A Uniquely Australian FACULTY Indigenous Health AND Development as the Cornerstone

CONTENTS

Foreword from THE Dean, FACUL TY OF MDHS 01

Reflection: Indigenous Development Team 02

Good news stories 03 Victorian Aboriginal Child Mortality Study » McKenzie Post-Doctoral Fellowship » Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research & Leadership » Student Pathways into Health » Australian Qualifications Framework

Frameworks for the future 04 TAFE PATHWAY TWO YEARS ON 20 Learning from Thinkers of the Past » The First 1000 Days » Indigenous Pathways into Medicine The Road to a career in Heal th 22

Precinct Partners 08 The Faculty and Northern Health » RMH Indigenous Internship » COMMUNITY TRIALS EXAMINE CHRONIC EAR INFECTION 24 Lowitja Institute Mentoring program 27 The Unique study experience of the MASTER 12 OF PUBLIC HEAL TH Health Sciences 28 Interview with former MDHS Physiotherapy student Candice Liddy » TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF INDIGENOUS HEAL TH 14 Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work Research in the Academy » 20 x 20 » Indigenous Leaders in Health Technology and Heal th 30 improving Indigenous oral heal th 18

POSTSCRIPT 34

Note on terminology This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole SIX KEY ACTION AREAS Our contributors to this report have used or in part for study or training purposes, or by Aboriginal In developing the first RAP in and Torres Strait Islander community organisations various terms for Australia’s First Peoples 2010, the University committed subject to an acknowledgment of the source and no – ‘Aboriginal’, ‘Koori’, ‘Aboriginal and Torres commercial use or sale. Reproduction for other purposes to six Action Areas, each of which Strait Islander’, and ‘Indigenous’ – all of or by other organisations requires the written permission was targeted to contribute to the which are particular to the context in of the copyright holder(s). framework for action developed PARTNERSHIPS Cultural Aboriginal and Aboriginal and TEACHING RESEARCH which they are used. Managing Editor: Kristi Roberts by Reconciliation Australia. In Recognition Torres Strait Torres Strait AND LEARNING Copy Editor: Jane Yule @ Brevity Comms © Copyright for this guide as a whole is held by the formulating the second RAP, the Islander Student Islander Staff STRATEGIES Design: Nichole Allder @ 22% More Chicken Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University has retained the same six Recruitment and Employment The University of Melbourne. Action Areas, which are as follows. Retention ISBN 978 0 7340 5142 4

01 Stephen Smith DEAN’S FOREWORD

01 efore my arrival in Melbourne in late Melbourne Hospital’s Indigenous Internship 2013, my knowledge of Australian Program, and long-standing research BIndigenous health was limited. Over a long programs such as those at the Lowitja career in health and medicine, however, Institute, are making important contributions I have come to understand the critical towards our mutual goals for reconciliation. role that equity plays in determining the In the critical area of research, our aim health outcomes of both individuals and is to contribute through a range of communities. Work being done by both programs, such as using digital technology Indigenous and non-Indigenous health and to preserve Indigenous culture or solving medical researchers, practitioners, and chronic or endemic health problems like Indigenous community leaders is improving otitis media in young children. So that our understanding of the complex causal our commitment reaches into the future pathways that impact upon Indigenous we are also focusing on research training health. As our community comes to and developing structures that support understand and challenge these health Indigenous students to aspire to and disparities, we will identify and create new succeed in a research career. causal pathways that lead to health and success. The Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, created through the generosity This publication outlines some of the many of Greg Poche and Kay van Norton Poche, ways we are working towards reconciliation was launched late in 2014. Part of a across the Faculty: from our employment national network of five centres that practices to our teaching programs, from the Poches have established across our research to our community engagement. Australia, Melbourne’s centre is focusing I have been impressed by the deep level of on developing Indigenous leadership for commitment to reconciliation throughout health. I see the opportunity to create a new the Faculty and the fundamental role it is generation of Indigenous leaders, who will claiming within our organisational culture. exercise influence and generate the change We are creating flexible pathways to learning necessary to transform the health landscape and careers for Indigenous students and for Indigenous Australia, as a great privilege providing support that is tailored to the for this Faculty. needs of the student. Our teaching programs Each of the activities detailed within these featured here work to provide medical and pages also work towards reconciliation other health practitioners with the skills by embedding our commitment into the needed to strengthen the culture and health organisational culture of our staff, students of Indigenous communities through and partners. Ensuring our aims for their practice. reconciliation are fixed in our core purpose Creating opportunities for Indigenous people – to improve the health of individuals and to work at the University is equally important communities throughout the world – is and collaborative work by our Indigenous essential to our success. But once European settlers arrived, The background design represents ABOUT THE ARTWORK Development and Human Resources teams, The Wurundjeri people used fire heavy stock grazing marked the the intergenerational knowledge that I hope that, as you read the stories in together with Murrup Barak, are doing just to manage the land and to promote rapid decline of the Myrnong, among forms our thinking about health and these pages, you will join me in celebrating that with a program providing essential new growth that would provide other plants, hinting at the health wellbeing. The flower is growing in the commitment and achievements entry level positions for Indigenous TAFE the right conditions for particular ramifications that were to come. a basket that is being embraced and of our staff and students in this greatly Despite this decline, the Myrnong nurtured, representing a renewal graduates. Our whole Faculty staff mentoring tuberous plants to grow, such important endeavour. as Myrnong (or yam daisy). As a has survived under the harshest of of culture and knowledge. program is also in place to assist staff with principal part of the diet, Myrnong conditions in selected areas or as the development of their career. Professor Stephen Smith Shawana Andrews was intensely harvested and used seedlings in Indigenous nurseries. Dean, Faculty of Medicine, We also place great value on the activities as both a root vegetable and herb, This image depicts the Myrnong Dentistry and Health Sciences which contributed to a good diet of our many research and clinical partners. flower, which represents Aboriginal The University of Melbourne and good health. Recent initiatives such as the Royal health, development and knowledge. 01 01 Shaun Ewen 02 Kristi Roberts Reflection Good news Indigenous stories Development

