News, media and blog posts

Find out what's new through my posts below. Each post can be expanded to see pictures or to read the entire story by clicking the link.

Jul 20, 2024

Deadly Images Highlighted by Newcastle Herald

Following my discussion on ABC Newcastle’s “Drive” segment and the successful “Deadly Images” event at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), I am thrilled to share that our initiative was recently highlighted by the Newcastle Herald. This recog... (Link)

Jul 19, 2024

Reflecting on the Success of the Deadly Images Community Event

Today we celebrated a truly remarkable event at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Imaging Centre—our “Deadly Images” community day. This event marked the culmination of two years of engagement, planning, and relationship building, all aimed ...

Jul 18, 2024

Talking About Deadly Images community event on ABC Radio

I had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on ABC Newcastle’s radio segment “Drive,” hosted by Scott Bevan (usual host Paul Culliver), where I discussed our exciting community event, “Deadly Images.” This event, will be held at the Hunter Medical R... (Link)

Jul 5, 2024

Immune Health research meeting, awarded best Impact & engagement

It was a privilege presenting at the Immune Health Research Program (IHRP) meeting, where I discussed our team’s research on ear health and otitis media, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The event, held at the University ... (Link)

Jun 22, 2024

Celebrating Innovation and Generosity at the HMRI Gala Ball

It was an honour to attend the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Gala Ball, held at the magnificent Newcastle City Hall. This event, which raises essential funds for life-changing medical research, was a dazzling celebration of elegance, enterta... (Link)

Jun 18, 2024

Enhancing Hearing Health: An ENT Training Day for Aboriginal Health Workers

Had a fantastic time participating in an ENT training day focused on hearing health and otoscopy, organised for Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners. The event was led by my supervisor, Professor Kelvin Kong (OAM), a distinguished Worimi man and... (Link)

Jun 17, 2024

Empowering Future Health Professionals at the Wollotuka Emerging Day

It was a privilege to participate in the Wollotuka Emerging Day at the Central Coast Clinical School, an event organised by the Wollotuka Institute and the University of Newcastle. This enriching day was designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres ... (Link)

May 31, 2024

Recognising Unity and Progress at the Reconciliation Week Ball

Last night, I had the honour of participating in a truly unforgettable event—the Reconciliation Australia Week Ball at the University of Newcastle. This event was a celebration of unity, understanding, and progress in our ongoing reconciliation journey... (Link)

May 24, 2024

Celebrating Culture and Community at the Rising from the Embers Festival

In celebration of National Reconciliation Week 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the Rising from the Embers Festival, an engagement event with a strong focus on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students. Held at the Universi... (Link)

May 16, 2024

Indigenous Student Engagement Committee: Reflecting on our progress and website launch

As I reflect on the significant strides we have made through the Indigenous Student Engagement Committee at the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, I feel a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. As a co-chair of t... (Link)

May 7, 2024

Indigenous school student STEM engagement

Today I had the unique opportunity to be a part of an enriching engagement event designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from years 10 to 12. Held at the University of Newcastle, this initiative aimed to open the world ... (Link)

May 7, 2024

Research Our Way: Launching a New Era in Indigenous Health Research

A true honour to be a part of the “Research Our Way” strategy, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The event, held in Newcastle, was a vibrant gathering of community member... (Link)

May 6, 2024

Research our way, video and strategy now live!

I am thrilled to share a landmark development in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, a passion close to my heart and central to my work as part of the Wukul Yabang Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel. Recently, we launched our... (Link)

Mar 28, 2024

Breathe for Bub and the Hunter Region Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel

One year since the initial consultation with the community panel, Elissa and our team came back to present the success of the Breathe for Bub research project. The Community Panel is to ensure that Aboriginal people have a say in what is being resea...

Mar 19, 2024

Launch Event: 'Our Way' Aboriginal Health Research Strategy

An evening in celebration with our community and partners as we officially launched our Aboriginal Health Research Strategy! During the evening we got to hear from the amazing people seen below about how we're changing the landscape of research for ... (Link)

Feb 15, 2024

Spotlight on HEALS (Hearing Ear health Language and Speech Services)

On 9 January this year, more than 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children underwent surgery to improve their hearing as part of a program coordinated by HEALS (Hearing Ear health Language and Speech Services). HEALS is an NSW Health initiativ...

