VACCHO is proud to launch the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Theory and Practice.
This is the first time a course like this will be run in Victoria, with the qualification being delivered by VACCHO’s Registered Training Organisation, Yagilaith Djerring.
Developed in partnership with the Lowitja Institute, the new qualification has previously been delivered in New South Wales supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in building research skills and pursuing careers in research. The course will be delivered in Victoria and made possible through the OCHRe network.
The skills and knowledge students will acquire through their studies, will further strengthen the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations sector, the wider Aboriginal community, as well as many mainstream research organisations.
The Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical and Wellbeing Research Accord, marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri was instrumental in identifying the need for this qualification.
The Research Accord is a state-wide framework that seeks to assist researchers and research organisations to improve their ethical standards and to implement the national ethics guidelines at a local and State level.
VACCHO is excited to see the knowledge and confidence the first cohorts of students will gain during their studies and how they will apply these news skills to create meaningful impact in their Communities.
Quotes attributable to VACCHO CEO, Dr Jill Gallagher AO
“The resounding message from our Community is that research about us must be by us, marking the end of Aboriginal people being subjects rather than drivers of research.”
“Aboriginal people are among the most researched populations in the world, and for far too long research has been done on us, rather than with us. We know that research that is led by Aboriginal people leads to research that is more accurate and relevant to the realities faced by our Communities.”
“Having more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers will ensure that critical Cultural knowledge and lived experience is captured, strengthening both the quality of research and its overall impact.”
Quotes attributable to The Lowitja Institute CEO, Paul Stewart
“We are proud to be supporting Aboriginal community-controlled RTOs such as VACCHO to be delivering this course to make a difference in building our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research workforce.
Our accredited Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Theory and Practice course offers a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to attain a qualification for pursuing a career in research.’
A recent graduate of the course has gone on to undertake a higher degree by research with the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Queensland. This graduate, and others like them, are a testament to the importance of supporting early career researchers in developing their skills across Indigenous research methodologies, data analysis, ethical practices, and working in culturally safe ways with community to co-design research that matters to our mob.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Medical Research, Ben Carroll
“This new qualification will help to ensure more Aboriginal people are in the drivers’ seat, enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while also leading the way in ethical Aboriginal research in Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE, Colin Brooks
“Supporting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to pursue careers in research is not only an investment in self-determination – it also creates high-quality jobs and strengthens Aboriginal communities.”
