A/Prof Mitchell Anjou
Organisation: The University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU), deputy director
Area of interest: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island eye health
2023 looms as an important year in Australia’s history as a referendum will determine the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
IEHU will be starting 2023 acknowledging the retirement of Professor Hugh Taylor AC, who established the group in 2008, as he accepts an emeritus appointment within the university. IEHU has made significant changes over the past year including recasting our Advisory Board to be chaired and have a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The IEHU staff of 17 is now just under 50% First Nations people and we will begin shifting power within the group in 2023.
The Indigenous eye health sector has some important challenges ahead including collectively re-engaging with the new government to support sector proposals and activities.
First Nations leadership will be an emerging strength in the sector in 2023 through the activities of NEGATSIEH and FNEHA, including the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference 2023 – to be held in Western Sydney in May.
