VACCHO celebrated a landmark moment in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research space with the launch of marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri The Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical and Wellbeing Research Accord at a special event at the Melbourne Museum yesterday.
The launch of marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri is a momentous achievement that will lead the way towards self-determined, ethical Aboriginal research in Victoria.
marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri is a state-wide instrument that seeks to assist researchers and research organisations to improve their ethical standards and to implement the national ethics guidelines at a local and State level across Victoria.
The Accord will play a crucial role in driving self-determination in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research by empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a greater voice in how research is conducted across the State.
VACCHO engaged and consulted with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to develop an appropriate and meaningful language name for the Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical, and Wellbeing Research Accord.
Jill Gallagher AO addresses the guests at the launch
This collaboration eventuated in the choice of the language phrase marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri to represent the vision for the Accord.
marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri literally translates to: Community knowledge, Community health.
The launch was a special gathering of over 200 people including special guests Deputy Premier The Hon. Ben Carroll, Minister for Education and Minister for Medical Research and The Honorable Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health, Health Infrastructure and Ambulance services.
L – R: The Honorable Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health, Health Infrastructure and Ambulance services, VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher, Deputy Premier The Hon. Ben Carroll, Minister for Education and Minister for Medical Research, Member for Northern Metropolitan, Sheena Watts MP.
One of the big highlights of the launch was an insightful Q and A panel discussion featuring Dr Jill Gallagher VACCHO CEO, Professor Karen Adams from Monash University, Lisa Thorpe – Gunnai & Gunditjmara CEO, Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Professor Brendan Crabb – Director and CEO, Burnet Institute, Dr Megan Astle – Executive Director of Health and Medical Research, Department of Health.
VACCHO’s Executive Manager of Research Olivia Payne also hosted a special session What’s marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri? which demonstrated the highlights of the Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical and Wellbeing Research Accord.
VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher says the launch of marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri is the result of over thirty years of tireless Community research, development, and advocacy.
“The launch of marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri is an incredible moment for Community – and will enable more research to be conducted by Community for Community.”
“The main message we have heard from Community is that research about us, must be by us. Times of being the subjects of research rather than the drivers of it, must be brought to an end.”
“marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri is about having Aboriginal people in the driver’s seat to assist with and advance research initiatives.”
“I encourage all researchers in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing sector, to join us on this vital journey to increasing ethical standards of research, and in doing so enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes for our people.”
L – R: Brendan Crabb, Paul Stewart, Karen Adams, Jill Gallagher, Megan Astle, Lisa Thorpe
