The START study has established local governance committees. The Aboriginal Governance Committee provide leadership and guidance over research governance, community participation and engagement, and capacity building processes used in this study.
The committee will ensure systems are in place to enable translation of new knowledge into health gains for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples beyond the life of the project.
Aboriginal Governance Committee (AGC)
Left to right: Glenn Pearson, Mark Mayo, Heather D’Antoine, Dr Sean Taylor, Margaret O'Brien, Noeletta McKenzie
Glenn Pearson chairs the AGC, ensuring that specific cultural, social and economic contexts are recognised and responded to in close collaboration with Aboriginal families and communities. Glenn is supported by Indigenous leaders and researchers Heather D’Antoine, Mark Mayo and Dr Sean Taylor and community representatives and advocates Noeletta McKenzie and Margaret O'Brien.
Margaret O'Brien is an Indigenous Outreach Worker/Recalls Officer, Danila Dilba Health Service and Champion4Change advocate for RHD Australia. Margaret is also a community representative and advocate for the START study in the TopEnd and proud mum to Liana.
Liana and Margaret O'Brien
Noeletta McKenzie is Programs Manager at Balunu Foundation and Champion4Change advocate for RHD Australia. Noeletta is also a community representative and advocate for the START study in the TopEnd and proud mum to Raychelle.
Noeletta and Raychelle McKenzie