year over three years, as well as academic, wellbeing and community support. Scholarships will be awarded each year from 2024 – 2027.
Successful recipients of the 2024 round have been announced, with five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander post graduate students from around Australia awarded a scholarship to continue their studies in important cancer-related fields.
The second round of scholarships is now open. For more information on how to apply, visit www.firstnationscancerscholarship.com
For further information on these opportunities, click here
Opportunities
Click here to view all vacancies and opportunities
NHMRC Sapphire profile requirements
NHMRC have instituted a new Sapphire requirement: For all newly awarded NHMRC grants moving forward, CIAs must have a valid ORCiD recorded in their Sapphire profile to be eligible to hold NHMRC funded grants. Please check your Sapphire profile and update your ORCiD details as required.
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.
Scholarships & Bursaries:
www.ochrenetwork.org/opportunities
The University of Sydney School of Public Health Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion (SEWB)
A unique opportunity to receive a postgraduate degree from The University of Sydney School of Public Health.
Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthworker with an interest in social and emotional wellbeing or mental health? Do you want to take your career to the next level? This course may be for you. SEWB describes the holistic understanding of health that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have. It includes cultural, spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing of the individual, family and wider community. It also considers a variety of factors that contribute to health such as policy and the environment. Promoting SEWB over mental health is a more effective and all- encompassing way to address the myriad factors that contribute to health and wellbeing. Apply now and be on the path to joining our cohort of graduates, many of whom have fulfilling careers in a variety of sectors including community, health, government and education.
For further information, click here
FROM LAST WEEK
IMHC26 Scholarship
Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association
The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association are awarding 3 in-person and 10 virtual delegate scholarships to attend the 2026 International Mental Health Conference.
The following individuals are eligible to apply for a scholarship:
Full Time Students (student ID card must be provided)
Retirees/Unwaged
International Delegates
Lived Experience
Full Time Carers
Senior and Pension Card Holders (ID card must be provided)
Indigenous, Torres Strait Islander, Māori or Pacific Islands descent
Residents of a rural or remote area
People with disability
Applications for scholarships must be submitted by close of business Friday 6 March 2026.
Please note: This is not a registration form to attend the conference. If your application is unsuccessful, you will still be eligible to register.
You will be notified if your application has been successful on or before Wednesday 1 April 2026.
The Association or Conference Committee are not in a position to assist with additional expenses such as flights, accommodation or meals.
*Scholarships are not available for presenters at the conference.
For further information, click here
Lasker Foundation | 2026 Lasker Awards
Nominations are being accepted in the categories of Basic Research, Clinical Research, and Public Service
Closes: 2 February 2026
For further information, click here
Australia Graduate Women 2026
Barbara Hale Fellowships
The AGW Barbara Hale Fellowships are open to women who are Australian citizens (or permanent residents of Australia) and are enrolled for a PhD degree by research in any discipline at an Australian university. The Fellowships are offered annually for the second and subsequent years of a doctoral program.
Closes: 13 February 2026
For further information, click here
Aurora Foundation
Aurora Indigenous Pathways Portal
The Internship Program continues to focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander* students and graduates via internships as pathways to jobs in Indigenous organisations and other organisations working in the Indigenous sector.
We are also able to place Indigenous interns at a wide range of organisations, outside of the sector, so long as the placements are relevant to candidates’ study and career aspirations.
The Commonwealth's Culture and Capability Programme will provide financial support via Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interns under the Program.
TO VIEW CURRENT APPLICATIONS OPEN, CLICK HERE
If you’re unsure or have questions, the Aurora team is here to help
Webinars, Workshops and
Professional Development
Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
2026 Decolonising Data, Evaluation and Research Korl-Koorl Nakolak (return knowledge)
Following our last forum in November, we’ve been overwhelmed with interest and requests to present our learnings to different organisations and government departments. In response, we’re excited to repeat this one-day event. If you or your colleagues missed out last time, now’s your chance to join us.
This forum will share Wungening’s learnings and highlight how Aboriginal Data Sovereignty principles can be put into action across the community services sector. It will also be an opportunity for funders, policy makers, researchers and evaluators to consider their obligations to Aboriginal communities in this important space.
There are discounted spots exclusively for Elders and for Mob. Use the discount code MOB at checkout
If you have any questions or are no longer able to attend, please email redata@wungening.com.au.
