Dr. McMahon has been a part of La Trobe university since 2006, first as a student, and then through her involvement with Social Work at the Shepparton campus and Bendigo’s Jimbeyer Boondjhil Unit.
Dean and Head of the La Trobe Rural Health School (LRHS) Professor Jane Mills welcomed Mishel to her new, wide-ranging role.
“Mishel’s extensive Indigenous Leadership experience will allow her to lead and give voice to Aboriginal people undertaking coursework and research at LRHS.” Professor Mills said.
“She will be well placed to support staff to develop their confidence and level of engagement working with Aboriginal communities.”
Mishel said she is looking forward to taking on this diverse role.
“As a Yorta Yorta woman who grew up regionally, and who has been a La Trobe student and staff member, I bring lived experience to this role. A key value is the importance of practicing from a localised perspective.”
“In each regional area of the LRHS there is a unique context, so this role begins with, and will always hold, listening and learning.”
About Mishel McMahon
Mishel has a strong track record in community engagement, having received a 2019 Victorian Premier’s Award for Health and Medical Research, and a 2019-2020 Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership as an emerging leader.
Her recent position at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) as Victorian Aboriginal Research Accord Coordinator provided Mishel with the opportunity to engage with Victorian ACCHO’s, Medical Research Institutes, Department of Health, Lowitja Institute, and other Victorian Universities.
About the Role
The role will advise on best practice in First Nations pedagogy; providing guidance and support in the development of curricula that positions First Nations perspectives for health and wellbeing across undergraduate and postgraduate content.
Mishel will work with La Trobe's regional campuses to provide mentoring and professional development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LRHS students. She will also work with LRHS academics and colleagues to build cultural safety capabilities and anti-racism practice.
Mishel will also engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are already part of the rural health workforce, to develop and implement workforce capability through training and support programs.
Mishel will take up her appointment on Monday 21 February on the Bendigo campus.
Media Contact: Julia Henery – j.henery@latrobe.edu.au
