Welcome
Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
Onemda specialises in Indigenous public health with a focus on research and teaching aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes in Australia and elsewhere through partnerships and collaborations and strong ethical foundations.
The Unit Heads
The Units
Indigenous Health Equity Unit
This Unit led by, Professor Cath Chamberlain, is a research and teaching unit at The University of Melbourne committed to partnering with and producing research for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Unit undertakes rigorous, innovative research and teaching, centred on the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to promote wellbeing. The work is underpinned by the principles of self-determination.
The Unit works in partnership with communities and appreciate the support of Community Elders. The group's academic program is based on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and principles, and respects the contribution and cultural background of all who work with us.
The Indigenous Studies Unit
This Unit led by Professor Marcia Langton, AO conducts research to improve outcomes in Indigenous health issues, particularly alcohol misuse and family violence, Indigenous data governance, cultural heritage, technology and resource management. We contribute to Parliamentary reviews, cross-platform media, and policy development. The group’s highly regarded expertise has led to significant policy and legislative shifts at all levels (e.g., Alcohol Management Plans in the Northern Territory), and its engagement in the implementation of major policy reforms (e.g. the Commonwealth’s Closing the Gap Priority Reforms). The Unit has worked with Indigenous communities, the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and others to ensure the return of Aboriginal Ancestral Remains to communities of origin. Other crucial work involves the reporting and negotiating with communities around cultural material held in museum and institutional collections, including secret or sacred items.
Indigenous Eye Health Unit
The Unit led by A/Prof Mitchell Anjou aims to Close the Gap for Vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through world-leading research, policy formation, advocacy and implementation. Research has established the state of Indigenous eye health in Australia and current service availability and explored barriers and enablers to the delivery of eye health services for Indigenous peoples. The evidence gathered has guided the development of a comprehensive policy framework that is supported by the Indigenous and mainstream health sectors and government. The Unit is currently actively engaged in providing the necessary advocacy and technical support to Close the Gap for Vision.