Jan 25, 2024

Ngarrama 2024: A Testament to Growth, Unity, and Cultural Resilience

Today marked an extraordinary evening at King Edward Park, where the Newcastle community gathered in anticipation and spirit for Ngarrama, the city’s largest reconciliation event. Reflecting on the event's overwhelming success and the sense of unity it... (Link)

Jan 9, 2024

A Symphony of Healing: Transforming Lives Through Ear Surgery

In the quiet of the morning at Lingard Private Hospital in Newcastle, a monumental event unfolded that would change the lives of about 20 Indigenous children and their families. I had the privilege of being in the operating theatre alongside Professor ... (Link)

Dec 12, 2023

Best Owlstown Website Award

Reflecting on the 2023 Best Personal Academic Websites Contest A Personal Journey and Collective Achievement I had the incredible honour of being one of the winners in the 2023 Best Personal Academic Websites Contest. It's a moment I'm keen to share, ... (Link)

Nov 30, 2023

A Day of Cultural Immersion and Learning at Saltwater National Park with TIDE and Uncle John

Our team had the enriching experience of visiting Saltwater National Park and engaging with the Taree Indigenous Development & Enterprise (TIDE). The highlight of our visit was yarning with Uncle John, a respected Biripi elder, whose stories and wisdom... (Link)

Nov 1, 2023

Bridging Cultures in Biomedical Education: A Collaborative Journey between the University of Newcastle and the University of Waikato

In a landmark event on the 1st and 2nd of November 2023, the University of Newcastle played host to a delegation from the University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand. This collaborative initiative, centred on "Enhancing Teaching & Learning in Biomedica... (Link)

Sep 3, 2023

Gamilaroi cultural retreat

Our team were welcomed onto Gamilaroi land for our lab retreat. We had a fantastic time meeting the elders and learning about country. We also had the opportunity to visit sites like Terry Hie Hie, and another cultural site (no images were taken at ...

Aug 4, 2023

Establishing a Genomic Technology Platform to Combat Infections

Excited to share some significant news from my recent work at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), the University of Newcastle, and John Hunter Hospital. I was awarded a $500,000 early-mid career research grant to establish a genomic technolog... (Link)

Mar 31, 2023

Aboriginal health research in the Hunter region, community panel

The Community Panel is to ensure that Aboriginal people have a say in what is being researched, by who, how, what for, where and when in their Community. The Community Panel will be involved in the decision making and administering of these grants. Th...

Mar 29, 2023

Indigenous staff network, yarning about The Voice

Through the University of Newcastle's Indigenous staff network, I had the opportunity to discuss the importance of a First Nations Voice to Parliament in Australia and to yarn about whether the University should have a position about this, and if so, w... (Link)

Mar 24, 2023

Dunghutti Bul-Bul and clay-making

I recently attended an event where I had the chance to view the beautiful artwork of artists John Kelly and Rena Shein. As part of the event, I also had the opportunity to participate in a nest and egg clay-making workshop, which was a wonderful experi... (Link)

Mar 16, 2023

Close the Gap Day

National Close the Gap Day is an annual event that takes place on 16th March. It raises awareness and seeks to close the gap with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, educational and employment outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isla... (Link)

Mar 8, 2023

International Women's Day event

I attended an event for International Women's Day at the Hunter Medical Research institute (HMRI) which involved an informal discussion followed by a Q&A session. The HMRI Director, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin and PhD researcher Vladimira Foteva unp... (Link)

Jan 25, 2023

Ngarrama community event

Ngarrama (meaning 'to sit, listen and know') was an opportunity to reflect on traditional life and celebrate the richness and resilience of Aboriginal culture. Ngarrama is an annual event held in Newcastle, Australia, which aims to bring people togeth... (Link)

Dec 5, 2022

Miroma Bunbilla program mentor

I was one of the mentors for the Miroma Bunbilla Program, a pre-entry pathway to the Joint Medical Program, designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. The program ran over 5 days and included problem-based and group-based learning, ... (Link)

Nov 14, 2022

Relationships and research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

At the event, Aunty Amy (Creighton) presented on Culturally Safe Research and asked researchers to reflect on how their personal and professional behaviours regarding First Nations peoples may influence their research practices. We also got to witness ...

Oct 17, 2022

Indigenous perspective on genetics panel discussion

I coordinated community inclusion providing Indigenous perspectives in genetics for a first year University of Newcastle course: HUBS1202, Human genomics and biomolecular analysis. Ms. Toni Manton, Aboriginal Project officer joined the panel and shared... (Link)

Oct 6, 2022

Humans of HMRI feature

The HMRI team featured me in the internal newsletter and website. It was such a fun opportunity to meet the team and talk about who I am and what I’m doing. Check out the awesome content they made! (Link)

Oct 4, 2022

AIDA conference 2022

I attended the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA) annual flagship conference as an Aboriginal medical student. It brought together medical professionals, graduates, and individuals interested in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heal... (Link)

Sep 26, 2022

WIPCE conference 2022

I was so lucky to be present for the 12th World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) was held at Tarndanya in South Australia, the heart of Kaurna country over 5 days. The Kaurna people are the original inhabitants of Adelaide and the Ade... (Link)

