CQUniversity's Professor Bronwyn Fredericks was recently invited to present at the Indigenous Health Forum hosted during the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress.

Professor Fredericks, who is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement, was invited by the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR).

Prof Bronwyn Fredericks, Joshua Creamer and Prof Naomi Rogers

The ASMR is the peak professional society representing Australian health and medical research. Its Indigenous Health Forum titled Better Health Outcomes for Mums and Bubs sought to explore issues surrounding women's and children's health within the context of the broader health and social issues faced by Australian Indigenous people. 

As well as Professor Fredericks, the speakers included Associate Professor Ngiare Brown, Professor of Indigenous Health and Education, University of Wollongong; Sandra Campbell, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia; Professor Sue Kildea, Professor of Midwifery, Joint appointment Mater Health Services Brisbane and Australian Catholic University; and Professor Roger Smith, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle.

Professor Fredericks said "the participants of the Forum are now working towards producing a set of practical, realistic recommendations designed to achieve better health outcomes".

The event held at the Adelaide Convention Centre was facilitated by Joshua Creamer, Barrister-at-Law and President Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland. Mr Creamer also has family in Central Queensland and visits the region often.

Dr (Uncle) Lewis Yerloburka O'Brien and Prof Bronwyn Fredericks

Professor Fredericks said it was nice seeing Dr (Uncle) Lewis Yerloburka O'Brien, Adjunct Research Fellow, David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research, University of South Australia, and CQUniversity sleep and fatigue researcher Professor Naomi Rogers in the audience.

"Uncle Lewis, Kaurna Elder (Adelaide Plains) has advocated for better health and education for Aboriginal people for a long time," Professor Fredericks said.

She said she was delighted she could congratulate Professor Rogers on being the new President of the Australian Society for Medical Research.

"It is fantastic that the first ASMR President ever elected from outside a capital city is from CQUniversity."