Flinders University will farewell Associate Professor Maree Meredith as she has accepted the position of Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous Leadership at the University of Canberra.

During her decade at Flinders, both as a student undertaking her PhD into the importance of community art centres for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health and wellbeing, and as an academic at the Centre for Remote Health in Alice Springs, Associate Professor Meredith has forged a steady path of success.

As the first PhD graduate of Flinders’ flagship Indigenous health centre Flinders Poche SA + NT, she went on to be appointed Director of that same centre in 2019.

Throughout her time at Flinders, Associate Professor Meredith has championed community engagement and has ensured that University priorities for research and partnership align with those of community, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She also played an invaluable role to the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Professor Jonathan Craig, Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health, says Associate Professor Meredith has brought great strength of character, impressive intellect and deep empathy to her research. He adds that her leadership will be widely missed by the Flinders community.

Associate Professor Meredith offered thanks to the Flinders community for opportunities provided to her.

“I’m grateful for the experience of working at Flinders,” she says. “I want to personally thank Greg and Kay Poche, along with mentors and friends Reg and Sally Richardson for their encouragement and support over the decade. The rewards, as well as the challenges, have provided me with life-changing opportunities for growth.

“Thank you to my team – Kath, Kelly-Anne and Richie, Lorna, Auntie Pat, Jess and Pauline.

“Finally, a sincere thanks also to Jonathan Craig for conferring academic status and I look forward to working with Flinders into the future.”