The Office for Health and Medical Research, through the Rural, Regional and Remote Clinical Trial Enabling Program, is supporting the expansion of access to clinical trials across NSW and the ACT, making it easier for people to participate closer to home.
The Program is locally led with three geographical Clusters – Northern, Western and Southern – delivering clinical trials across rural, regional and remote NSW and the ACT.
The Southern Cluster annual gathering took place on 29-30 October at Griffith Base Hospital on Wiradjuri land, hosted by Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
Participants deepened their understanding of the local Aboriginal community’s history, culture and perspectives on clinical trial participation. The event fostered strong cultural awareness and unity, creating a safe space for both Aboriginal and non‑Aboriginal participants.
The gathering opened with a smoking ceremony, cleansing the site and welcoming guests in a spirit of healing and connection to Country. Attendees then shared lunch with local Aboriginal Elders, fostering meaningful cultural exchange and reflection.
Chaired by Barbara Taylor, MLHD Director Research, day one focused on listening and learning about the challenges Aboriginal people face in clinical research, being one of the most studied yet often least engaged populations.
Dr Vic McEwan, Artistic Producer, Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment led a session on co-design and consultation with Wiradjuri community members for a local art project including a discussion on the significance of the newly installed artwork at Griffith Base Hospital. Lisa Curry-Lawlor, Aboriginal Health Research Manager, Stephen Collins shared their knowledge and experience of local Aboriginal history and Dr Craig Underhill, newly appointed Medical Lead for Clinical Trials at MLHD shared his insights on genuine engagement when building culturally safe and inclusive trials.
Day two featured hands-on workshops led by Professor Walter Abhayaratna and the Southern Cluster Executive team. Many participants had contributed to the Decentralised Clinical Trials Working Group, led by Anna Hartley from the Cancer Institute NSW, making this a valuable opportunity to explore pilot options and practical ways to bring trials closer to home.
Dr Underhill also shared lessons from successful Aboriginal engagement strategies, fostering knowledge exchange across clinical trial teams.
This gathering marked an important step toward building trust and fostering meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal communities in MLHD.
