MLA, MBA, Grad. Dip. Int. Hlth

Louise is a proud Jaadwa woman and Traditional Owner from Western Victoria. She has held senior research, strategic, project and business management roles in the private and public hospitals/healthcare sectors, Aboriginal health, local government and government owned entities. 

She held the role of Director of Public Health and Research at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation for nearly 6 years, and developed health programs and research projects in partnership with Aboriginal health services and Communities across Victoria. 

In her current role at The Kids Research Institute Australia she manages a number of Indigenous Genomics research and Community engagement projects, has established and manages the largest Indigenous genomics Governance network in Australia that provides cultural and community leadership guidance and advice for the genomics research teams. She is passionate about the need to remove diagnostic, treatment and research barriers and to create culturally safe genetic and genomic service pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

She has been and currently is a member of a number of state and Federal government working groups and advisory committees for Aboriginal health policy, funding and programs planning. Her strengths are translating research knowledge into culturally appropriate practices and models of care, policy development, Indigenous data sovereignty and governance, Community engagement and facilitation, strategic planning, culturally relevant evaluation and impact modelling and advocacy. She is a member of the:

·       St Vincent’s Health (Melbourne) Human Research Ethics Committee;

·       Thiitu Tharrmay Research Advisory Committee, Australian National University;

·       Mayi Kuwayu Data Sovereignty Advisory Committee, Australian National University; 

·       Board Director, Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Horsham; and

·       Australian Genomics National Steering Committee.