THE University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health annual Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference was held in Victoria’s Goulburn Murray region last Wednesday.
Now in its eighth year, the conference was held days before Australia voted in the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to parliament. University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Barry Judd opened the conference, outlining the new Murmuk Djerring strategy launched by the University.
The strategy includes a significant local focus, with a key priority to strengthen the University’s partnerships and commitment to promoting the social, economic and cultural advancement of the Yorta Yorta people in the Goulburn Valley region.
Professor Judd said this year’s conference was held at one of the most important times in Australian history, and in a place of great significance for Indigenous knowledge.
“The Goulburn Valley is rich in culture, and the local Yorta Yorta community here is at the forefront of our Murmuk Djerring strategy,” Professor Judd said.
“Now more than ever we need to listen to, and collaborate with, First Nations peoples to design healthcare systems and programs that improve outcomes, and develop genuine pathways and diverse opportunities in education, health and employment.
The conference aims to place Aboriginal people at the heart of healthcare systems in the region, reinforcing this strategy for improving systems, reducing inequalities and ensuring better health outcomes for all Australians.