Tickets: $270 (ex gst) per person. Discount for Mob
Date: Thursday 5 March 2026
Time: 8:30am registration for 9:10am start – 4pm AWST
Location: West Coast Eagles, Main Function Room, 42 Bishopsgate St, Lathlain, WA
For more information and to get your tickets, click here
Women’s Health Research, Translation & Impact Network
Workforce Development Program free webinar supporting women researchers in early and mid-career.
~Creating a Diversified Funding Plan~
Funding is essential to building and sustaining a research career. As traditional (category 1) research funding becomes more competitive, having options is critical. This webinar will introduce you to funding opportunities beyond category 1 grants and share tips on how to build a diverse funding portfolio.
Tuesday 24 February, 12.30 pm AEDT, online.
Free registration HERE
Decolonial Perspectives
Online Study Circle
Join Professor Yin Paradies and Victoria McKay of Anam Cara Homestead (www.anamcarahomestead.com.au) in an exploration of decolonial perspectives.
Dates and times: 3-5pm (Melbourne, Australia time)
Saturday 31st Jan 2026
Saturday 28th Feb 2026
Saturday 21st March 2026
Saturday 11th April 2026
Saturday 30th May 2026
Saturday 27th June 2026
This course is suitable for those new to these topics, and as a deepening for those already familiar. How have, and do, people live sustainably and in right relationship with the world? Why, and in what way, is this so different to modern societies? How do we cross the bridge back into the harmony and balance that our deep ancestors enjoyed? Join us in this monthly study circle for a dive into the topics of cosmology, story-telling, gender, nutrition, parenting and sexuality.
Victoria and Yin will seek to curate a 'safe enough' space. We ask that participants hold respect, sensitivity, and kindness in their communication, alongside a capacity to hear opposing viewpoints.
Although each month's topic is stand-alone, as this will be a closed group, we ask that you commit to attend each session throughout the six month period, to the best of your ability. We will provide pre- and post-reading material and resources so we can focus each circle on questions, dialogue, discussion and conversation.
For more information and to get your tickets, 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.
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.
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CONFERENCES 2026
Aboriginal Health Showcase | 23-24 March 2026 | Melbourne
Registrations Now Open!
The MACH Aboriginal Leadership Group invites you to the second MACH Aboriginal Health Showcase in March 2026. This free event will highlight Aboriginal-led programs and initiatives addressing health priorities across our Community.
In 2026 we’re excited to partner with Monash Partners Health Translation Network and Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre to build on the success of the first Showcase and bring you an even more deadly event!
The Showcase will be held over two days with the second day designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees only with a focus on capability building and networking. Please note that day two will be held in person only.
Dates:
Monday 23 March (all attendees welcome) 8.30am – 4pm (in person and online)
Tuesday 24 March (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees only) 9.30am – 2pm (in person only)
Location: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St Melbourne (see map) and online
Cost: Free
Seeking abstracts from presenters
The Showcase organising committee is seeking Expressions of Interest from representatives of MACH, Monash Partners and Western Alliance partner health services, research institutes, universities and their collaborators to present on Aboriginal-led health research, healthcare programs, initiatives and education that aim to address the health needs of Community.
See Abstract guidelines and further event details
Abstract submissions close on 9 February 2025.
A program will be circulated once finalised.
For further information please contact mach-admin@unimelb.edu.au or 0421 705 422.
National Indigenous Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Conference
24th-26th March 2026 | Stamford Grand Adelaide
For more information, click here
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
CATSINaM National Conference | 17 – 19 November 2026 |
Mparntwe, NT (Alice Springs Convention Centre)
The Power We Carry Protecting and Growing Our Young Ones – Anwerne rlterrke atnyenetyeke Anwerne ampe mape arntarntaretyeke.
CONFERENCES 2027
Lowitja Conference | Larrakia Country | 8-10 June 2027
Save the date | 8-10 June 2027
Subscribe for conference news updates | lowitjaconference.org.au
2027 will mark 30 years since the Lowitja Institute began in Darwin as the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, so it will be a very special homecoming.
Although this event is not for 18 months, we know an early ‘save the date’ announcement assists attendees with planning bookings and organising attendance. After a record-breaking 1,370 delegates at the 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country in June 2025, we’re expecting even more registrations for the Darwin Convention Centre event, scheduled from 8-10 June 2027.
