Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

AH&MRC Ethics aims to educate and engage health professionals with its first public forum.

The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW Human Research Ethics Committee (AH&MRC HREC) is marking its 26th year by organising its inaugural forum, scheduled for June 27th, 2023. This forum aims to cater to academics, affiliated health professionals, and groups, providing them with educational opportunities regarding the significance of Aboriginal ethics, requirements for approvals and processes and the governance structures. It represents the beginning of AH&MRC HREC’s expansion and growth plans for the coming years.

Kelly Jones, the AH&MRC Research Ethics Coordinator, emphasises “This forum is to educate all attendees on the HREC’s processes and governance structures when submitting an ethics application. The committee reviews over 100 applications annually in which they need to ensure that all submissions are culturally and ethically appropriate.”

In 2022, AH&MRC HREC was honoured with the Indigenous Governance Award by Reconciliation Australia. This accolade recognises and celebrates exceptional examples of governance in Indigenous-led non-incorporated initiatives, projects, or businesses. AH&MRC HREC aims to rectify the historical devastation caused by this industry. Reconciliation Australia commended the committee for its commendable efforts in engaging others and promoting positive change.

Acting CEO Joanne Grant highlights the integral role played by the Human Research Ethics Committee in the organisation. She emphasizes the importance of respectfully appreciating the diverse Cultural Protocols while engaging distinct Aboriginal communities across Australia. Grant believes that such engagement can contribute to strengthening our national identity and character as a nation.

If you would like to attend the forum, please purchase the tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ahmrc-ethics-forum-tickets-617455133927

Official Media Release

AH&MRC Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Update 2023

COVID-19 and Influenza Webinar

  • Last week, Dr. Kerry Chant, along with Dr. Kath Keenan, and Lachlan Madden from AH&MRC provided an update of influenza, COVID-19 and strategies on how to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the topic of vaccination.
  • To watch this webinar back, please see the link: AH&MRC Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Webinar

Slides to go with the Webinar: https://www.ahmrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AHMRC-Influenza-and-COVID-Vaccination-Webinar-Master-002.pdf

Influenza Vaccine Poster

  • The AH&MRC has designed a quick visual reference guide for practitioners providing influenza vaccines in ACCHOs.
  • We will be sending copies of this guide to member services in the coming weeks.

Influenza Toolkit

  • The AH&MRC has updated the Seasonal Influenza Toolkit which provides guidance on how to manage influenza in an ACCHO environment.
  • This toolkit will provide information on the signs of symptoms of influenza, who is most at risk from influenza, how influenza is spread and treatments for influenza as well as other information, including the appropriate use of PPE.

Toolkit Link: https://www.ahmrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AHM_2023-Seasonal-Influenza-Preparedness-Toolkit_04.pdf 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at publichealth@ahmrc.org.au