Professor Ian Anderson to speak at La Trobe Bendigo

One of the country’s foremost experts on Indigenous health will deliver the Violet Vines Marshman Oration in July

One of the country’s foremost experts on Indigenous health will deliver the Violet Vines Marshman Oration at La Trobe’s Bendigo campus in July.

Professor Ian Anderson AO is a La Trobe alumni who is recognised for his longstanding passion for First Nations rights and issues.

He will speak on the topic “Transforming Indigenous health in rural Australia” on 25 July 2024.

Professor Leigh Kinsman, Chair of the Violet Vines Marshman Centre – part of the La Trobe Rural Health School – welcomed the news.

“We are delighted that Professor Anderson, a leader in his field, is coming to Bendigo to share his knowledge and experience,” Professor Kinsman said.

“We are all excited for the insights he will offer health professionals as well as the wider community.”

A palawa man, currently living in lutruwita (Tasmania), Professor Anderson AO is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Tasmania.

He has had a distinguished career in academia and leadership, with his expertise significantly influencing Indigenous health policy at the highest level of government.

His previous roles include ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne and Deputy Secretary for Indigenous Affairs in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

At The University of Melbourne, Professor Anderson was the Foundation Chair of Indigenous Health, Foundation Chair of Indigenous Higher Education, Assistant Vice Chancellor Indigenous Higher Education Policy, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement).

He also completed his PhD in Sociology at La Trobe University in 2007 and received the La Trobe Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020.

in 2017, he became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Indigenous community, health equality, aged care and education, as an academic, researcher and medical practitioner and as a role model.

Find out more about the event, and register now.