Aunty Valda Keed
HREC Elder Representative
Aunty Val was born in Peak Hill, New South Wales and is a descendent from a long line of proud Wiradjuri people in this area. Aunty Val is the Chairperson of the AH&MRC Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), a position she has held since 2007. Aunty Val has generously shared her cultural knowledge and guidance with many researchers over the years and enjoys educating researchers on the most culturally appropriate ways to consult, engage and acknowledge the Aboriginal Community and their involvement in human research.
Aunty Val was also the founding member of the AH&MRC since its establishment (initially as the Aboriginal Health Resource Committee) in 1985. Aunty Val has held a number of positions on the AH&MRC Board of Directors over the years, representing the Lower Central West area on many occasions. Aunty Val is currently the Chairperson of the Peak Hill Aboriginal Medical Service and has also been involved in many community-based organisations in the region, including the Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council, Warramunga Aboriginal Advancement Co-operative, Mid Lachlan Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Weigelli Drug and Alcohol Centre (Cowra), and the National Parks Peak Hill/Bogan River Aboriginal Joint Management Group.