Novo Nordisk says the move will help improve health outcomes for people living with diabetes, obesity, and related chronic conditions.
Novo Nordisk Australia has announced the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Advisory Council in a move it says is a national first.
The council has been set up to help improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with diabetes, obesity, and related chronic conditions.
The Council comprises nine prominent healthcare professionals and academics with lived experiences and a deep understanding of chronic disease in Aboriginal health.
It will be chaired by Sian Graham, a Bardi-Jawi and Noongar woman with 16 years’ experience working with communities across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Far North Queensland.
Other members of the council include:
- Belinda Cashman, a Wiradjuri woman and the director of Aboriginal Health at Western Sydney Local Health District;
- Professor Elif Ekinci, director of the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations and head of the Department of Medicine at Melbourne University;
- Dr Gaurav Puri, clinical director of Logan Endocrinology and Diabetes Services at Logan and Beaudesert Hospitals. He contributed to the Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021-2031 and is a clinician leader, strategist, trialist, networker, and equity advocate;
- Dr Janelle Trees, a Goori/ Dhanggati woman and GP who works in regional, rural and remote areas. Currently living on Wiradjuri country, Dr Trees is also a researcher, writer, editor, especially in Indigenous health, and a guest lecturer at the University of Technology, Sydney;
- Marilyn Morgan, a senior Aboriginal physiotherapist focusing on delivery of culturally safe health services and CTG. She is a director of the National Indigenous Health Leadership Alliance NIHLA, a life member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and a member of the AHPRA Strategy Unit. She serves on the boards of a number of ACCHOs and is a director of Langton & Partners where her expertise is in Aboriginal health and economic development. She is a clinical practitioner in regional WA;
- Michael Graham, a Dja Dja Wurrung and Wiradjuri man, and Victorian Aboriginal Health Service CEO. He serves as a director of the Lowitja Institute and a director on the Board of NACCHO, VACCHO, Aboriginal Community Elders Service, and Yappera Children’s Services. He is also co-chair of NMASG of DFFH, co-chair of AHWPF and co-chair of the CTG partnership forum, and sits on the National Joint Council and Coalition of Peaks;
- Dr Shannon Lin, a credentialled diabetes educator, an advanced accredited practising dietitian and a board member of the Australian Diabetes Educator Association (ADEA). She is also a senior lecturer at the University Technology of Sydney (UTS) School of Public Health; and,
- Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO of the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS).
The council’s mission is to provide Novo Nordisk with independent and expert insights, strategic advice, and cultural guidance to foster better health outcomes within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
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Ms Graham said establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Advisory Council within Novo Nordisk created a platform which gave back a voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.
“This initiative not only ensures that we are heard but also empowers us to shape the agenda and drive health outcomes that align with efforts to close the gap,” she said.
“I am eager to collaborate with Novo Nordisk in a genuine partnership to implement meaningful initiatives and create impactful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
This initiative aligns with Novo Nordisk’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Sustainability Strategy, emphasising the company’s commitment to build respectful partnerships and the creation of inclusive, culturally appropriate clinical research and materials for community healthcare workers.
Novo Nordisk has recently launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, building on the learnings from its Reflect RAP.
“Our goal is to co-create projects that contribute to the National Closing the Gap objectives and support better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said Cem Ozenc, Novo Nordisk Oceania corporate vice-president and general manager.
“By engaging directly with First Nations communities and leveraging the expertise of our council members, we can make significant strides in addressing the health disparities affecting these communities.”
Novo Nordisk Australia enlisted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned consultancy firm, the Bulwul Njindiwan Group (TBNG), to help assemble and manage the council.
TBNG founder and principal consultant Kyle Vander-Kuyp said, “We are extremely proud to have been able to support Novo Nordisk to assemble this Advisory council. We look forward to continuing to work together to support this council to create lasting positive change. We are all stronger together.”