There is ample research to show that Aboriginal people experience greater disadvantage than the wider population on almost all of the determinants of health and social and emotional wellbeing including employment, education and housing. 

The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research is committed to working in partnership with researchers and Aboriginal communities and organisations to identify and address the social determinants that impact Aboriginal health and wellbeing.  The Telethon Institute works to achieve this in a range of ways and with a range of groups:

• The Aboriginal Collaborative Council Advising on Research and Evaluation (ACCARE) provides guidance and is the peak body for advocacy and discussions for Aboriginal issues relevant to research and researchers at the Telethon Institute and in collaboration with appropriate external organisations. ACCARE provides guidance and advice on Aboriginal research conducted at the Telethon Institute.

• The Kulunga Research Network is working on preventative strategies to improve outcomes for children by bringing together an outstanding team of Aboriginal researchers to work on issues by translating research into policy. It is through the Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey, undertaken at the Telethon Institute that provides a platform for research into Aboriginal Health.

• The Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing is funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant awarded to the Telethon Institute for a Centre for Research Excellence: From Marginalised to Empowered:Transformative methods for Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing and is the flagship of research at the Telethon Institute. The NHMRC will provide $2.5 million funding over five years.

• Related Projects: the Telethon Institute is involved in a raft of projects and programs that are committed to Aboriginal Health Research. These include the Developmental Pathways Project

The Telethon Institute is committed to ensuring both the organisation and individual staff are culturally competent in working with Aboriginal people and is committed to Reconciliation. 

A Statement of Commitment was signed in 2007 and is displayed at the Telethon Institute.  To view a copy of the statement click here.

MEDIA RELEASE: Empowering Aboriginal communities key to suicide prevention (15 August, 2012)