Monash Partners congratulates all those involved in delivering the highly successful 2026 Aboriginal Health Showcase, Healthy Koorie Communities. It was a privilege to attend such an engaging and well-received event. We extend our sincere thanks to the Indigenous leaders whose guidance, governance and dedication were central to the Showcase’s success. We also value the opportunity to collaborate with Melbourne Academic Centre for Health and Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre in supporting this important work. Over two days, more than 650 attendees and 60 presenters came together to share knowledge, strengthen connections and highlight the breadth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led health initiatives taking place across Victoria.
The showcase opened with a powerful Welcome to Country by Colin Hunter Jnr Jnr, setting a meaningful tone for the showcase. The artwork Gabira, meaning wattle in Ngarigo, by Anjee-Lee Bamblett further grounded the event, reflecting the central importance of caring for Country and passing down of cultural knowledge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to thrive. Attendees also benefited from a diverse range of speakers who generously shared their knowledge, expertise and research. We look forward to continuing to support this important work and to furthering Monash Partners’ journey in strengthening our understanding of, and engagement with, Indigenous health research.
At Monash Partners, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research that is led by community, grounded in respect and responsive to community priorities. Central to this is our First Nations Health Research Community of Practice, chaired by Dan Carter, Chief Aboriginal Health Officer at Monash Health, which brings together partners across our network to strengthen collaboration, support Aboriginal-led research, and enable ways of working that are coordinated and partnership-based.
This work aligns closely with the ambitions of implementing marra ngarrgoo, marra goori, the Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical and Wellbeing Research Accord which emphasises Aboriginal leadership, data sovereignty and research that reflects the priorities, strengths and voices of community. Through our engagement with organisations such as the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), and by continuing to build respectful, long-term relationships with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, we aim to contribute to a more culturally safe, connected and impactful research ecosystem.
Events like the Aboriginal Health Showcase are vital. They highlight the leadership, innovation and strength across the sector, and reinforce the importance of listening, learning and walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Monash Partners remains committed to this ongoing work – supporting leadership, strengthening collaboration and contributing to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Read our Monash Partners Connections Newsletter April issue.
