A major rural health research project led by UCRH’s Dr Cassandra Sedran-Price has secured over $700,000 through a prestigious National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant. The funding will support a five-year program focused on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants.
The project, Restoring Visibility, Strengthening Resilience: Indigenous-Led Data Solutions for Stolen Generations’ Health Equity, will address what has been described as a “gap within the gap”. While Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants experience significantly poorer health outcomes than other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, they are often not clearly identified in health data, making it harder to understand their needs and plan appropriate services.
Working alongside survivors, families and partner organisations including The Healing Foundation, the program will improve how Stolen Generations families are counted in national health datasets, examine patterns of healthcare use, and explore how culture, community and connection to Country support health and wellbeing. The research will also consider how climate change may affect these communities and help develop practical approaches to support long-term health resilience.
Dr Sedran-Price said the project aimed to ensure Stolen Generations families are no longer overlooked in the evidence used to shape health policy.
“Stolen Generations families have been invisible in the data that drives health policy, which means the services they need have never been properly designed for them,” she said.
“This program is about restoring visibility, dignity and recognition, while working with communities to develop strengths-based solutions that support healing, health equity and long-term wellbeing.”
The grant is also significant news for UCRH, highlighting the centre’s growing contribution to nationally important research in Indigenous health and health equity. While the project will have a national focus, it will be led through UCRH, reinforcing the important role we can play in addressing some of Australia’s most complex health challenges.
Dr Sedran-Price said the funding would help ensure Stolen Generations families were no longer overlooked in the evidence used to inform policy and service planning.
“This research is focused on generating better evidence about the health and wellbeing of Stolen Generations survivors and descendants, so that governments, health services and communities have a clearer understanding of where support is needed,” she said.
“The opportunity to lead this work through UCRH reflects the centre’s long-standing commitment to health equity and Indigenous-led research with national impact.”
The Investigator Grant scheme supports outstanding researchers with a strong track record of leadership and innovation. The funding recognises Dr Sedran-Price’s expertise in Indigenous health, Indigenous Data Sovereignty and health equity, while supporting research that has the potential to influence policy and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
See also: University of Sydney researchers awarded over $70 million in NHMRC Investigator Grants