Team Victorian Aboriginal Child McKenzie Post-Doctoral Student Pathways into Health Mortality Study Fellowship Lena-Jean Charles-Loffel finished her first year A landmark six-year study undertaken by Simon Graham has been awarded a of the Master of Public Health course after 01 The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and As highlighted throughout this report, our researchers in the Centre for Health Equity three-year McKenzie Post-Doctoral completing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Extended), Health Sciences is to be congratulated for its Indigenous leaders and emerging leaders at the Melbourne School of Population and Fellowship based in the Melbourne School majoring in Sociology, at the University in 2013. leadership, initiatives and innovation in the are diverse and come from many health Global Health has identified that the gap in of Population and Global Health, with an This huge achievement signifies the importance area of Indigenous development and health. fields. This, coupled with exceptional the Aboriginal infant mortality rate in Victoria Associate position in the Melbourne Poche of both the BA (Extended) and the Bachelor Framed by the University of Melbourne’s collegiality from our non-Indigenous is higher than first thought. Centre for Indigenous Health. His research of Science (BSc.) (Extended) in providing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), this report colleagues, is crucial for sustaining growth focuses on STIs and viral hepatitis among pathway for motivated and aspiring Indigenous The study provided data on infant mortality, highlights some of the work undertaken and ensuring a lasting impact. Aboriginal Australians. students who do not meet the regular entry by Faculty staff, students and precinct and the postneonatal and childhood mortality requirements for the BA or BSc. It is a four-year As the title on the front cover suggests, only partners to improve health outcomes rates of the Victorian-born Aboriginal Simon’s PhD involved working with Aboriginal degree with integrated academic development, by recognising and embracing the fact that for Indigenous Australians. population. It identified that between 1999 Medical Services (AMSs) in regional New and is linked to exciting opportunities to live at we live and work on Aboriginal land can our and 2008, while the percentage of Aboriginal South Wales to examine if a sexual health the University (more on pp. 12–13). The Faculty’s Indigenous Development vision University become a ‘Uniquely Australian births was 1.6% of all Victorian births, and hepatitis quality-improvement program aligns with the six key Action Areas that make University’ – indeed, a uniquely Aboriginal infant mortality accounted for focused on young people increased testing up the RAP with the aim of creating and Melbourne one. 3.1% of all infant deaths. This rate was shown of these infections and improved their Australian Qualifications supporting a diverse range of opportunities There does, however, remain much not to have changed in a decade, with the management. The intervention tripled testing, Framework in these key areas – Partnerships, to achieve in this area. To be a truly main causes of death being preventable. The diagnosed more than double the number A recently started project jointly led by Cultural Recognition, Aboriginal and Torres great, global institution, the University number of Victorian Aboriginal child deaths of chlamydia infections and improved the Associate Professor Clare Delany and Strait Islander Student Recruitment and of Melbourne must ensure that our between 1999 and 2008 accounted for 3.4% management of these infections. His post- Professor Shaun Ewen will provide a suite of Retention, Aboriginal and Torres Strait relationship with Indigenous Australia of all childhood deaths (more than double the doctoral research will focus on understanding practical resources to enhance assessment Islander Staff Employment, Teaching and is central to our vision and activity. percentage of Aboriginal births). how young Aboriginal people access health practices in Indigenous health education at Learning Strategies, and Research. services or the reasons why they don’t. the Masters level in both Australia and New We are delighted to be sharing this According to lead researcher Associate This report provides a glimpse into some Zealand. The project is an Office for Learning 2015 second edition with you. Professor Jane Freemantle, ‘Although the gap in of these activities as the RAP continues to and Teaching-funded initiative led by the Victorian Aboriginal mortality in the first 28 days Graduate Certificate in University of Melbourne, and includes partner be embedded into Faculty core business. is closing, by all other measures it is not. We We are also aware that there is much other Indigenous Research & institutions in the University of Queensland, now have data that shows there has been no the University of Sydney, Flinders University, work being undertaken in the Faculty, significant change in the rate of deaths between Leadership For more than 10 years the University of and the University of Auckland. and across the University, that recognises 1999 and 2008 and the risk of Aboriginal infant Melbourne has held a highly regarded and acts upon our responsibility to serve deaths in the first year of life remains twice as During the next 18 months, a series of project Summer School program for Aboriginal and Indigenous Australia. high as for non-Aboriginal babies.’ interviews, focus groups and workshops Torres Strait Islander research students from will collect the views of Indigenous health ‘A major and disproportionate cause of Aboriginal all over Australia. Now a fully accredited educators on assessment that works best, infant deaths was Sudden Infant Death award course, the ‘Professional Certificate in and allow the team to catalogue a range of Syndrome (SIDS)’’ said A/Professor Freemantle. Indigenous Research’ has high satisfaction effective practices. The project team will then and completion rates. In 2015, 27 students She also noted that infant mortality is a key put together an evidence-based assessment participated in the course – a significant indicator of effective public health policies guide that draws on the views of academics number as it is approaching 10% of the …only by recognising and and programs, and an accurate picture of working in the area and integrates these with national Indigenous PhD cohort. Professor Shaun Ewen infant mortality informs a society about its principles of best practice in assessment. embracing the fact that we Associate Dean (Indigenous Development) social progress. Building on this success a second award Other resources will include a project 02 Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences course was launched as a Winter School website, case studies of effective assessment live and work on Aboriginal The University of Melbourne ‘The results of this research are fundamental in 2013 – the ‘Graduate Certificate in strategies, and a range of publications. T: +61 3 8344 9230 to improving health systems and developing Indigenous Research & Leadership’. These land can our University E: [email protected] evidence-based policies to improve the health A focus of the project will be developing unique multidisciplinary courses, funded by a of Victorian Aboriginal infants and children. The assessment strategies geared toward become a ‘Uniquely Kristi Roberts philanthropic donation, are coordinated by the study provides a unique resource that has the satisfying the requirements for Masters Indigenous Development Project Manager Centre for the Study of Higher Education, with Australian University’ Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences potential for ongoing and strategic research courses in the Australian Qualifications Indigenous leadership from the Melbourne The University of Melbourne into the prevention of deaths in Victorian-born Framework, and producing graduates Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. – indeed, a uniquely T: +61 3 9035 7657 Aboriginal children,’ A/Professor Freemantle said. with the attributes to confront pressing Melbourne one. E: [email protected] requirements in Indigenous health. 02 03 01 01 Shawana Andrews

Frameworks for the future

LEARNING FROM THINKERS OF THE PAST Connecting with community leaders, listening to Indigenous stories and engaging with Indigenous perspectives are the foundations of our Indigenous curriculum framework – Ms Shawana Andrews

illiam Cooper, described as ‘the leader of leaders’ and the road trip to Echuca to yarn with Elders and community workers about ‘gentle warrior’, stood for social justice, human rights and local Indigenous health needs and priorities… these define some of Whumanitarianism. Leading with his sharp intellect and discerning the current Indigenous health learning contexts for health science foresight, he fought not only for freedom and equality for Indigenous students. As such, students are challenged with attributes that require peoples but for all. The Night of the Broken Glass, or Kristallnacht, in them to be respectful, critically aware of the cultural self, responsive, 1938, saw a coordinated campaign of terror and oppression launched to identify and challenge ethnocentrism, to engage in advocacy to upon the Jewish communities of Germany and Austria by the Nazis. promote Indigenous health and act as agents of change. William Cooper, Yorta Yorta man of no vote, no representation in Parliament, no constitutional recognition, no education beyond Connecting with community leaders, listening to Indigenous stories the third grade, led the only known private protest in the world and engaging with Indigenous perspectives are the foundations of the against the Nazis contextualised by his own peoples’ oppression and Indigenous curriculum framework that is currently being developed. The disempowerment. He raised his voice on multiple occasions and, in power of storytelling and yarning is palpable when an Elder takes the this instance, led a delegate to deliver a petition of protest to the stage in the lecture theatre or engages students on Country and it is German Consulate in Melbourne.1 In doing so, Cooper demonstrated these experiences that students respond to with enthusiasm and interest. a clear awareness of his humble privilege and chose to use this as Professor Kerry Arabena, our Chair of Indigenous Health, believes a tool to understand and speak up. that identifying leadership within the Indigenous community, and Today, students of the School of Health Sciences are asked to engaging with it at an academic level, enables students to participate understand their privilege. Shawana Andrews, Indigenous Health in an Indigenous dialogue with ‘modern intellectuals with ancestral and lecturer at the School of Health Sciences, is leading the development cultural connection to Country’. Employing recent graduates, such as of its Indigenous curriculum framework. This will increasingly those of our Master of Social Work course, as tutors serves to build ask students to reflect upon Indigenous inequality, and embrace the capacity within our community and further develop and skill up leadership in the context of Indigenous health, as part of their our ‘modern intellectuals’. Similarly, employing Indigenous staff in professional identity. Sitting under the remnant river red gums areas such as research also contributes to developing an ‘Indigenous near the Melbourne University oval in Parkville while participating in presence’ within the School that has multiple benefits, not the least of Billibellary’s Walk,2 wandering through the streets of Fitzroy in search which is attracting Indigenous students. In doing this we work toward of Melbourne’s contemporary Indigenous identity or heading off on a what William Cooper referred to as Indigenous people’s ‘uplift’.3

1 Miller, B. 2012, William Cooper, Gentle Warrior: Standing up for Australian Aborigines and Persecuted Jews, Xlibris Corporation. 2 For further information go to: [email protected]. 3 Miller, op. cit.

