Indigenous Health Equity Unit
The Indigenous Health Equity Unit is a research unit at The University of Melbourne committed to partnering with and producing research for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
We undertake rigorous, innovative research centred on the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to promote wellbeing. Our work is underpinned by the principles of self-determination. We work in partnership with communities and appreciate the support of Community Elders.
Our research project is based on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and principles, and respects the contribution and cultural background of all who work with us.
Current projects
We undertake research in health and wellbeing, that delivers tangible, useful outcomes with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This research is done in partnership with communities, with the support of Elders. You can see our current projects below.
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Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future
Promoting healing and change. Co-designing and implementing perinatal strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma.
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Replanting the Birthing Trees to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and babies
Intergenerational trauma is a root cause of health inequities, and addressing this is essential for Closing the Gap. Trauma-integrated, culturally safe and skillful continuity-of-care for parents experiencing trauma and violence is a serious service gap and a national priority.
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Relighting the Firesticks
Fostering healthy start to life for Aboriginal families. Relighting the Firesticks is a community-based participatory research project. This research is based on our learnings and evidence from the pilot project, Healing the Past by Nurturing the Future (HPNF), and the scale up, Replanting the Birthing Tree (RBT) project.
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Culture, Trauma and COVID-19
Developing a culturally responsive trauma-informed public health emergency response framework for First Nations families and communities during COVID-19.
Indigenous Health Equity Unit Staff
Professor Cath Chamberlain
Head, Indigenous Health Equity Unit Midwife, Professor of Indigenous Health
Dr Kim Jones
Senior Research Fellow in Indigenous Public Health Deputy Head, Indigenous Health Equity Unit
Ms Kristy Meiselbach
Part of the editorial Team, First Nations Health and Wellbeing: The Lowitja Journal
PhD Candidates
Rhianna Brickle
PhD Candidate
Relationships sustain our work
Our partners include community controlled organisations like
- the Lowitja Institute
- the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, and
- the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
We also work with governments, health departments and universities at local, national and international levels. The efforts of our team have been recognised in awards, grants and fellowships.
Get involved
Research collaborations range from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities advising our researchers on how best to deliver health and wellbeing programs to government departments developing policy.
Please check this page for any future positions.