In celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culture and health research, the Kirby Institute is pleased to host a special NAIDOC Week event on the traditional lands of the Bidjigal peoples at the Kirby Institute.
This year's NAIDOC Week theme, 'Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud', celebrates the unyielding spirit of First Nations communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced (NAIDOC 2024).
The Kirby Institute's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Program has grown significantly in recent years, and this NAIDOC Week, we invite you to join us in a celebration of this success.
11-12pm: talks and panel discussion
12-1pm: lunch and cultural celebrations
Speakers
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Mel Fernando Mel Fernando is a proud Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi/Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi Woman from Dubbo in Western NSW. Mel has over more than 18 years of extensive experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, public health, and local health districts. Mel is a qualified an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner and Health Worker, working in various specialties such as Chronic Care, Public Health Immunisation, Palliative Care, Maternal and Infant Health, ACCHO Sector, NSW Education & NSW Aboriginal Legal Systems. |
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Dr Heather McCormack Heather is a a Wiradjuri woman and a Scientia Research Fellow who has come to the Kirby Institute following a 16-year career in communications, health promotion, and program management across the sexual health and blood-borne virus sector. Her career history includes roles within not-for-profit organisations, a frontline sexual health service, and most recently a five-year leadership role in the NSW Ministry of Health. She received her Bachelor of Media Communications from Charles Sturt University and her Master of Public Health (Social Research) from UNSW, before completing her PhD through the Kirby Institute in 2024. She is also in the first cohort of Australian health promotion practitioners to receive accreditation from the International Union of Health Promotion and Education. |
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Emily Phillips
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Chair
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Robert Monaghan Robert Monaghan is a descendant of the Bundjalung (on his Grandmother’s side) and Gumbaynggir (on his Grandfather’s side) Nations, his family and extended family are from the North Coast NSW alongside the Clarence River at Baryulgil. |
UNSW Sydney is located on the Traditional Lands of the Bidjigal Peoples.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s continuing connection to culture, land, sea, waters, and community.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Opinions expressed by individuals at this event are solely of those of the individual/s and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Kirby Institute or UNSW.