04 05 02 Peter O’Mara, The University of Melbourne and Elana Curtis, The University of Auckland THE FIRST (photos by Caden Pearson) 1000 DAYS

International research shows that early ‘The disenfranchisement of Indigenous help and information is absolutely crucial to Medical educators from Australia, Aotearoa/ This innovative research intervention programs during pregnancy and children from their families and communities making a significant impact on an individual’s Indigenous New Zealand and further afield have been in the early months and years of a child’s life can limit their capacity to develop future health. encouraged to use the videos as recruitment seeks to establish an have great positive impact on later health. neurologically and impact on their early Pathways resources. Through profiling Indigenous ‘Addressing key social problems facing a However, for some Indigenous Australians, years at school, meaning they are forever medical students and graduates, their disproportionate number of Indigenous into Medicine evidence-based dataset to early intervention support for mother and playing catch-up in a world not willing to pathways into medicine, and experiences adults – such as violence, high incarceration he Leaders in Indigenous Medical baby is not always possible, so children can wait for them. Ultimately, this leads to a of studying and practicing, the videos provide support health planning for rates, and drug and alcohol use – are crucial Education (LIME) Network, hosted by be subject to poorer health and cognitive self-perpetuating cycle of intergenerational role models in the Indigenous community first steps to reducing the instance of out- the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Indigenous children from development than non-Indigenous infants. disadvantage.’ T to inspire others to achieve their dream of-home care and providing safe nurturing Sciences, aims to improve the quality and of becoming a doctor. conception to age two ... Professor Kerry Arabena, Chair of Indigenous At the Symposium Dr John Boffa, from the environments for children.’ effectiveness of teaching and learning of Health in the Faculty and Director of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress in Alice Indigenous health in medical education, as The four videos include: Good nutrition for parents and baby, family the First 1000 Days. Indigenous Health Equity Unit (IHEU)*, is Springs, described the trial of a seven-week well as best practice in the recruitment and and community care and support, and raising • Journeys into Medicine coordinating a comprehensive approach to program designed to increase attendance and support of Indigenous medical students. The – Professor Kerry Arabena, the visibility and role of fathers, all contribute improving the health of Indigenous infants engagement at school using the Abecedarian Indigenous Pathways into Medicine Online • Student Experiences to healthy and happy children. and their parents. She has called upon health Approach of learning games, conversational Resource is a searchable database that helps Chair of Indigenous Health • Graduate Profile: Peter O’Mara, care workers, community organisations reading and enriched care-giving. ‘What parents and children need for happy future students determine which university Martina Kamaka and all levels of government from more and healthy development is not necessarily will be the best fit for them as they study ‘Attention at this preschool age of three to than 30 institutions to address the growing new. However, the failure of the current to become a doctor. It provides information • Graduate Profile: Elana Curtis, four years old is critical as 90 per cent of the gap in infant and parental health between disjointed support system means that the comparing all medical courses in Australia and Alicia Veasey brain is developed by age four and it is often Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. information, resources and care do not always Aotearoa/New Zealand, and details alternative not possible to repair certain behavioural The resources and videos are available reach those who need it most,’ Professor entry models for Indigenous students. In a recent national Symposium hosted by traits when they appear in adolescence,’ on the LIME Network website via Arabena says. the IHEU, researchers focused on designing Dr Boffa says. Developed in partnership with the Australian www.limenetwork.net.au/pathways. studies that will produce a measurable index ‘Indigenous leadership programs, such as Indigenous Doctors’ Association and Te ORA ‘There are many programs around Australia The LIME Network is a Medical Deans on the impact of First 1000 Days intervention those being implemented across Australia by Māori Medical Practitioners Association, the that show how individualised care and Australia New Zealand Project funded programs – a global movement addressing the Poche Centres for Indigenous Health, are Indigenous Pathways into Medicine Videos support for Indigenous infants and their by the Australian Government Department child development from conception to another initiative designed to drive systemic accompany the resource and highlight families can produce results and have of Health. age two. The Symposium also looked at change from within Indigenous communities.’ the numerous pathways Indigenous valuable lessons for wider populations.’ establishing a scientific committee to students may take to gain entry into medical 02 The Symposium was the first part of a progress the University’s research agenda The Apunipima Cape York Health Council’s degrees; Indigenous student and graduate longer conversation aimed at developing in this age group. Baby Basket Program, for example, was experiences; and support systems available a clear evidence-based strategy to support established to ensure that expectant mothers within the university. The videos provide ‘This is the inception point for the next step all vulnerable parents and their children from remote Queensland were equipped with personal insights into the journeys of in collaborating towards equity’, Professor in Australia. basic necessities when travelling to Cairns for Indigenous medical students and graduates Arabena says. ‘We are here to design key check-ups. The program gives baskets to new * The Indigenous Health Equity Unit, which sits at varying stages of their study and career. elements of scientific committees to drive mothers to provide essential products and within the Centre for Health Equity in the Students and graduates talk about their drive further discussion and strategy.’ Melbourne School of Population and Global educational information at various stages of Health, is committed to research and teaching for wanting to study medicine, how they got Key areas of concern for Indigenous pregnancy and the infant’s life. that is underpinned by principles of Indigenous into their course and the support structures Australians include the increasing number community development and that will lead to long- that are available to them at university. ‘Evidence shows this program empowers of their children being placed in out-of-home term improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait They express openly the challenges they parents and encourages more frequent contact Islander health. The Unit works in partnership with care, their high rates of incarceration, and the face as result of doing a medical degree but with health care workers,’ Dr Boffa says. the Koori community and appreciates the support strong likelihood that they will be victims or of community Elders. In this way, the Unit’s academic also of the opportunities and life-changing perpetrators of violence and abuse. The program improved the iron levels of program is based on Indigenous values and experiences that doing the course provides. expectant mothers and the rate of return visits principles, but also respects the contribution and ‘The statistics for out-of-home care The videos have been shared with the LIME at crucial stages of their babies’ development, cultural background of all those who work within it. is dire with a 42 per cent increase of Network membership (c.1000) and are and fostered relationships between health Koori children removed from their available via the LIME website, YouTube, and care workers, parents and babies. immediate family; or 63 in 1000 in a two- on USB. Since their launch, the videos have year timeframe according to the 2015 Professor Arabena says what became been viewed online over 500 times. Commonwealth Report on Government apparent from all contributors at the Services,’ Professor Arabena says. symposium is that early stage access to

06 07 01 01 Northern Centre for Health Education and Research

PRECINCT PARTNERS

Partnerships creating opportunities: The Faculty and Northern Health Northern Health is partnering with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences to facilitate Indigenous Master of Public Health students to build on opportunities presented by the rich Indigenous heritage of Melbourne’s north to improve Indigenous health outcomes. – Ms Jana Gazarek, Director of Partnerships, Northern Health

he University of Melbourne and Northern Health have The MPH at the Melbourne School of Population and Global long established a strong partnership to improve health Health (MSPGH) orients high-achieving students towards future Twithin the community. A shared core value is to build and careers as leaders in public health. The Professional Practice strengthen relationships within the Indigenous community and Unit (PPU) is a workplace unit that MPH students may apply to to implement policies and research to improve services for the undertake in the final year of their degree. Students selected local Indigenous community. for the PPU complete a discrete project in a specialised area of public health at a host organisation, which allows them to extend More recently the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health their skills in a practical workplace setting while integrating Sciences Indigenous Development team and Northern Health course theory with practice. have partnered to facilitate opportunities for Master of Public Health (MPH) Indigenous students to benefit Indigenous Within the MSPGH existing relationships with a number of communities within the northern region. industry networks and significant health providers enables us to offer relevant and high-quality PPU placements. Guided by ‘The northern community faces complex health challenges. the framework of the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and Working in partnership allows organisations to work across given the considerable increase in Indigenous enrolments in the sectors and boundaries to have a greater collective impact MPH course, we are keen to keep up this momentum by creating on the population health outcomes of the community,’ says opportunities that give the students experience of working in a Ms Jana Gazarek, Director of Partnerships at Northern Health. health setting.

