On invitation from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Professor Bronwyn Fredericks* was a panel member for the PhD Confirmation Seminar of Doctor of Philosophy Candidate Melissa Walker.

Ms Walker is a Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) woman who already holds qualifications as a Registered Nurse and in Mental Health (MMHN CMNH). She has over 10 years of academic teaching experience in nursing and an impressive record of advisory and consultative appointments. 

Melissa is the first Aboriginal student to undertake her PhD in Nursing at QUT and joins the limited number of Indigenous Nursing PhD candidates in Australia.

The title of her work is: Indigenous Women's Wellness - Health Program Development in Conjunction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women. Her work is grounded in the community with Indigenous women.

"What was of significance at the Confirmation Seminar was that after Melissa offered her Acknowledgement to Country and explained that her PhD work was focused on women's issues, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in the audience stood and assembled at the front of the room," Professor Fredericks said.

"Professor Mick Adams then stated on behalf of the men that ‘as a sign of cultural respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and due to what was to be discussed' the men were leaving the seminar. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men then left the seminar.

Professor Fredericks (blue jacket) with other participants in the Confirmation Seminar, L-R Dr Chelsea Bond, Dr Odette Best, Patrice Harald, Melissa Walker, Prof Fredericks, Kyly Mills and Dr Deb Duthie

"This was a demonstration of Indigenous culture in action within an academic environment, as was the whole presentation".  

Professor Fredericks stated that "Melissa's work is inspirational" and that she "felt honoured to be invited to be on the Confirmation Panel and that invitations such as these can help build relationships between institutions".

"There were five Indigenous PhD holders (Drs) at the seminar to support Melissa. There are only approximately 160 Indigenous doctorate holders in the country, so this was a good turn out," Professor Fredericks said.

"This is also an example of how we can add to the work already being done through the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) between QUT, CQUniversity, Curtin University and the University of Queensland."

* Professor Fredericks is CQUniversity's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement.