Three pioneering healthcare fellowships have been announced to address key areas of unmet need in Western Australia – focusing on support for regional areas, dementia and Aboriginal communities.
The three-year Early-to-Mid Career Research Fellowships will be jointly funded by the WA Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund and The Hospital Research Foundation Group as part of a groundbreaking new partnership announced in November last year.
The fellowships were awarded after a competitive application process under the theme ‘Preventive Health for Priority Populations’.
Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Medical Research, said these fellowships are an example of how the FHRI fund is supporting work that benefits a range of communities.
“The Cook Government is committed to ensuring our State has the resources and infrastructure to be a leader in medical research and innovation.
“The FHRI Fund is more than just financial support, it is a catalyst for transformative change in WA’s health system and beyond.”
Mr Ben Wilson, Growth Impact Lead at The Hospital Research Foundation Group WA, said the fellowships reflect a strong commitment from both funding partners to improving the long-term health of Western Australians.
“These fellowships focus on real-world solutions for people often overlooked in traditional healthcare models,” Mr Wilson said.
“We’re proud to support these projects that will have a tangible and generational impact on our community’s health.”
The successful applicants come from across Western Australia and a range of leading WA Universities and research institutes.
The 2025 inaugural fellowship recipients include:
Dr Bernardo Dewey | Curtin University
Supporting Aboriginal fathers during pregnancy
This project will work with Aboriginal Elders, fathers and healthcare workers to better support Aboriginal men during pregnancy. The goal is to help Aboriginal dads feel more included in care, leading to better outcomes for parents and babies.
The team will create a culturally safe model of antenatal care that recognises the important role Aboriginal fathers play during this time.
Dr Kelsey Sewell | Murdoch University
Reducing dementia risk in regional areas
The risk of dementia can be lowered through physical activity, but many older adults in rural and remote areas struggle to find suitable programs.
This project will trial a simple web-based program called Small Steps to help older people get moving. With personalised goals, online coaching and peer support, the program aims to boost physical activity and brain health to reduce the risk of dementia in regional communities.
Ms Lianne Gilchrist | University of Western Australia
Improving health assessments for older Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people
This project will develop guidelines to help healthcare workers conduct better health and wellbeing checks for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
These new guidelines will make sure assessments are culturally respectful and sensitive to past trauma, helping to improve trust, care and health outcomes.
*Please note this story has been edited from its original publication, as original recipient Dr Vincent Mancini has taken on an alternate Fellowship. We wish him all the best!
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