With career opportunities in Central Queensland's health sector booming, key academics in CQUniversity's Allied Health programs have made a commitment to making these programs available to students from all backgrounds.

Associate Professors Monica Moran (Occupational Therapy) and Julie Hickin (Speech Pathology), together with Dr Ingrid Scholten (Speech Pathology) met with Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks to discuss ways in which the region's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population could be engaged with and recruited into these programs..

L-R: Associate Professor Monica Moran, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks and Associate Professor Julie Hickin. Dr Ingrid Scholten attended the meeting via telephoneThe meeting was part of CQUniversity's strategy to develop strong relationships with individuals, organisations and communities in order to provide long term, sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and CQUniversity.

Professor Fredericks expressed optimism for the initiative, and will be meeting with numerous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives after July's NAIDOC Week, of which CQUniversity is an active participant.

"I am excited that staff in Allied Health are approaching this from the perspective of seeking long term partnerships, since the evidence tells us that this is the only way to go for long term sustainable change and outcomes" she said.

Associate Professor Julie Hickin was equally enthusiastic about the road ahead.

"As we set up the new programs in Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Allied Health, Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy, we have a unique opportunity to embrace the principles of inclusivity which infuse our teaching" she said.

 "We can make a real difference to local Indigenous communities, and we are deeply committed to this aim".