Award honors work to expand Aboriginal health workforce
A/Prof David Campbell and Dr Jane Greacen with Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ed Byrne, at the presentation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Social Inclusion Award. It was Professor Byrne’s last official duty for Monash University before his departure to London.
Two School of Rural Health academics have been awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Social Inclusion Award in recognition of their efforts to expand the Aboriginal health professional workforce in East Gippsland.
Associate Professor David Campbell and Dr Jane Greacen from the SRH East and South Gippsland have worked in the past few years to improve the health of the East Gippsland Aboriginal community by expanding the Aboriginal health professional workforce through the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Health in East Gippsland (CEAHEG).
The Vice Chancellor’s Social Inclusion awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge contributions by staff, students or other individuals to Monash University’s commitment to an inclusive environment and culture.
The 2014 awards highlighted the depth and breadth of commitment to equity and fairness, and demonstrated the university’s connection to social justice.
The awards also recognise the efforts of staff and students who contribute significantly to the university’s commitment to social justice and human rights with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ed Byrne, commending all nominees for their efforts.
With support from the SRH East and South Gippsland, David and Jane contributed to research to understand the barriers and issues faced by local Aboriginal families and students in completing school, attending university and pursuing health careers.
The outcomes of this research were discussed at a major conference held in May, attended by local Elders and other members of the East Gippsland Aboriginal community, health service representatives, local health practitioners, university academics, secondary school representatives and members of local, state and federal government.
David and Jane have also strived to improve the educational experience of Monash health students on clinical placements through the development of tutorials on local Aboriginal beliefs, traditions and health.
Upon receipt of the award Jane paid tribute to the leaders of the East Gippsland Aboriginal community who initiated the project.
“Sadly two of the founding members of CEAHEG, Uncle Jumbo Pearce and Uncle Albert Mullett, have died in the past two years, and it is important that CEAHEG’s aims are achieved as a legacy of the many years of work supporting education for Koori youth undertaken by these Elders and other members of the CEAHEG committee,” Jane said.
“The findings of the research project outline a way forward to achieve these aims. CEAHEG is planning ways in which the vision and contribution of Uncle Jumbo and Uncle Albert can be formally recognised.”