We (Dr Catherine Demosthenous and Dr Hellene Demosthenous) are pleased to have been invited to take up appointments as Adjunct Research Fellows with the Centre for Health Research in the Institute of Resilient Regions at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Such appointments are made to recognise those who normally simultaneously hold an appropriate position in another institution, government or profession, and who will make contributions to the teaching, scholarship, research and/or service of the University. Through these appointments we hope to play a key role in health research that focusses on improving end of life and palliative care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (and other) people.
One of the reasons we are keen to collaborate with USQ over the coming years ...
While USQ pride themselves on their capacity to deliver world-changing research, their service to securing unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians is impressive, to say the least.
One example of this service relates to their work with Gamilaroi woman, Angela Walsh, founder of Surat Aboriginal Corporation, Queensland. Ms Walsh is known and respected for her passion and dedication to the preservation and sharing of Indigenous culture. She has led the development of many projects, including the South West Queensland Indigenous Cultural Trail. Her vision was to create a trail that would connect, capture and tell the stories of Indigenous history, culture, communities and place. Her vision has come to fruition with the help of USQ.
The South West Queensland Indigenous Cultural Trail loops from Dirranbandi to St George and Surat, to Roma, Mitchell and Charleville, then through Cunnamulla back to St George. It is a trail of deep significance to the communities and people of the region, and an immersive educational journey for all who take it. Learn more.