CQUniversity's Professor Bronwyn Fredericks was recently invited to participate in the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Group working towards an Alliance in Indigenous Women's Health.

Professor Fredericks attended in her capacity as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement.

Prof Bronwyn Fredericks (left) with Prof Helena Teede, Dr Jacqui Boyle, Dr Jacki Mein and Prof Kerin O'Dea

Other participants in the strategic meeting were key researchers in the field of women's health.

Professor Fredericks said she has "long admired the work of some of the researchers invited to the meeting".

"Professor Helena J Teede and Professor Kerin O'Dea have been active researchers for decades in women's health and Indigenous health," she said.

"I have also been aware of the clinical practice of gynaecologist, Dr Jacqueline Boyle and Public Health Medical Officer, Dr Jacki Mein, who is currently working for Apunimpima Cape York Health Council."

The researchers who met in Melbourne identified key gaps and current activities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's health. They contributed ideas towards planning for a larger national forum with broad engagement to provide a roadmap for the future and to drive a comprehensive cross-sector, systematic approach to Indigenous women's health. The national forum will be held in May 2013.

Prof Fredericks says she is looking forward to contributing towards the national forum and to what will follow.

"One thing is for sure, CQUniversity will be involved," she said.