2027 will mark 30 years since the Lowitja Institute began in Darwin as the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, so it will be a very special homecoming.
Although this event is not for 18 months, we know an early ‘save the date’ announcement assists attendees with planning bookings and organising attendance. After a record-breaking 1,370 delegates at the 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country in June 2025, we’re expecting even more registrations for the Darwin Convention Centre event, scheduled from 8-10 June 2027.
We look forward to you joining us in the Northern Territory for an unforgettable week of knowledge-sharing, culture, and insights.
For more details and Lowitja Conference announcements, keep an eye on lowitjaconference.org.au.
Funding Opportunities
Welcome Genomics in Context Awards
Collaborative research at the intersection of genomics, humanities,
social sciences, and bioethics
These awards will support transdisciplinary teams to catalyse research discoveries at the intersection of genomics, humanities, social sciences and bioethics. Funded projects will be given the time and resources to create new research agendas and explore innovative ways of working.
Closes: 16 March 2026
For further 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.
Wellcome Genomics in Context Awards
Collaborative research at the intersection of genomics, humanities, social sciences, and bioethics
These awards will support transdisciplinary teams to catalyse research discoveries at the intersection of genomics, humanities, social sciences and bioethics. Funded projects will be given the time and resources to create new research agendas and explore innovative ways of working.
Closes: 16 March 2026
For further information, click here
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
MRFF - EPCDRI – 2025 Childhood Mental Health Research Grant Opportunity
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Emerging Priorities and Consumer-Driven Research initiative aims to enable or support research that improves patient care and translation of new discoveries, and encourage collaboration between consumers and researchers. Funding from this Initiative will support the development of new diagnoses, treatments and cures, and the translation of new discoveries into clinical practice.
Grant Activity Timeframe: Within 5 years of execution of the grant schedule.
Total Amount Available (AUD): $20,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $0.00 to $5,000,000.00
Minimum Data Closes: 25-Feb-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Close Date & Time: 25-Mar-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
For further information, click here
MRFF – CTA Initiative – 2025
Clinical Trials Activity Grant
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Clinical Trials Activity Initiative aims to:
improve the evidence base supporting clinical care
help patients access trials relevant to their health circumstances
enable researchers to bring international trials to Australian patients.
Grant Activity Timeframe: Within 7 years of execution of the grant schedule.
Total Amount Available (AUD): $61,000,000.00
Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $0.00 to $5,000,000.00
Minimum Data Closes: 04-March-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
Close Date & Time: 1-Apr-2026 5:00 pm (ACT Local Time)
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.
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
Employment
VACCHO
Trainer and Assessor –
Cert IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Theory and Practice (Identified)
From 2026, VACCHO’s RTO Yagilaith Djerring will deliver Lowitja Institute’s nationally accredited course, the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Theory and Practice. This course has been developed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to further strengthen and grow our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research workforce.
VACCHO is seeking a suitably qualified person to coordinate the program for mob in Victoria. This is a unique opportunity to bring your knowledge and experience in health, education, and research to growing the research workforce, for the benefit of the health and wellbeing of our people.
This is an identified role for a trainer and assessor who is passionate about and has experience in research (both theory and practice) within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context. And if you are not already a trainer and assessor, we will support you in obtaining your Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
Your role is to empower students and extend their existing knowledge and experience in research and healthcare through the delivery and assessment of the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Theory and Practice. You will do this by applying your knowledge of research and Community health.
Location: Collingwood, VIC (Hybrid Work Model)
Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (until June 2026)
Closing Date EXTENDED: COB 15 February 2026
For further information and to view position description, click here
University of Notre Dame Broome Campus
Shape the future of healthcare in the Kimberley
The University of Notre Dame Australia is expanding its Vocational Education and Traingin VET program in Broome, we’re looking for passionate and dedcated professionals to joion our mission of empowering the next generation of health care workers in regional and remote communities.W
We are recruiting fo the following key roles:
Program Coordinator (Nursing)
Lead the delivery and growth of our Nursing VET Programs, ensuring excellence in currivulum design, compliance and student outcomes.
Student Support Officer
Bring your clinical experience and teaching passion to the classroom.
Be the friendly face and to-to person for our students.