08 09 02 Victoria Atkinson and Glenn Harrison

of Victoria and at present is only open to held its inaugural Ian Anderson Oration RMH Indigenous Victorian medical school graduates. in Indigenous Health. Since becoming the Lowitja Institute first Indigenous medical graduate from Internship In speaking to medical students regarding the University of Melbourne, Professor Since 1997, the Lowitja Institute and its this initiative, it became evident that we Ian Anderson has continued to be an predecessor CRC organisations1 have led A beginning needed also to clarify what this internship inspirational leader for all Indigenous a substantial reform agenda in Aboriginal is not; that is, to ensure that any ideas of health professionals and RMH is honoured and Torres Strait Islander health research With the commencement of our first this being a position bonded to certain that he has agreed to lend his name to by working with communities, researchers Indigenous intern in 2015, the Royal expectations were dispelled. It is a central this annual oration. and policymakers, with Aboriginal and Torres Melbourne Hospital (RMH) doubled its tenet of this program that the expectations Strait Islander people setting the agenda number of Indigenous medical staff; an are the same for Indigenous and non- The vitality of the Indigenous internship and driving the outcomes. At present, the embarrassingly stark illustration of both the Indigenous interns – that RMH expects them relies on establishing RMH as a centre of Lowitja Institute works in partnership problem and the purpose of our Indigenous all to become the best doctors they can be excellence in Indigenous health, which with 21 partners (or participants, in CRC Internship program. and to add to the diversity of thought and then draws doctors who want to become terminology) around Australia, including ideas encouraged at RMH; nothing more a part of this bigger vision. We must, then, While none would dispute the need to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and nothing less. proactively recruit to this position each and commit to excellence in Indigenous health, health organisations; State and Australian every year to ensure survival and growth of many institutions struggle with how best This is not a program based in tokenism, government departments; and academic the fledgling program and we are seeking to to contribute to this ideal. As part of our paternalism or any other ‘ism’, it is not a PR research institutions, including the University build on the support we have had already Indigenous Employment Plan, RMH has position and is not a position bundled up in of Melbourne represented by the Faculty from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and developed the germinating centre of what expectations of leadership or advocacy. It is of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Health Sciences and Indigenous student we hope will grow into a strong Indigenous critical that each trainee is allowed to find Together, we aim to achieve demonstrable support network. medical workforce which crosses levels their own path as a doctor and this program impact in better health outcomes for from interns to consultants and ultimately hopes only to nurture that journey. In partnership, it is our hope that we can Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people translates into better health care for our establish RMH and the Parkville Precinct as through research, capacity building, RMH has committed to ensuring a Indigenous patients. a centre of excellence in Indigenous health. workforce development, knowledge culturally safe space for all Indigenous staff exchange and research translation. The program is rooted in providing and patients and to enriching our own Cardiothoracic surgeon Victoria Atkinson and Indigenous doctors with access to understanding of Indigenous health and RMH Indigenous physician Dr Glenn Harrison The University of Melbourne has been a opportunity and in facilitating their culture. Toward that end, in 2014 RMH are leading and mentoring the initiative. participant since 2003, although it was engagement in a vast range of medical, represented in the first Board established in research and teaching programs both within 02 1997 by a member of the Faculty, then Dr Ian the hospital and the Parkville Precinct. In Anderson. It has been a long and productive this way our Indigenous and non-Indigenous research collaboration that has produced doctors will be able to create their own path important research in health promotion in medical practice. and its evaluation, racism and its impact on The Indigenous Internship program draws health, Indigenous health specialisation in on the premise of cohorting expertise in the Master of Public Health, data linkage and Indigenous health as well as leveraging identification and health system policy reform, the power of shared experiences and among other areas of work. background to drive purpose. It is our This partnership will no doubt continue intention that over the next 5–10 years around the Lowitja Institute’s new program this internship will signal to all that RMH of work in community capability and the social is committed to growing both the number determinants of health, on the needs and of Indigenous doctors and to allowing opportunities for a health workforce to address them to create their own voice within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, in our organisation. health policy and systems, and in projects such More specifically, this position is a full as the development of a continuous quality internship which is funded, supported and improvement framework for Aboriginal and recognised by the Department of Health. It Torres Strait Islander health. is matched through the Post Medical Council 1 Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, CRC for Aboriginal Health, CRC for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, funded by the Australian 10 Government Cooperative Research Centres Program 11 01 Lena-Jean Charles-Loffel

02 Tara Purcell The unique study 03 Ngaree Blow experience of the MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

he Master of Public Health (MPH) Ms Purcell has known that she wanted 01 and cultural determinants of health as well,’ The future health of our provides a way for students to make to pursue a career in medicine since her explains Ms Blow. a difference to this outlook. Students grandmother died when she was 13. T Ms Blow travelled to India recently for the communities faces many are exposed to the core foundations of ‘I knew she had died from a toxic combination Primary Health Care subject where she public health theory and practice within of cigarettes, alcohol, poor diet and a lack of learnt about how small villages can tackle challenges, locally and the course, and have the opportunity to physical activity. The debilitating condition social issues surrounding health, through the specialise in the advanced public health globally. There is a that dictated and consumed my Nan’s life was Community Rural Health Project (CRHP). training streams offered at the University. preventable. Through lifestyle modification growing global disparity ‘The CRHP has been running successfully for Lena-Jean Charles-Loffel has recently finished her quality and quantity of life could have over 40 years now and they have been doing her first year of the course after completing been much greater,’ Ms Purcell says. in health care and health it with limited resources and funds. I was a Bachelor of Arts (Extended), majoring in Ms Purcell undertook the bulk of her scholarly able to observe how CRHP runs their training promotion, and a great Sociology, at the University in 2013. selective research project, part of the MD programs for their village health workers and burden of disease ‘I always subconsciously knew that I had an program, concurrently with the MPH in 2014 social workers, as well as being included in the interest in health,’ explains Ms Charles-Loffel. and is now able to spend six months at home adolescent girls and boys workshops. for many. ‘I wasn’t sure if this was the right thing for me for with her newborn baby. a while and it wasn’t until the second semester ‘My scholarly selective project is almost that I figured out that I love what I’m doing.’ CRHP is a perfect example complete. I have been very lucky to undertake Ms Charles-Loffel is enjoying the course and a project at The Royal Children’s Hospital with of how addressing social and using her time wisely to decide what aspects an amazing supervisor. My project is focused economic issues can have a huge she most enjoys and which would lead to the on childhood obesity. With little progress best career path for her. in this field, the focus of the project aims to impact on improving health identify children most at risk in the hope that ‘I have volunteered for Cystic Fibrosis to raise for a group of people. this will allow targeted lifestyle interventions awareness about the disease. This work got in the future,’ Ms Purcell says. me interested in researching more about it.’ This experience has made me more passionate As the MPH allows students to look at health about working in the public health area in The MPH has also recently been offered within care in a holistic way, the combined MD/MPH Indigenous health.’ a dual degree program with the Doctor of enables students to combine their future Medicine (MD). The program, the first of its Ms Blow is currently undertaking her scholarly medical practice with work that protects 03 kind in Australia, enables students to complete selective research project where she will and improves the health of communities the MPH between the third and fourth year of be looking at awareness and risk factors of around the world, including close to home in the MD program, to train and engage students SIDS in the Victorian Aboriginal population. Indigenous communities across Australia. in public health before they undertake their There is a five-fold increase in the rate of SIDS advanced medical training. The program was ‘I have always had an interest in public health,’ compared to the non-Aboriginal community introduced in 2014 with eight students in says Ms Blow. ‘I also knew how beneficial as reported in the Victorian Aboriginal Child the inaugural cohort, two being Indigenous the MPH course would be for improving my Mortality Study. students Tara Purcell and Ngaree Blow. knowledge around Indigenous health so ‘In five years time I see myself working as a I always wanted to do it.’ ‘The MPH has significantly contributed clinician with a focus on Indigenous health to our medical training by providing a ‘I combined the MPH with the MD partly and public health.’ more holistic view of health care, both in because of good timing and also because the This year seven Indigenous students based Australia and internationally. I believe we two degrees complement each other so well. in Shepparton commenced their MPH. have a greater understanding of health I think having the medical knowledge allows Some came through the Community Access systems, health policy formulation and you to see more clearly that disease and Program entry last year, meaning they had a implementation, financing health care and illness are not the only contributing factors to 65% pass requirement for the two subjects the social determinants of health,’ says health. Once realising this I wanted to explore allocated, and they achieved 75% plus for Tara Purcell. it more and further understand the social 02 both subjects.

