Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

09/04/2026

Join us for our upcoming Journal Club as we explore new research on hearing health in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
We’ll be discussing “Validating the Parent-evaluated Listening and Understanding Measure (PLUM)”, sharing insights into how caregiver observations can reflect long-term hearing outcomes.
📅 Tuesday 21 April 2026
⏰ 10–11AM (AEST)
💻 Online via Zoom
A welcoming space to learn, share, and yarn - all are invited! Register now to be part of the conversation: https://events.humanitix.com/the-poche-centre-for-indigenous-health-journal-club-april-2026
Click here to read the paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2025.2606203
Jack DeLacy Sam Harkus Meagan Ward Jason Gavrilis Jessica Monaghan Isabel O'Keeffe Trumaine Rankmore Vivienne Marnane Viji Easwar

We aimed to establish how accurately the Parent-evaluated Listening and Understanding Measure (PLUM) identifies longer-term otitis media (OM)-related hearing status in young Aboriginal and Torres S...

08/04/2026

"Did you know remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are often paying double for groceries? Lack of access to affordable and nutritious food can trigger wider ranging health issues."

Did you know remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are often paying double for groceries? Lack of access to affordable and nutritious food can trigger wider ranging health issues.

Two early career researchers - Dr Simone Sherriff, Research Fellow at the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, and PhD candidate Caroline Deen - are tackling exploring ways to tackle inequity in Australia’s food systems.

Find out more: https://go.sydney.edu.au/M0YxRJ

01/04/2026

A new study examined the incidence of maternal deaths by su***de, accidental poisoning and undetermined intent within five years after childbirth. Drawing on linked population‑level data from all women who gave birth in New South Wales between 2002 and 2020, the researchers found that five‑year death rates were 12.87 per 100,000 live births for su***de, 10.49 for accidental poisoning, 2.30 for undetermined intent, and 25.66 for the three causes. These rates remained stable across the 18‑year timeframe, and mothers who died were more likely to be younger, Australian‑born and identify as First Nations. They also had significantly higher rates of prior hospitalisations related to alcohol and substance use, mental health and self‑harm. The preventable causes of death represent a significant and persistent burden in the years following childbirth, underscoring the need for sustained, integrated and culturally responsive support for mothers well beyond the immediate postpartum period. Read full paper here:

Objectives Investigate the incidence of maternal deaths by su***de, accidental poisoning and undetermined intent within 5 years following childbirth. Design Linked population-level data. Setting...

29/03/2026

“Contraceptive awareness and use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth”, used data from the Next Generation Youth Wellbeing Study to explore contraception knowledge and use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in NSW, WA and Central Australia. The findings highlight strong awareness of methods like condoms and the pill, however a proportion of sexually active youth were not using contraception due to a range of reasons. The paper highlights key opportunities for contraceptive education and where to access contraception so youth can make informed decisions that suit their needs. The second author completed this analysis and paper as part of her Master of Public Health degree under the supervision of Dr Alison Gibberd and Associate Professor Simon Graham. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41588924/.

17/03/2026

We are delighted to share that Professor Michelle Dickson has been awarded the First Nations Health, Wellbeing and Health Services Research Award for 2025 from the Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand (HSRAANZ). This award recognises First Nations researchers and First Nations-led projects that advance health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori through principles of social justice, self‑determination and empowerment. Michelle’s leadership in the "What Matters to First Nations Kids (WM2K)" Project was central to this recognition. The judging panel highlighted the project as an outstanding example of Indigenous-led research within the field of health services research, and commended Michelle for her significant and influential scholarly leadership in First Nations health services research.

25/02/2026

Dr Simone Sherriff led a recent International Indigenous knowledge exchange project, in partnership with the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Sydney and Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Welfare Aboriginal Coorporation. Two 5‑day Indigenous Lactation Counsellor Training workshops were held, with 50 Aboriginal women from across the country (WA, NT, NSW and VIC) gathered to undertake the training. It is the first time this training has ever been available in Australia. The women attending the training represented a wide range of roles across ACCHOs and the health sector. A highlight of the project was welcoming Camie Goldhammer and Kimberley Moore‑Salas, two Native American leaders who created the world’s first Indigenous lactation training program and have trained over 1200 Indigenous women across the USA, Canada, Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Their visit supported knowledge sharing and the foundations for developing a culturally grounded model here in Australia. This project was proudly supported by One Sydney, Many People Indigenous Services and Strategy, and the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney.

11/12/2025

🌿Celebrating Impact, Innovation, and Community-Led Research

At the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health we are committed to advancing health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through collaborative, community-driven research, the Centre continues to address complex health challenges and inform policy and systems that support lasting, meaningful change. The 2025 Annual Research Showcase brought together researchers, HDR students, health professionals, and community partners to:
✨ Share achievements
✨ Launch new research themes
✨ Highlight innovation and impact
✨ Spark collaborations that will continue to drive real-world outcomes

It was an inspiring gathering that reflected the strength of our partnerships and the collective dedication to improving health and wellbeing for future generations.

