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 members, researchers, and health professionals, all united by a common goal—to transform the landscape of Indigenous health research.
The “Research Our Way” project is a collaborative effort between the University of Newcastle, Awabakal Limited, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), and Hunter New England Health. This initiative represents a significant shift in the way research is conducted, placing Indigenous knowledge and perspectives at the forefront. As a proud Aboriginal man and researcher, I was deeply involved in both the development of this strategy and the creation of an accompanying video that highlights our mission and goals.
The launch event was a powerful demonstration of community involvement and co-design. Professor Kelvin Kong, a Worimi man and esteemed surgeon, emphasised the importance of this approach, noting that community input is crucial to the project’s success. His words resonated with everyone present, reinforcing the need to centre Indigenous voices in health research.
Nathan Towney, a Wiradjuri man and the university’s pro-vice chancellor, spoke passionately about shifting the power dynamics in research. Historically, Indigenous people have often been research subjects rather than leaders. This project aims to change that by ensuring that Indigenous communities are the ones determining what gets researched and how it is conducted. Towney’s vision is to create a research environment where Indigenous ways of knowing and doing are respected and valued.
Raylene Gordon of Hunter New England Health echoed this sentiment, stating that “research our way means valuing our way of knowing and doing.” She highlighted the importance of educating others to respect Indigenous knowledge systems and ensuring that research cannot be done without the involvement of our people. This perspective is central to the project’s ethos and action plan.
The “Research Our Way” project is a collaborative effort between the University of Newcastle, Awabakal Limited, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), and Hunter New England Health. This initiative represents a significant shift in the way research is conducted, placing Indigenous knowledge and perspectives at the forefront. As a proud Aboriginal man and researcher, I was deeply involved in both the development of this strategy and the creation of an accompanying video that highlights our mission and goals.
The launch event was a powerful demonstration of community involvement and co-design. Professor Kelvin Kong, a Worimi man and esteemed surgeon, emphasised the importance of this approach, noting that community input is crucial to the project’s success. His words resonated with everyone present, reinforcing the need to centre Indigenous voices in health research.
Nathan Towney, a Wiradjuri man and the university’s pro-vice chancellor, spoke passionately about shifting the power dynamics in research. Historically, Indigenous people have often been research subjects rather than leaders. This project aims to change that by ensuring that Indigenous communities are the ones determining what gets researched and how it is conducted. Towney’s vision is to create a research environment where Indigenous ways of knowing and doing are respected and valued.
Raylene Gordon of Hunter New England Health echoed this sentiment, stating that “research our way means valuing our way of knowing and doing.” She highlighted the importance of educating others to respect Indigenous knowledge systems and ensuring that research cannot be done without the involvement of our people. This perspective is central to the project’s ethos and action plan.
Jason Smith, CEO of Awabakal Ltd, and Gamilaraay woman Yeena Thompson also shared their insights at the event. Smith pointed out the diverse expertise in health among the Aboriginal community, which will be invaluable to researchers. Thompson emphasised the holistic nature of Indigenous health, which is deeply intertwined with country, family, spirituality, and cultural practices. Her words underscored the need for a more comprehensive understanding of health in the research field.
The launch was not just an introduction to the project but a celebration of a new era in Indigenous health research. The event concluded with a screening of the video we created, which captured the essence of our mission and the collaborative spirit driving this initiative. Seeing the community’s enthusiastic response to the video was incredibly rewarding.
Reflecting on the launch, I am filled with optimism and pride. The “Research Our Way” strategy is more than a research project; it is a movement towards greater equity and respect for Indigenous knowledge. I am excited to see the positive impacts this initiative will have on our communities and the broader research landscape.
As we move forward, I am committed to continuing this work, ensuring that Indigenous voices remain at the centre of health research. Together, we can achieve better health outcomes and a more just and inclusive future.
The launch was not just an introduction to the project but a celebration of a new era in Indigenous health research. The event concluded with a screening of the video we created, which captured the essence of our mission and the collaborative spirit driving this initiative. Seeing the community’s enthusiastic response to the video was incredibly rewarding.
Reflecting on the launch, I am filled with optimism and pride. The “Research Our Way” strategy is more than a research project; it is a movement towards greater equity and respect for Indigenous knowledge. I am excited to see the positive impacts this initiative will have on our communities and the broader research landscape.
As we move forward, I am committed to continuing this work, ensuring that Indigenous voices remain at the centre of health research. Together, we can achieve better health outcomes and a more just and inclusive future.
