Overview

Welcome

Our team is committed to supporting emerging Indigenous Adamics, researchers and health workforce, from the moment they start our courses, until they graduate and beyond.

The Indigenous Development portfolio is dedicated to supporting the recruitment and graduation of Indigenous students in order to cultivate a sustainable Indigenous workforce.

The Faculty's diverse expertise and knowledge, along with the expanding Indigenous leadership within the academic and student communities, contribute to its collective strength. This commitment to place and community fosters a more inclusive environment for research, teaching, and learning, grounded in Indigenous and global perspectives. This approach aims to inspire and enhance the Indigenous student experience.

Contact us / Our team 

Image for Kristi Roberts

Kristi Roberts

Associate Director
Indigenous Development

kristi.roberts@unimelb.edu.au

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Dr Karyn Ferguson

Goulburn Valley Indigenous Health Lead
Indigenous Development

karynf@unimelb.edu.au

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Dr Jordan Cory

Manager
Global Indigenous Health

j.cory@unimelb.edu.au

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Jasmin Ehlert

Engagement Manager
Indigenous Development

jasmin.ehlert@unimelb.edu.au

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Nerida Heyward

Executive Assistant, Deputy Dean Indigenous

nerida.heyward@unimelb.edu.au

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Shawn Kelly

Project Officer
Indigenous Development

shawn.kelly@unimelb.edu.au

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Aunty Cathy Garlett

Indigenous Primary Health Practitioner

cathy.garlett@unimelb.edu.au

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Natasha Chandler

Student Engagement
Indigenous Development

natasha.chandler.1@unimelb.edu.au

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Jessica Taylor

Student Engagement
Indigenous Development

jessica.taylor5@unimelb.edu.au

Truth Telling in Health and The Renaming Project

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) are deeply committed to truth-telling and reconciliation. As outlined in Dhoombak Goobgoowana: Vol. 1, the de-naming and renaming of spaces are critical steps in confronting harmful colonial legacies, including connections to systemic racism and the eugenics movement. Through this project, we seek to develop an inclusive and integrated approach that invites our entire community to truthfully acknowledge the past and walk together toward a future built on equity, healing, and shared responsibility. These actions not only honour the histories and voices that have long been marginalised but also promote meaningful reflection and dialogue—supporting our ongoing journey toward a more just and inclusive University.


Header artwork note: The header artwork combines an image of white blood cells destroying cancerous target cells and an illustration representing generations of people sustained by the Myrnong (yam daisy) - a historical staple food of Indigenous people, bringing together Indigenous culture, community and the health sciences. The artwork is the product of a collaboration between Shawana Andrews, Misty JenkinsNichole Allder and Kristi Roberts.