Event details
Improving the health outcomes of our Indigenous communities is a national priority.   
This event will showcase several projects between Curtin researchers and their close collaborators, including the Ngangk Yira Institute and Telethon Kids Institute, that form part of Curtin Medical School’s Indigenous Health Research program.
Explore the importance of Elder and community-led approaches in addressing health challenges across different stages of the life span, such as awareness of stillbirth risks to dementia prevention.
We will then be joined by Aunty Millie, a proud Noongar Yorga from Pinjarra, for a panel yarn.
This is an exclusive opportunity to connect with and learn from leading researchers in Indigenous health that is not to be missed.
If you can’t make it in person, you can join us online. Please note a link to stream the event will be sent to you via email closer to the date.
Date
Thursday 30 May 2024
Time
5.00pm – 5:30pm: Registration
5:30pm – 7.00pm: Formal proceedings
7.00pm – 7.30pm: Light refreshments & networking
Location
The Lantern, Level 7
TL Robertson Library (Building 105)
Curtin University
Speakers
Carolyn Lewis
Carolyn Lewis is a Research Fellow at the Curtin Medical School. She is a Yamitji Noongar woman who grew up in Wadjak Boodja country (Perth) and has strong cultural ties across Western Australia.
Carolyn believes big change can come about through yarning to all people, and that sharing knowledge and stories will bring light to injustices, facilitate awareness, and promote positive conversations.
Salena Linforth-Milham
Salena Linforth-Milham, hailing from Narrogin, descends from a lineage of resilient Noongar people. With over 17 years at the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS), Salena has held roles ranging from receptionist to Health Officer, and presently serves as a senior registered nurse and coordinator of the Kaat Koort Aboriginal Brain Health research at SWAMS.
Professor Rhonda Marriott AM
Professor Rhonda Marriott AM is the inaugural Director of the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at Murdoch University. With decades of experience as a midwife, nurse and an academic, Rhonda brings strong cultural and scientific leadership to the Ngangk Yira’s translational research that is leading to practical changes to positively influence the life course of future Aboriginal generations.
Born in Derby, Western Australia, Rhonda is matrilineally descended from the Nyikina people of the Kimberley and patrilineally is Scottish and Irish.
Carol Michie
Carol Michie is the Co-Head of Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing at the Telethon Kids Institute. She is an East Arrernte woman from Alice Springs who has lived in Perth for over 30 years and has established strong connections to Indigenous communities across WA.
With a background working in child education and child development services, Carol is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous children through culture-led research.
Aunty Millie Penny
Aunty Millie is a Noongar Yorga from Pinjarra. Her connection to country is Ballardong Binjurup, Whadjuk and Yamatji while her family connections are Walley, Winmar, Indich and Evans extended families.
She is part of the Elder Researchers group at the Telethon Kids Institute, providing cultural advice and guidance to the project teams. Aunty Millie believes that our children are our future spokes people and leaders, and that as a community, we need to nurture and guide them to be successful, competitive, and most of all respectful.
Cindy Prior
Cindy Prior is a Ballardong and Whadjuk Nyungar woman. Cindy is an Aboriginal researcher on the Connecting to Country for Healthy Eating project at the Telethon Kids Institute. She has an extensive background in the higher education sector, Federal Government and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
Cindy’s research interests are in Indigenous studies, incorporating and promoting Indigenous peoples’ experiences through rebalancing historical imbalance through an Indigenous lens.
Associate Professor Carrington Shepherd
Carrington Shepherd is an Associate Professor at Curtin University with appointments at the Telethon Kids Institute and Murdoch University. He is Head of the Indigenous Health Research program in the Curtin Medical School and been involved in research with and for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for almost 20 years.
His program is guided by community Elders and senior Aboriginal research partners and includes a range of epidemiological, qualitative and mixed methods studies on critical issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health—with a particular focus on perinatal health.