A storied career of creating cultural understanding
After 40 years in the health sector, and twenty of those in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, Kaurna and Peramangk Elder, Uncle David ‘Tarnda’ Copley has decided that it is time to hand over the reins to the next generation of amazing Indigenous health professionals.
With three degrees from Flinders University in nursing and mental health, David is a pioneering graduate – in 1988 he became the first Aboriginal person to obtain a Diploma of Applied Science (Developmental Disabilities) and was awarded a 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award for distinguished leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, research and practice.
Upon reflection, although retiring was a tough decision, David has made it clear he is still committed to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I realise that as an Elder, I have outlived many of my Aboriginal colleagues and friends,” he says.
“Many of these amazing people have passed way far too young, from the preventable illnesses that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still face in large proportions.”
David will continue in a casual consultative role for future special projects in 2026 and beyond.
New ARC Advisory Committee announced
Congratulations to Associate Professor Lorna Hallahan of the Disability and Community Inclusion Unit for her inclusion on the inaugural Australian Research Council (ARC) Advisory Committee.
The Committee is a key component of the ARC’s revised governance framework, established under recent amendments to the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act). It will provide advice to support the ARC Board in setting priorities, strategies, and policies.
The 14-strong Committee is comprised of leaders from universities, industry, civil society, and public administration and includes ex-officio members of government. Each member will bring valuable experience and strategic insights to inform the ARC’s policy and planning agenda.
Outstanding students supported with Indigenous Medical Scholarships
Three First Nations medical students are set to be awarded an Australian Medical Association (AMA) Indigenous Medical Scholarship this year, including Flinders University’s Samantha Nillissen.
The AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship has been supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students for decades and the three recipients will become the first trio to receive the scholarship in the same year in the program’s 30-year history.
Samantha is an Aboriginal midwife and Flinders medical student who has faced more than academic hurdles on her path into medicine. She said the scholarship will provide support and recognition needed to continue pursuing her aspirations of becoming a paediatrician.