UNSW Sydney’s Dr Aryati Yashadhana and Dr Julieann Coombes have been awarded over $3 million in federal authorities funding to enhance the well being outcomes of Indigenous communities.

The funding has been supplied via the Indigenous Health Research Fund, an 11-year, $160 million program from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) that helps First Nations-led analysis to deal with well being points going through Aboriginal folks and assist shut the well being and mortality hole. In whole 26 Indigenous-led analysis tasks will share $30.8 million in funding.

UNSW Professor Adrienne Torda, Acting Dean of Medicine & Health, applauded the lecturers on receiving grants on this spherical of MRFF funding.

“I’m proud of my colleagues who have received MRFF funding for research which will improve the lives of indigenous people and their communities. The projects are focused on improving the cultural health, social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects,” Prof. Torda stated.

“These grants will provide a major boost to First Nations health research, enabling us to find solutions that make a meaningful difference because they are tailored to the needs of First Nations communities – in cities, towns and the bush,” federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler stated.

Boosting the cultural well being of Aboriginal peoples in NSW

Dr Aryati Yashadhana from the School of Population Health at UNSW Medicine & Health has obtained $2.90 million for Gaawaadhi Gadudha, a trial and analysis of an Aboriginal cultural well being and conventional therapeutic program that might be developed below the management of Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, and Yuin-Djiringanj cultural information holders.

“Evidence shows that engaging in culture on Country is crucial to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples, but access remains an issue,” Dr Yashadhana stated.

“This grant provides a huge boost to our existing collaborative work in Aboriginal cultural health and will support our team to develop a program that will produce tangible impact for community and Country. It also sets new standards in academic grant funding, as we are proud to say that the cultural knowledge holders who govern the ‘Gaawaadhi Gadudha’ work are also chief investigators on the team.”

Contemporary Indigenous dance to enhance wellbeing

Dr Julieann Coombes from the Guunu-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program at The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Medicine & Health has obtained $978,478 for a challenge that improves the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youngsters via up to date Indigenous dance.

“Cultural dance has been an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for centuries. It is a way to connect people to their ancestors, land, and culture,” Dr Coombes stated.

“In addition, multiple studies have shown that dance can improve cardiovascular fitness and bone health of children and young people and contribute to preventing or reducing obesity.”

The MRFF helps Australia’s medical researchers uncover new methods to diagnose, deal with and take care of folks with quite a lot of well being circumstances. They additionally help early and mid-career researchers and provides extra Australians entry to medical trials. Read extra about the latest announcements.