Join the UQ Faculty of Medicine (Frazer Institute, Mater Research, UQCCR, SBMS) and TRI in celebrating and inspiring women this International Women's Day.

Attendees will hear from our special guest speakers and the session will be chaired by Melody Muscat, Head of Indigenous Health Education at the School of Public Health of The University of Queensland. The session will also include a panel Q&A discussion and will be followed by a networking morning tea in the TRI Atrium.

Event details

Date: Friday 8 March 2024
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am (this will be followed by networking morning tea in the TRI Atrium)
Location: TRI Auditorium (37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102) & Zoom (ID 83677254040)
Registration: Register now

Get to know our featured guest speakers

Associate Prof Thelma Parker, FoM Associate Dean, Indigenous Engagement

Thelma Parker is an Waluwarra Wangkayujuru Wangkaymunha Women from Northwest Queensland. Thelma’s professional career has a long history in education for the last 30 years where she has held leadership positions from Principal, Assistant Principal, and Head of Schools. Throughout the nation's education agenda where Thelma has been instrumental in driving innovative education for remote schooling and programs focused on Indigenous perspectives and engagement that empowers disadvantaged young people in rural and remote communities. Thelma has commenced her role as the Associate Dean for the Faculty of Medicine, where she is looking to contribute to improved health and well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by enabling systems change and – culturally safe informed practice across the healthcare system. 

Ms Davina Smith, Senior Indigenous Research Assistant, Mater Research

Ms Davina Smith identifies as a Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander person. Davina has had a rewarding career spanning 18 years across various settings including education and health care, with a focus on advocating for people who identify at risk or are culturally diverse. She recently led a team implementing strengths-based birthing services designed to support the health and well-being of families in South East Queensland during the perinatal period. In this role, Davina led a team of Family Support Practitioners to support a caseload of women considered to have higher needs or require complex management during their pregnancy, birthing, and early childhood period. Davina recently joined the Indigenous Health Projects team at Mater Research Institute as a Senior Indigenous Research Assistant and brings leadership and expertise in working collaboratively, with a focus on Indigenous communities’ strengths and resilience, and the ability to provide cultural mentoring and support to non-Indigenous members of her team. Davina has a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Studies (Psychology/Public Relations) and a Certificate III in Education Support. She is mother to four exceptional adults, has one grandchild and another on the way.  

Ms Natasha Lee, Indigenous HDR Student, UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

Ms Nat Lee is a Mualgal (Moa Island, Zenadth Kes), Yidinji, Kullilli & Thunghutti woman. Nat grew up in Quandamooka and Mamu countries and is an advocate, truth seeker, and adventurer in Indigenous health with a background in Sociology, Anthropology, Ethics and Human Rights, Political Science, and Public Health (though these Western accolades are not a part of her identity). Nat’s work experience spans the community-controlled health sector, tertiary education, health research, and public service, both State and Commonwealth. Nat has more than 10 years of experience working with traditional owners in traditional countries across QLD, NSW, and ACT and credits these connections, along with her family upbringing to further expand her cultural knowledge and understanding of planetary health. Nat is a PhD Candidate with the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, and her research explores the concept of public health on Indigenous terms that better serves an Indigenous public good. Above all, Nat is a mother to two wonderfully spirited children, an Aka to a beautiful, spirited little grandson, and a sister, aunt, and friend to many.