12 13 01 01 Misty Jenkins, Melbourne Poche Ambassador

Transforming the future of Indigenous health

The Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health welcomes Dr Misty Jenkins as the inaugural Melbourne Poche Ambassador in 2015 I have a long-standing interest in two things: advancing medical research by investigating the power of the immune system in the fight against cancer and disease, and raising aspirations for the next generation of Indigenous leaders. I see these things as very connected. – Dr Misty Jenkins, Melbourne Poche Ambassador

r Misty Jenkins is a medical research scientist currently working After Dr Jenkins completed her postdoctoral research in the UK, as a senior research fellow in the Cancer Cell Death laboratory at she worked with an Indigenous education body, the Aurora Project, Dthe Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne. Dr Jenkins completed to establish scholarships for Indigenous postgraduates to attend her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne Oxford and Cambridge. under the supervision of Nobel-prize winning immunologist Professor ‘What I learned during my PhD, and have learned over and over again Peter Doherty and ARC Future Fellow Professor Stephen Turner. since, is how important it is as a young person starting out to have Following her time as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of access to good mentors and leadership figures to look up to. Cambridge, Misty was awarded both the 2012 National Association of Research Fellows Investigator of the Year and the L’Oreal for ‘I have a handful of exceptional mentors in my life, who work both Women in Science Fellowship 2013. within and outside the science field. Being able to form meaningful relationships with a network of leading figures in your field, who ‘Despite recent advances, the health gap between Indigenous and you admire, is really the pathway to becoming a better person non-Indigenous Australians is wide, with ten years difference in life and to becoming a leader yourself.’ expectancy,’ says Dr Jenkins. ‘Ultimately, I hope for equality, and to live in a country where every ‘I believe that to affect dramatic change to health in our Indigenous child has the same opportunities and access to health care and communities it will require strong Indigenous leadership from within education, Indigenous or not, rural or city living, poor or rich.’ those communities themselves. We need dramatic improvements in the Indigenous Health sector, and this needs to be led with Indigenous As Poche Ambassador, Dr Jenkins hopes to see Indigenous Governance. I believe the Melbourne Poche Centre will play a powerful representation across all areas of the health care sector. role in providing opportunities for a new generation of Indigenous This, she says, will be key to affecting change in Indigenous leaders in not only this health sector, but for Indigenous researchers communities throughout Australia. who bring a different perspective.’

14 15 02 Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin (left) with Kay van Norton Poche

20 x 20 Indigenous Emerging Indigenous Leaders Leaders in Health n order to help grow emerging Indigenous Program leaders in health, the Melbourne Poche IN HEALTH Current senior students and recent graduates Centre for Indigenous Health will provide from professional health sciences courses will I eal gains in Indigenous health require opportunities for young Indigenous people become the next generation of Indigenous strong Indigenous leadership. The to access and succeed in education. The leaders in a broad range of contexts including Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Centre, together with the Faculty of Medicine, R practice, policy, advocacy, education and Health will develop a suite of leadership Dentistry and Health Sciences, will work research. The first of the Centre’s leadership programs that will provide support and towards achieving 20 new Indigenous PhD programs, the Emerging Indigenous Leaders opportunities for students, graduates, enrolments in health by 2020. Supporting in Health Program, will be established to emerging leaders and established leaders Indigenous PhD students across the Faculty build the foundations for this leadership and in health to grow their influence and network, is critical to ensuring success throughout their develop Indigenous graduates’ preparedness, and mobilise an agenda for change in their research higher degrees. capability and responsiveness through: field of health practice. To support this recruitment strategy, a • accelerating participants’ self-development A cohesive, life-span-focused curriculum Familiarisation Program will be run in the for these programs will be developed • building participants’ early leadership skills second half of 2015. The premise behind by bringing together academics, current the Program is to encourage prospective Indigenous leaders and key thinkers in • deepening participants’ understanding Indigenous graduate researchers to consider this space in order to leverage the lived of the challenges and strengths of being the University of Melbourne as the institution experiences of these experts and integrate Indigenous in health leadership spaces of choice to further their health careers. Up existing frameworks for understanding to 10 prospective students will be given • supporting participants’ goal-setting contemporary health leadership. the opportunity to visit the University, meet and career progression with potential supervisors, participate in • developing a strong national network leadership workshops, experience the of emerging Indigenous leaders campus and Melbourne city, as well as gain a better understanding of the support that • exposing early career professionals the University can provide. to established Indigenous leaders.

The Melbourne Poche Centre provides Graduates from the Centre’s suite of support for students to identify and apply training programs will be innovators and for scholarships, academic skills training and critical thinkers, capable of designing and workshops, as well as building capacity for implementing positive change in their Indigenous scholars to support each other workplace and communities, and become and to make the most of the opportunities key influencers across government, provided through the University’s leading academic, private and community sectors. researchers and networks.

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Online Course’ on Indigenous Research expertise into the Indigenous space, and Research in in the Academy, which will explore the attune researchers not familiar with the Academy historical and contemporary contexts Indigenous research space to the key the of Indigenous research. issues. It will be developed in partnership o develop scholars who understand with renowned international universities, and deeply respect Indigenous The course aims to build the profile, which will bring the expertise of Indigenous Tknowledges, cultures and values, the capability and productivity of Indigenous communities within settler-colonial states Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous research by encouraging a broad range including Canada, the United States of Health will develop a ‘Massive Open-access of researchers to bring their own research America and Aotearoa/New Zealand.

16 17 01 Bachelor of Oral Health student Mallory McDonald with patient and parent, NT Oral Health Services improving 02 Menaka Abuzar (right) with postgraduate Indigenous student Jamie Foong oral health