11/11/2025

Registration is now open for "Garabarala: The Knowledge Feast". Program highlights include:
1. Performative research presentations
2. Yarning circles over tea and food
3. Music, art, and cultural storytelling
4. Community connections rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing
5. A traditional dinner on the final day of the Feast
6. Event dinner: 17 November 2025 (first day)
7. Excursion or campus tour on 18 November 2025 (final day, after lunch)

Date: 17–18 November 2025
Venue: The Nelson Meers Foundation Auditorium, Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney

Please register here:

Tell me what's on. Events and exhibitions in the University of Sydney.

04/11/2025

🎉 We are excited to celebrate Professor Michelle Dickson being named "Aboriginal Researcher of the Year" at the WHRN 2025 Research Symposium, organised by the Western NSW Health Research Network - WHRN. This award recognises her leadership in building collaborative networks to tackle rural health disparities, through networking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Congratulations, Michelle! 👏

08/10/2025

We are currently recruiting for several key roles. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, as well as from culturally responsive non-Indigenous allies who are passionate about equity and innovation in research. Please feel free to share these opportunities across your networks. Applications close at 11.59PM on 12th October 2025.

1. Research Associate
Part-time (0.2 FTE), 2-year fixed-term, Internal & External applications now open
Join us for one day a week in a Research Associate role and make a lasting impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, while advancing your research career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Click for further info: https://usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/USYD_EXTERNAL_CAREER_SITE/job/Alice-Springs/Research-Focused-Academic--Targeted-_0139413

2. Research Associates - Aboriginal Health
Two roles, Part-time (0.5 FTE), 2-year fixed-term, Internal & External applications now open
We’re seeking two Research Associates to contribute to impactful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, helping shape culturally safe care and drive real-world change.
Click for further info: https://usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/USYD_EXTERNAL_CAREER_SITE/job/Camperdown-Campus/Research-Focused-Academic--Aboriginal-Health--Targeted-_0139391

3. Senior Research Translation Officer
Part-time (0.5 FTE), 12-month fixed-term
Help translate research into meaningful policy and practice change, making a tangible impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing.
Click for further info: https://usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/USYD_EXTERNAL_CAREER_SITE/job/Camperdown-Campus/Senior-Research-Translation-Officer--Social-and-Emotional-Wellbeing--Targeted-_0139370-2

4. Research Project Officer
Part-time (0.8 FTE), 2-year fixed-term
Support impactful research while developing your skills in project management and collaboration, contributing meaningfully to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Click for further info: https://usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/USYD_EXTERNAL_CAREER_SITE/job/Camperdown-Campus/Research-Project-Officer--Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Wellbeing--Targeted-_0134225-1

Part-time (0.8 FTE), 2-year fixed-term Research Project Officer opportunity at The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Make a meaningful impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health while developing your skills in research management and collaboration Base Salary $89,755 - $100,495 (pro-rat...

08/10/2025

Join our Journal Club on 13 October between 12-1PM (AEDT), to discuss the publication "Culturally responsive recommendations for eating disorder prevention and management for First Nations peoples in Australia: a policy scoping review". First Nations Australians are more likely to experience an eating disorder (ED) than the general Australian population, however, there is limited evidence on the lived experiences of First Nations people with eating disorder and culturally safe management for it. In this policy scoping review, the authors mapped the current recommendations for managing EDs specific to First Nations peoples and to identify further research opportunities. Lead author Zyana Gall and co-author Hilary Smith will be presenting the work; this will be followed by a discussion/Q&A on the publication. Please note, the session will not be recorded.
Read the publication here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40337-025-01243-9
Follow the link to register for the event: https://events.humanitix.com/the-poche-centre-for-indigenous-health-journal-club-october-2025

Get tickets on Humanitix - The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Journal Club (October 2025) hosted by The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. Online. Sunday 12th October 2025. Find event information.

11/09/2025

🗓️ Date: 13 October 2025
🕛 Time: 12–1PM AEDT

We’re excited to invite you to a thought-provoking Journal Club session where we’ll be discussing the publication: "Culturally responsive recommendations for eating disorder prevention and management for First Nations peoples in Australia: a policy scoping review."
First Nations Australians are disproportionately affected by eating disorders, yet there’s limited evidence on their lived experiences and culturally safe approaches to care. This review maps current policy recommendations and highlights future research opportunities. Read the publication here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40337-025-01243-9

🎙️ Presenters:

Zyana Gall (Lead Author)
Hilary Smith (Co-Author)

The session will include a presentation followed by an engaging Q&A discussion. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and contribute to the conversation.

🗓️ Date: 13 October 2025
🕛 Time: 12–1PM AEDT

🔗 Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-poche-centre-for-indigenous-health-journal-club-october-2025

Background Evidence suggests First Nations people in Australia may experience a higher burden of eating disorders (EDs) than the broader Australian population. EDs are among the most debilitating and lethal mental health conditions; however, little is known about the unique considerations for First....