Sep 2, 2022

Panel discussion, 100 days after the election

I attended this forum at the Wollotuka Institute marking 100 Days in to the new government. The panel discussed Voice, Treaty, Truth (The Uluru Statement), constitutional change, and representation. Afterwards we reflected and yarned about where we are... (Link)

Aug 27, 2022

Acknowledgement of Country, Dr. Karl event

It was a privilege to perform the Acknowledgement of Country for this National Science Week Celebration with Dr Karl from the University of Sydney. I had the opportunity to acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands, the Worimi and Awabakal ... (Link)

Aug 27, 2022

Indigenous health unit open day

Today I assisted the Thurru team (the Indigenous health unit) with the University of Newcastle's open day event. It was a great opportunity to yarn with prospective Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and talk about the medicine program. Th... (Link)

Jul 20, 2022

Indigenous visual identity art workshop

It was great to contribute to an Indigenous alumni artwork that represents the visual identity of our community. The workshop was led by artist and Indigenous alumni Ms Nicole Chaffey. The event coincided with NAIDOC Week, providing an opportunity for ... (Link)

Jul 15, 2022

NAIDOC cultural day at Murrook

It was amazing to see the NAIDOC celebrations after last year's celebration was limited to social media channels and an arts workshop due to COVID. The theme for this year's event, "Get up! Stand up! Show up!", emphasised the need for systemic change a... (Link)

Jul 11, 2022

RAP launch and restoration of Birabahn

I was proud to be present during the launch of the University of Newcastle's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during NAIDOC Week. At the same time, the community gathered and we spent the afternoon restoring the artwork of Birabahn at the Wollotuka Ins... (Link)

May 27, 2022

Rising from the embers festival MC

I was proud to be one of the MC's for the 2022 Rising from the Embers Festival. This event from the University of Newcastle and the Wollotuka Institute took place in celebration of national reconciliation week. The festival aimed to increase community... (Link)

May 4, 2022

Koori mail feature

I was stoked to yarn with the Koori Mail editors and discuss my work and goals for the future. It was a true honour to be featured in an article and to act as a mentor for our younger mob. Here I discuss the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STE... (Link)

Mar 25, 2022

Reconciliation Action Plan discussions

I was invited to join the University of Newcastle's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network gathering at Wollotuka to participate in a yarning circle to discuss the draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP is an important document t... (Link)

Mar 17, 2022

Close the Gap Day panel discussion

I attended a panel discussion hosted by BREAATHHE (UON's rural health club), the Wollotuka Institute, and the Indigenous Alumni team in recognising and celebrating Close the Gap Day. Close the Gap was started to address the disparities between Indigen... (Link)

Mar 9, 2022

Gifting day ambassador

I was so proud to get involved with the University of Newcastle's gifting day. This was a great opportunity to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research. We managed to raise $45,177 specifically for this cause! Overall, $307,72... (Link)

Mar 3, 2022

World hearing day article

The Hunter Medical Research Institute featured a short article I wrote for world hearing day 2022 entitled: Listen up! The importance of ear health. Here I raise awareness that ear disease does not affect all Australian's equally, and describe how impo... (Link)

Jan 25, 2022

Ngarrama community event

It was great to attend this community event run by the University of Newcastle, in collaboration with Awabakal Ltd and with support from the City of Newcastle. Ngarrama, a free public event on January 25, the eve of Australia Day, to engage the commun... (Link)

Dec 9, 2021

Podcast discussion

I had the great pleasure of appearing on the podcast titled What are YOU going to do with THAT? Here I talk about my journey in life and my future ambitions with Danni Reches over a casual drink. It was a bit of lighthearted fun, but I also had the opp... (Link)

Aug 18, 2021

PhD Interview

This interview was featured as part of the Discover PhD's interview profile series by Harry Hothi. The purpose of the interview was to explain my PhD project concisely, and to give advice to other candidates located all over the world. Here also I talk... (Link)

Apr 21, 2021

University pathway video

This video was filmed as part of the graduate pathways series for the University of Newcastle. Here I discuss my PhD research project which took place at the Hunter Medical Research Institute. Additionally, I talk about the incredible work happening at... (Link)

Feb 23, 2021

ABC radio appearance

This morning I was featured on the ABC radio morning show with Kia Handley! Here I discussed my PhD project and the great research that's happening at the University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute. Throughout this interview I aimed to... (Link)

Jan 6, 2021

Thesis = coffee time

Hi friends, keen for a socially distanced coffee whilst I put my thesis together? You can shout me one here! Turns out writing a thesis is hard, I'm definitely procrastinating right now so a great time to hit me up and find out about my research. Whils... (Link)

Jan 5, 2021

I made a website!

I finally made a website yesterday! It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time now so I wanted to pass on my experience. The resources from @brttnytrnh (Link) were a huge help on knowing where to start. She has a great guide on different service...