ebbie Ha spent three weeks in Arnhem Melbourne Dental School Postgraduate The program runs in collaboration with the 01 Placement in the Northern Land contributing to oral health Certificate in Dental Therapy (Advanced Rural Health Academic Centre and Goulburn Deducation programs and working in a Clinical Practice). Valley Health, where non-Indigenous dental Territory was a once-in- community clinic as part of an Indigenous students are placed in outreach clinics in the Ms McNaughton worked in an Aboriginal health research project in oral health. Rumbalara Aboriginal Oral Health Centre Medical Centre in Newcastle as a dental a-lifetime opportunity. The as a way of fostering culturally safe clinician– Melbourne Dental School has embedded therapist for 10 years until recently. The patient relationships and encouraging experience made me think Indigenous health education in the Bachelor postgraduate certificate qualified her to graduates to provide much-needed oral of Oral Health by offering students the provide preventive treatments, check-ups more about the consequences health care to Indigenous communities. opportunity to learn about the obstacles and fillings for a wider range of people. She of my actions and how my facing Indigenous Australian communities came to Melbourne for the course with the ‘Improved cultural awareness among graduates seeking or receiving care. The curriculum, encouragement of her husband and family. would allow them to work more effectively with role as an Oral Health developed by Professor Julie Satur in ‘[The course] allows me to provide dental care Australian Indigenous communities.’ consultation with Professor Shaun Ewen, for people of all ages rather than just children Two years after their placement in the Therapist affects beyond the Associate Dean (Indigenous Development) and adolescents and to give more to my Northern Territory, the students’ experience is designed to equip students with community. It opens up more scope for me day-to-day patients in visiting the Northern Territory has changed understanding and respect for indigenous in a career that I love,’ she said. how they work with their patients today. people and to develop the skills needed to I see, right into the To assist her relocation to Melbourne during provide culturally sensitive health care. 02 whole community semester, collaboration between the Dental Embedding Indigenous education and health School and the Faculty provided for a special – Debbie Ha, Bachelor determinants throughout the course provides scholarship to support her completion students with a foundation. This is followed of the course. of Oral Health (2013) by rotations including with the Rumbalara Having worked in Aboriginal community Aboriginal Health Service, Goulburn Valley clinics for a number of years, Ms McNaughton Health in Shepparton and placements has seen some improvements in oral care. with NT Oral Health Services in Darwin and remote communities. ‘I have noticed over the past 10 years I have worked in Indigenous Health that some of the Emma Cubis (Bachelor of Oral Health 2013) messages are getting through and mothers describes her time in the Northern Territory are looking after their children’s teeth a little as eye opening. ‘My time there proved better.’ But she still thinks there is more to firsthand how the social determinants of be done. health affect oral health and the way services are able to be provided,’ she said. Isolation The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health and compromised access to nutritious Science is committed to constant improvement food, dental hygiene products and fluoride in Indigenous health, and engagement with the toothpaste, expert care and unreliable access community is important in building programs to resources, such as water and electricity, that meet priorities for those communities. all contribute to poorer oral health. Melbourne Dental School’s Indigenous Oral ‘I think about it often in my daily practice,’ Health Placement Program received the said Lauren Bylart who spent three weeks University’s 2015 Award for Excellence in in Darwin, Gove and the Tiwi Islands in Indigenous Higher Education. 2013. ‘It taught me to look at the bigger ‘The Indigenous oral health clinical experience picture surrounding our patients and their is an integral part of the Rural Dental families and not just at the immediate oral Rotation,’ said Associate Professor Menaka environment. There is so much more to Abuzar who leads the Indigenous Oral Health patient care than just treating the Placement Program. ‘Students contribute to disease present.’ the provision of dental services to the local Earlier this year, Shauna McNaughton was community including Indigenous community the first Indigenous graduate from the new on a continuing basis.’

18 19 01 Kara Goodman-Smith (photo from TAFE pathway launch)

02 (L–R) Daniel Little of Murrup Barak, Jessica TAFE pathway Macintyre MDHS Human Resources, Kristi Roberts two years on MDHS Indigenous Development Project Manager

01 The Faculty has led an approach by changing Human Resources policy and practice whereby all emerging HEW 3 and 4 positions within the Faculty are open only to Indigenous applicants for an initial period of three

weeks, before opening up omprising of a partnership between the to the wider community. Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health CSciences and Murrup Barak at The University Recipients of The University of Melbourne the three partnering TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutes; of Melbourne’s Diversity Box Hill Institute, Chisholm Institute and Kangan Institute to align with the targets for and Inclusion Award 2013, Indigenous employment within the University’ Kristi Roberts, Jessica Reconciliation Action Plan. Macintyre and more recently Kara Goodman-Smith, front desk administration assistant at Orygen, The National Centre of Daniel Little have continued Excellence in Youth Mental Health, was the first MDHS staff member to be employed via to develop this employment the TAFE pathway. initiative to build a diverse Kara studied a Certificate 4 in Business at the Indigenous Education Centre at Kangan in range of opportunities for Broadmeadows and completed a traineeship Indigenous staff. with the Centre for Corrections Education. ‘I worked in the metro prisons around Melbourne. I loved it. I was mainly based at Thomas Embling which is a forensic mental health facility. However due to the TAFE 02 budget cuts they couldn’t afford to keep any staff on traineeships. I was shattered. I was ‘I think that if it wasn’t for the TAFE pathways Over two years in this role, Kara is thinking ‘I hadn’t finished my studies, but I still ‘At the end of 2014 I successfully completed off work for 12 months – I couldn’t find a program I wouldn’t have been able to get a of a future in Business Administration and applied for the position. MDHS supported my Diploma studies and also my fulfilled the job anywhere.’ job anytime soon. A lot of places are looking Human Resources. me by restructuring the role and offered requirements under my traineeship.’ for someone with a lot more experience it as a traineeship so I could maintain ‘Then the Indigenous employment officer Natika Fullerton was studying her Diploma Natika is now working part-time as an animal and I didn’t have much because I’ve been my studies. I became appointed not long from TAFE emailed me about some jobs. in Animal Technology at Box Hill TAFE technician in MDHS while undertaking the studying for so long now. So if it wasn’t for after. My traineeship was a complement The University of Melbourne would send 2013 when she heard of an employment Bachelor of Science (Extended). She aspires the program I wouldn’t have a job.’ to my studies and so I was able to gain jobs to the Kangan Indigenous Employment opportunity in Otolaryngology at the Faculty to pursue Veterinary Science and to continue the knowledge and get exposure in the Centre and then she forwarded it on to me ‘The ongoing support is great. The Faculty staff of MDHS as an animal technician. working with animals. workplace at the same time.’ and that’s how I found out about this one.’ has been really helpful and I’ve really enjoyed the support that I’ve had from The University.’

20 21 01 Tahnee McBean visiting Cambridge The road 02 Levi McKenzie-Kirkbright to a career in health

ahnee McBean is very clear that With her Masters study underway she has non-Indigenous Australians. We need to set There are many pathways her motivation to study is born of a begun to set her sights on a future PhD. Ms examples and show our own community that desireT to help others. With a Bachelor of McBean applied for and won a Fellowship we can produce fantastic professionals, not to a profession in health Science from Monash University under to travel to Oxford and Cambridge just fantastic footy stars.’ her belt, she decided the Master of Clinical Universities in England as part of the 2014 Obviously at the time, Mr McKenzie- – each as individual and Psychology at Melbourne would provide the Aurora Indigenous Scholars International Kirkbright didn’t know what being a doctor pathway she wanted to a career in clinical Study Tour run by the Aurora Project. She aspirational as those who encompassed, ’but it sort of felt the further psychology. She is interested in providing acknowledges that before taking the study I’ve gone into it the more right for me it’s travel them. effective treatment to people experiencing tour, the idea of travelling overseas to study been,’ he says. psychological difficulties, helping them to seemed like a pipedream. manage and overcome their difficulties Of course, his love of science has also helped. ‘But going on that tour really made me feel and ultimately make their own lives more ‘I always had a love for science so doing a lot that I actually could be at those universities. fulfilling. A particular passion is providing of science was a way for me to explore other It really gave me that opportunity to experience mental health services to disadvantaged potential paths while making sure that health what it would be like to be there. When we and marginalised individuals. was the thing that I wanted to do. I want to were in Oxford and Cambridge we actually be in a career where I’m studying science and ‘I would like to deliver culturally appropriate stayed in the dorms. We met up with where I am constantly learning and, when clinical services not only to Aboriginal people, Australian Indigenous students who were you put those two together, you come up but also to learn how to deliver culturally there so, not only do you get to do a tour, but with medicine.’ sensitive psychological services to people you see that this does lead to people getting from other cultures,’ says Ms McBean. into these programs.’ The pathway offered at Melbourne worked well for Mr McKenzie-Kirkbright in this ‘Some of the good advice I got from a sense, allowing him to experience things couple of the professors in England was a bit differently than going straight into that it can be really beneficial to get some undergraduate medicine ‘and locking myself experience and then come back because into a career path that I might not have liked’. you can bring something to that PhD that you may not otherwise be able to bring. ‘Because it is a big commitment and, at least So that was interesting to hear. Plus a lot for myself, I don’t think I had the maturity at of psychology work is part-time anyway so the time to commit to an undergrad medical I can always do both.’ degree. Not only that, I think there’s a lot to be said about a doctor who’s just got more What area of psychology she wants to work in life experience, who has taken their time a is still something Ms McBean is working out: little bit more with their career. There are ‘that’s really hard, it depends on where the people in their mid-twenties – I think the jobs are. But this is my year of placements oldest guy I know is 28 and he started this and really figuring out where I want to go.’ year – so there’s no rush to do medicine, From about the age of six or seven, Levi it’s not a big deal.’ McKenzie-Kirkbright wanted to be a doctor. Like Ms McBean, he is also spending some He remembers being acutely aware, at a very time considering different plans for his young age, during family visits to the Redfern future. Once he finishes the MD, various Aboriginal Medical Service that, ‘I wasn’t opportunities are open: the many clinical seeing black fellas treating other black fellas’. options for a graduate doctor (surgery is ‘I think that working in health has always currently high on the list); some time spent appealed to me because it’s a field where in research; or the Master of Public Health. I think the Aboriginal people in Australia ‘I might change my mind and I’m not locking need a lot of help. But we don’t need help myself in to anything because I might enjoy from outside people, we need our own something that I didn’t expect, but I like people to step up and help out and to to think I’m a people person, so actually be professionals; and to be professionals getting to interact with people rather than of the same grade and same quality as 01 spreadsheets is high on my list.’ 02

