Yardhura Walani leaders recognised for contributions to Indigenous public health
Two researchers from Yardhura Walani, the ANU National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, have been recognised by the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) for their leadership in and contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Yardhura Walani Director Fiona Cornforth (Wuthathi, Maluligal) received the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Award, which honours her advocacy and leadership in strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ wellbeing.
Working in partnership with communities throughout her career, Fiona has made outstanding contributions to addressing complex public health issues, including violence prevention, intergenerational trauma, and healing. Her work has helped the public see the structural drivers of health inequity and supported community-led approaches to policy and systems change.
“Applying cultural teachings and values to policies, procedures, and processes helps me get the work done that matters most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” she said, accepting the award and dedicating it to the Yardhura Walani team and their excellence.
Professor Ray Lovett (Ngiyampaa/Wongaibon), the Associate Director of Yardhura Walani and the head of the Culture and Wellbeing Research team, was awarded PHAA’s Sidney Sax Award for his leadership across research, policy, and practice.
“Indigenous public health is about far more than programs, policies, or statistics,” remarks Lovett.
“It is about people. It is about listening. It is about recognising the strength, resilience, and wisdom that Indigenous communities have demonstrated for generations.”
Professor Lovett has led four national cohort studies contributing to national health planning and strengthened evidence on racism as a public health emergency.
Through the first global effort they spearheaded, the work of the Culture and Wellbeing Research team has helped transform the ways public health understands and measures the determinants of health.