Minum Barreng Concluding in 2026

Minum Barreng: Indigenous Eye Health Unit at The University of Melbourne will conclude its activities by the end of 2026.

Current programs, activities and resources are being transitioned to First Nations leadership and organisations. This planned transition reflects the continued strength, leadership and sustainability of First Nations organisations across the eye health sector and includes Minum Barreng’s health promotion programs, participation in eye health systems improvement, reform activities and research initiatives. Further details on how specific programs and activities are being transitioned are available on our website Transition pages.

Minum Barreng will maintain an active website throughout 2026. The website will also be retained through 2027, and beyond, ensuring that current and historic resources and information remain accessible.

The Indigenous Eye Health Unit was established by Professor Hugh Taylor AC in 2008 and has a proud 19 year history of involvement and contribution to the improvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health and vision care. The Unit has been safely housed within The University of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health and since 2023 has been part of Onemda: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing, a research centre currently led by Professor Sean Taylor.

There are many highlights to recount, and these are well documented through our website and in the 2022 Melbourne University Press publication Minum Barreng: The Story of the Indigenous Eye Health Unit by Tess Ryan and Tim Senior, edited by Linda Doherty. The book is available here.

There are also many people and organisations to thank for their support of Minum Barreng. Our Advisory Board, funders and partner organisations have all been critical to the successes achieved. Most importantly, we acknowledge the involvement, trust and respect afforded by communities, all over Australia, who have enabled and guided our work.

Minum Barreng staff are being supported in their individual career journeys, with some staff leaving the University and others continuing within Onemda. Over many years, Minum Barreng has been fortunate to attract and retain a dedicated, skilled, diverse and high-quality staff group. While we are all sad by the conclusion of Minum Barreng, we are equally excited by and committed to supporting the transition of this work to First Nations leadership.

Further updates will be shared regarding the transition, conclusion and future of Minum Barreng’s work, including opportunities to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and achievements. We have many months of important work ahead through to the end of 2026, and this announcement is intended to provide early notice and support a smooth and considered transition across the sector.