First published 11 March 2026
QUT’s Faculty of Health has marked an important milestone in its commitment to improving health education, research and engagement outcomes for First Nations Australians, with the inaugural meeting of the First Nations Australian Health Advisory Group held on Friday 6 March at the Kelvin Grove campus.
The establishment of the Group represents a significant step in the Faculty’s ongoing journey to build the capability required to deliver long-term, transformational change for First Nations Australian students and communities.
The Group brings together First Nations leaders and experts to provide high-level strategic advice, guidance and recommendations to the Faculty of Health. Its role is to support the respectful and meaningful embedding of cultural capability, cultural competency and cultural safety, aligned with best-practice frameworks and standards.
Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, said the Group plays a critical role in shaping the Faculty’s future direction.
“As a Faculty, we have a responsibility to listen, learn and be guided by First Nations expertise”, Professor Yates said.
“The establishment of this Group reflects our commitment to embedding cultural safety, respect and excellence across everything we do, particularly with the establishment of QUT’s new School of Medicine”.
The inaugural meeting provided an opportunity for the Group to discuss the Faculty’s Strategic Directions for First Nations Australian Health and to begin shaping the conditions required to support transformational outcomes across teaching, research and engagement.
Professor Jody Currie, Assistant Dean - First Nations Health, Faculty of Health said the meeting was an important moment to establish shared understanding, trust and direction.
“I’m grateful for the commitment, under the leadership of Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates, to creating the conditions for sustainable, culturally safe and meaningful change for First Nations students, staff, alumni and communities,” Professor Currie said.
This work is acknowledged as part of an ongoing journey and recognises that meaningful change requires sustained commitment, strong relationships and accountability. Appreciation is extended to the First Nations leaders and experts who generously contributed their time and knowledge to the inaugural meeting of the First Nations Australian Health Advisory Group, and for their ongoing commitment.
Pictured (left to right): Renee Blackman, Alf Davis, Professor Jody Currie, A/Professor Deanne Minniecon, Professor Wesley Enoch, Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates, Dr Ali Drummond, Stella Taylor Johnson, A/Professor Deb Duthie, Francis Nona, Tuscany Abala.