22 23 01 Stephen O’Leary with patient at Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (photo courtesy of The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, photographer Leo Farrell)

Community trials examine chronic ear infection

Ear disease exists in catastrophic proportions in the Australian Indigenous population. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of chronic otitis media in children of more than 1 per cent indicates that there is an avoidable burden of the disease; whilst a prevalence of more than 4 per cent indicates a severe public health problem which needs urgent attention.

ore than 90 per cent of Indigenous children have chronic ear ‘Social disadvantage, low incomes and overcrowding have conspired disease by the age of one. As a result, a third have puss running to mean that children are exposed to germs that cause chronic ear Mfrom their ears and many children cannot hear. This disrupts early disease and hearing loss from a very young age. While children in communication and education. the Western community of Melbourne won’t start to get exposure to this until they are 6–12 months old, children in remote Aboriginal ‘It’s probably no surprise that a very large proportion of Indigenous communities will develop disease within weeks of birth. Because people in jails have bad hearing because there is a cascade of social these children don’t have strong immune systems, they’re much more disadvantage that comes with not being able to hear: things like not vulnerable for ear disease to set in and become established,’ says taking the best opportunities in education and not understanding Professor O’Leary. people when they are talking to you result in social isolation, anger and getting into fights,’ says Professor Stephen O’Leary, the William Gibson ‘The question has been what can you do about this. We really Chair of Otolaryngology at the University of Melbourne and The Royal don’t know whether what we do with the best of our knowledge Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. of western medicine will help us in this context of children living in remote areas of Australia. We have a series of operations, but the Professor O’Leary is passionate about improving the outcomes for question is are they effective in this context, and is one of them Indigenous people suffering from ear disease and is leading a better than the other?’ 01 NHMRC trial set to discover answers.

24 25 01 Jennifer de Vries

02 Warwick Padgham 03 Shawana Andrews Mentoring PROGRAM

It is these questions that will be addressed ‘The MDHS mentoring program aims to create in the trial running in the Northern Territory, an organisational culture and environment Queensland and Western Australia. where MDHS staff feel valued and nurtured, while at the same time, enabling individual ‘We currently have this unique and golden staff to reach their full potential.’ Professor opportunity to get to the bottom of this issue. Marilys Guillemin The trial will get to the bottom of why people have ear disease in the first place, why it can In 2010, the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry be chronic and what we can do about it. If and Health Sciences (MDHS) Equity and surgery is not the answer, perhaps other Staff Development (ESD) report was approaches that aren’t antibiotics might be developed to provide an evidence base of worth pursuing,’ says Professor O’Leary. the current status of the Faculty in terms of equity and staff development. Key issues However, the issue of chronic ear disease is not identified in the report included inequity, isolated to Australians. Many people around particularly with regard to academic the world experience very similar types of women, and Indigenous staff. One of disease, including in low socioeconomic areas the recommendations of the ESD report in India. Dr Mary John at the Christian Medical was the establishment of a Faculty staff College in India, which has a strong relationship mentoring program. This recommendation 01 with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry was strongly supported by the Faculty and and Health Sciences formalised through a Each of the first four intakes of the mentoring in 2011, a 12-month pilot staff mentoring Memorandum of Understanding, undertook a program targeted a different group of staff, program commenced, with full roll-out of sabbatical in Melbourne to undertake a PhD in as determined by the Advisory Committee. the program in mid-2012. The program is chronic otitis media to learn more about this This year early to mid-career academic and now in its fifth intake. issue in order to implement solutions in her professional staff were invited to apply, with home country. The conceptual framework adopted in 38 mentees in the program. The program was the MDHS staff mentoring program, the delighted to welcome two indigenous staff as Dr John’s thesis examined probiotics to see if ‘bifocal approach’, was developed by part of this cohort. there was a way that they could be given to Dr Jennifer de Vries. infants soon after birth to see if that would ‘The MDHS mentoring program has already fight with the dangerous germs that are so ‘The bifocal approach, by playfully drawing provided some real guidance for my future prevalent in these environments. on the notion of bifocal spectacles, opens career progression, and to be able to discuss up the possibility of focusing on both a range of strategies with my mentor as well ‘This goes to show that many of the health the the close-up vision, the shorter-term as our peer mentoring group will ensure 02 issues Indigenous Australians experience are solution of developing individuals, and the I make the most of every opportunity.’ the same issues that other people in other distance vision, the need for longer-term Warwick Padgham countries are facing,’ says Professor O’Leary. transformational organisational change. As ‘Having had an Aboriginal community Professor O’Leary has also been involved in with bifocal spectacles, with practice there is mentor as well as a social work mentor improving the ear health of people within increased ease and capacity to switch focal for many years whilst working in the field, the local Victorian community. With support length, keeping both goals firmly in view. both of whom complemented each other, from the College of Surgeons, Dr Kelvin Kong Working with the development of the I find myself somewhat lacking in terms (Australia’s first Indigenous surgeon) and The individual is far easier and rewarding in of professional guidance now that I have Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, a clinic the short term, but success with individual moved into an academic role. The choices has been established to treat ear disease at mentees is ultimately undermined if there available and the paths of opportunity are the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS). is no accompanying longer-term vision’. numerous which can make for a fair degree ‘We hear the same kinds of stories at VAHS, of uncertainty. I am hoping to achieve some In practice this means that the program places and maybe the prevalence of disease isn’t quite clarity regarding which path to take by an emphasis on mentors as learning partners so great but the difference there is that the participating in the MDHS mentor program and provides opportunities for mentees to children we treat tend to get better with what and look forward to where the journey feedback issues of concern to the Faculty. we’re doing. When we can intervene and takes me.’ actually make that different, and in this particular Shawana Andrews context it’s working, and that’s really nice.’ 03

