You're invited to celebrate the official launch of the VACCHO Human Research Ethics Committee (VACCHO HREC).

After 25 years, Victoria once again has an Aboriginal-specific ethics committee.

The launch of the VACCHO HREC marks a powerful moment of self-determination: research impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria is reviewed by a body that truly understands what is at stake.

The VACCHO HREC is one of the landmark achievements of marra ngarrgoo, marra goorri: The Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical and Wellbeing Research Accord (launched in 2023). It means Victoria now has culturally appropriate ethics mechanism designed to protect the welfare, dignity, rights, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who participate in health, medical and wellbeing research.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, this means they can work with a local ethics committee they feel safe to approach. For non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers undertaking Aboriginal research, it means access to meaningful guidance and monitoring.

Join us to celebrate this achievement and meet the people who made it possible.

The event brings together Community members, researchers, and key stakeholders for a morning of celebration, learning and connection. Hear from the expert panel who contributed to establishing the HREC, meet committee members, and ask your questions about how the new committee works.

Together, we are raising the standard of Aboriginal research in Victoria – for Community, by Community.

AGENDA:

10am: Arrive and networking. Light refreshments provided

10:30am: Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

11am-12.30pm: Official proceedings

12:30pm: Lunch provided

LOCATION:

Zinc at Fed Square, located at Corner Birrarung Marr Walk and Russell St Ext, Melbourne VIC 3000.

Get directions.

Once you have made it to Zinc at Fed Square, please follow the event signage and staff directions.

The venue is easily accessed via public transport and if required there is paid car parking at Wilsons Parking Federation Square.

Please contact VACCHO at ethics@vaccho.org.au if you have any questions or need further information.

Contact the host of VACCHO Human Research Ethics Committee Launch