What is your role and what does your work focus on?
I am the Director of Poche SA+NT and an epidemiologist. We have a primary remit to improve outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through supporting cultural continuity, building capabilities and research.
We focus on supporting Elders on campus, driving innovative and adaptable pathways for youth as well as research across cancer, genomics and Indigenous data governance.
Where did you work before joining CMPH?
Prior to CMPH I worked with Professor Louisa Jorm at the Centre for Big Data Research in Health (CBDRH) as a Scientia Fellow. I still have a visiting fellowship with CBDRH as well as honorary fellowships at the University of Melbourne and Menzies School of Health research.
I have also been the Research and Education Lead of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance for almost 2years. I will continue this role alongside the Poche SA+NT Directorship.
What journey brought you to this point in your career?
From a pathways perspective, I undertook a Laboratory Traineeship in microbiology, a Biomedical Science Degree, and a Masters of Public Health through Charles Darwin University, a year of specialist training in cancer epidemiology, and a PhD in cancer epidemiology (equity) through the University of Sydney.
From a motivation perspective, my community and family – particularly my children as well as my support network and mentors provided me with reasons to be doing what I do and to provide opportunities or guidance along the way. My community and family are the reasons why I do the work that I do. As an Aboriginal woman, I want to ensure health and wellbeing outcomes for my children and their children’s children are to the standard that will ensure equity as we move forward into the future.
What is something you love most about your work?
One of my favourite things is working with youth and students to support their learning journeys. It is such a privilege to watch youth and students grow into their knowledge and watch their confidence grow with it.
I also happen to really like working with data and writing. As a deeply introverted person, my dream is to be with my computer on a beach somewhere spectacular. I love that I get the opportunity to escape on writing retreats and that I have the privilege to engage in the things that interest me.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
I actually don’t know and wouldn’t want to assume. So, I texted a few of them to find out and it ended up being really lovely… I have included the words sent through twice or more from six different people.
Determined, inspiring, brilliant.
Now I want to do this as an exercise to identify and support strengths among peers and staff!
How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?
At the moment I am spending most of my spare time playing the computer game Hogwarts Legacy – it is excellent. Everyone in our house play it so it has become a bit of a family event. I have received the most support to finish the game, which I did last weekend, although I still a range of tasks to complete and some exploring to do. I also try to spend some of my spare time with my guitar, a cherry SG Standard – the white SG Standard was made famous by Sister Rosetta Tharp, the grandmother of blues.
What are you most excited about in 2023?
I think the most important event of 2023 is the proposed Referendum for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. I am excited by the movement in this country to drive and support the self determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Regardless of outcome, there is a clear need to recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know what is best for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and that there is a need to develop and support mechanisms of voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the processes, policies and events that impact our lives.