26 27 27 01 Candice Liddy

02 Carolynanha Dawn Warrikana Health Boyede Johnson Sciences 03 Tileah Drahm-Butler

Can you tell us about yourself? working in such a physically demanding ‘For me to be able to complete the Masters 02 Former MDHS I am a born and bred Darwin girl. My profession. Participating in college events MASTER OF in Narrative Therapy and Community was a mother is Indian; her family migrated here allowed me to take a break from studying and NARRATIVE really big deal. I never thought I would ever Physiotherapy student to Australia when she was a young girl. relax with my friends, who were also striving study at this level and the support that I got Candice Liddy, from the My father is Aboriginal, also from Darwin. to achieve academically. I also would call my THERAPY AND from Melbourne University and Dulwich My grandparents on my father’s side were family at home regularly and they would always COMMUNITY WORK Centre has helped me do that. Studying at School of Health Sciences, both part of the Stolen Generation and shower me with encouragement. Without the university was something I thought I would did not get the opportunity to complete support of my family, there’s a chance I may not never do because both my parents were not speaks to us about study secondary or tertiary studies. My mother have lasted out four years of intense study. he Master of Narrative Therapy and allowed to go beyond Grade 6 primary school and father both worked extremely hard Community Work is a new University and this was the case with all my other family What career opportunities has your and her career. to give my sister and I every opportunity ofT Melbourne degree (started 2014), a joint members in their generation. This meant that degree offered to you (whether further to participate in educational, sporting and degree offered by Dulwich Centre and the I didn’t have role models who had gained study or employment)? musical events. Thanks to my parents, Department of Social Work. This program university degrees, so the thinking was that I have found that Australia is always in need from a young girl, I attended eisteddfods provides a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres we couldn’t do it, or we weren’t expected to of health professionals, so completing my to sing, play the recorder and the guitar, I Strait Islander health practitioners to further be able to achieve at that higher level.’ Bachelor of Physiotherapy has opened travelled with sporting teams to compete at develop their skills in narrative practice and many doors for me. As soon as I finished my ‘But now I have done it! I did it for my parents national tournaments and me participated make contributions to the field. Narrative degree, I was offered a job at the Royal Darwin who had hoped that my life would be different. in educational events like Tournament of the Therapy and Community Work has a long Hospital back home, where I am currently I did it for myself and I also did it for my Minds and Engineering Summer School. history of connection to and partnership still working. I also had the opportunity to children and future generations. I’m now using I gained confidence through these experiences, with Indigenous health practitioners. travel with Northern Territory football teams narrative ideas in my counselling work and and when the opportunity to study down as the team physiotherapist, and continue The first major project was a collaboration I also use the Tree of Life Narrative Approach south presented itself, I decided to move to to explore work in the sporting field with the between the Aboriginal Health Council with groups and communities. We’re even 01 Melbourne and study in a field I’ve always support of the Australian Football League of the and Dulwich Centre in 1993 in response using it to assist us in reclaiming our language.‘ been passionate about – Physiotherapy. to one of the recommendations of the Northern Territory. I recently had the privilege ‘Thanks to Melbourne University and Dulwich Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in What helped you to make the decision of being a guest speaker at the 2013 Australian Centre and those people who gave me much Custody – to provide culturally appropriate to study physiotherapy at Melb Uni? Physiotherapy Association’s conference on individual support along the way.‘ I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne a panel discussing ‘Embedding indigenous counselling to Aboriginal families who had lost Carolynanha Dawn Warrikana Boyede Johnson University in my final year of school. The perspectives into entry level physiotherapy family members to deaths in custody. Since that collaboration, many different community campus had so many amazing facilities curricula’, which gave me further opportunity The other graduate from last year, Tileah Drahm- projects have been led by Aunty Barbara and the administration staff I liaised with to learn off so many respected leaders in the Butler, is a PhD candidate at the University of Wingard, whose book with Jane Lester, were extremely helpful. I attended tours of physiotherapy profession. Physiotherapy is an Melbourne. Writings by Aunty Barbara Wingard, entitled Telling our stories in ways that make both Trinity and Ormond Colleges and was ever-evolving career and to know I have the Carolynanha and Tileah are now being compiled us stronger (2000) has been very influential. informed of the supportive community they opportunity to learn every day from my patients, in a new book entitled, Aboriginal narrative Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander provided for their residents, with tutoring, my peers and other medical professionals gives practice: Honouring storylines of pride, creativity health workers have attended narrative library resources, understanding staff and me the passion and drive I need to continue and strength. This will be a text book in the therapy workshops across the country. This much more. I knew moving away from grasping every opportunity I am offered, and Masters next year. Tileah, Carolynanha and Masters program now provides the chance for home and my family was going to be a big creating more opportunities to learn myself. Aunty Barbara are now all members of the challenge, so I decided to attend a university Indigenous allied health workers to join with What can you offer to someone Dulwich Centre faculty and there are seven where I was confident I’d develop a good other participants from across Australia and thinking about undertaking a health Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants support network. internationally to receive formal qualifications. sciences course? enrolled for the 2015 Masters. There were two Aboriginal graduates from During your study what do you think Make sure you choose to study something We hope there will be an increasing interest the inaugural Master’s program. One of helped you to successfully complete you’re passionate about so that you can work in the Masters not only from Aboriginal and 03 these graduates, Carolynanha Johnson, has a your degree? hard to endure any challenges you encounter Torres Strait Islander health workers but also message she wants to offer to others who are Throughout my time studying at Melbourne throughout your time at University. Be from Maori, Pacific Islander and First Nations thinking about doing the course: University, I made sure I maintained a good prepared for a career where you are required practitioners. Last year there were graduates balance in my life. I participated in college to work hard, be creative, put your patience to ‘I’m an Adnyamathanha woman from the from Singapore, Canada, Australia, Spain, Hong events at Trinity College and played hockey for the test, work with people from all walks of life Northern Flinders Ranges in South Australia Kong, Israel, Tanzania, Ireland, Chile, South Melbourne University and Melbourne Cricket and have confidence in your own knowledge and currently work as a counsellor and Africa, Denmark, Mexico and New Zealand. The Club. Training for hockey ensured I maintained so that you can impart it onto others to help educator at the Cancer Council SA.’ diversity of cultures, languages and experiences a good level of fitness, which is very important them to achieve great things. makes for a vibrant learning context.

28 29 01 Pormpuraaw (Cape York) young people at the launch of the newly renovated Culture, Knowledge and Learning Centre, where a new HITnet machine

was installed late in 2014

Bringing together technology and health

Technology invented five years ago has already been replaced by other mediums. In this modern and rapidly changing age, it is vital to preserve cultural material to ensure that ancient Indigenous knowledge is not lost forever… and also to harness technology to ensure better health outcomes for Indigenous communities.

any remote Indigenous communities live without modern by co-creating and disseminating culturally targeted information conveniences such as mobile phone reception. So it may not through touch-screen kiosks. Researchers in the Melbourne School Mbe surprising that Indigenous people are 69% less likely than non- of Population and Global Health (MSPGH), in collaboration with Indigenous people to have any Internet connection, and are half as researchers at Deakin University, are assessing the effectiveness of likely to have broadband access. These communities are not only HITnet’s kiosks by looking at how community members use them and missing out on the convenience, access to information and speed of what contributes to their success. This innovative concept has been communication afforded by digital technologies – they are also missing rolled out in 70 Indigenous communities across the country, with the out on the opportunities that come with them. kiosks placed in central community areas.

Despite these challenges, innovative ways of bringing together HITnet creates content for the kiosks on a range of health issues technology and health are emerging to ensure that communities including sexual health, cancer, mental illness and nutrition in across Australia can access as much information as possible, with collaboration with communities and a range of other organisations, for the resources available to them. example the Indigenous Hip Hop Project. People are able to view the content at the kiosk or download information from it onto their mobile Work being undertaken in this area by the Faculty includes HITnet, an device. This removes barriers for many people and enables them to Australian social enterprise that empowers marginalised communities seek out information when it suits them. 01

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For more information contact

Professor Shaun Ewen Associate Dean (Indigenous Development) Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences T: +61 3 8344 9230 E: [email protected]

Ms Kristi Roberts Indigenous Development Project Manager Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences T: +61 3 9035 7657 E: [email protected]

This publication is authorised by the Director, Advancement and Communications, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. For more information about this publication, please contact the Advancement and Communications Unit, Faculty of MDHS, Level 4, 766 Elizabeth St, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia. ISSN: 0814-3978. © THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE 2015. Produced for the University of Melbourne by 22% More Chicken www.22percentmorechicken.com