Associate Professor Alwin Chong

I am a Wakamin descendent from Far North Queensland.  I am a respected Aboriginal leader and advocate for Aboriginal health and health research.  I am passionate and committed to my work and well known nationally for my advocacy and dedication to raising issues about Aboriginal health and health research.

Lowitja Institute, Program Leader for the Cooperative Research Centre for ATSI Health Program 2 and in its latest iteration, faculty member, Healthy Communities and Settings

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts in Aboriginal Affairs Administration South Australian Institute of Technology

Work history

2013 Senior Researcher, Yaitya Purruna Indigenous Health Unit, University of Adelaide. Yaita Purruna was established in 2000 to provide support for all ATSI students studying in the Faculty of Health Sciences.  Since 2000 Yaita Purruna has expanded this initial role and now includes collaboration with Wilto Yerlo, Centre for Aboriginal Education. Yaitya Purruna also conducts research, curriculum development and teaching within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

2012    Aboriginal Health Council South Australia Inc – Transition Manager for the Hills Mallee Southern Region Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service  - co-ordinate and implement agreed recommendations from a plan to guide the establishment of new Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

2011   Indigenous Strategy and Development Coordination, Menzies School of Health, Northern Territory

2010  Senior Research and Ethics Officer, Aboriginal Health Council South Australia Inc.  (10 years) One of the major responsibilities of this position was the development and implementation of a research agenda that identified ATSI community research topics rather than academically driven research topics.  This was achieved through a process of identifying and priotitisng issues within communities that researchers were able to target.  The outcome was to enable research projects that had greater benefits for Aboriginal people.

This position also included management of the Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee, a sub-committee of the National Health and Medical Advisory Council and the peak ethics body for Aboriginal Health research in South Australia.