One of CEITC's priorities is to build a network of Indigenous tobacco control reserachers and to provide them with opportunities to share ideas and knowledge. The network will map current research knowledge, establish where the gaps are and then formulate a research plan which fills in these gaps. So far CEITC has held two Researchers forums.

Researchers Roundtable, 2008

On 23 May 2008, CEITC and the Co-operative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (CRCAH) held an Indigenous Tobacco Control Roundtable in Brisbane. This event brought together almost 70 health workers, researchers, state and federal government and non-government representatives to prioritise and discuss a research agenda aimed at tackling the high smoking rates experienced in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The morning began with a welcome to Turrbal country provided by Uncle Hughie Kirk who acknowledged the original owners of the land on which we were meeting and told us briefly of his families experience of the Cherbourg Mission. He finished by displaying his talent playing the gum leaf. Thanks Uncle Hughie for your warm welcome and your good humour.

Presentations followed by Viki Briggs (CEITC), Mick Gooda (CRCAH), David Thomas (Menzies Health Research Centre) and Anke Van Der Sterren (CEITC) which set the scene for the workshops that followed. Kerry Howard from the Department of Health and Ageing also informed the meeting about the Commonwealth Governments commitment to Indigenous Tobacco Control with $14.5 million of funding. She explained that the initial aim of this funding is to establish some evidence around what programs and strategies will have an impact on smoking rates.

Following the presentations the participants were divided up into 6 groups, and over the 2 workshop sessions, identified research priorities and then selected one priority to look at in more detail. The groups looked at a number of different areas including cessation, prevention and workforce capacity.

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Following the Roundtable, an Indigenous Tobacco Control Research Steering Group will be formed to progress the meeting’s recommendations. A network will also be formed to ensure that a dialogue which focuses on research continues.

Register your interest in the Network or attending future roundtables

Researchers Meeting, 2007

On 26 and 27 August 2007, CEITC held a two day meeting which brought together 32 leading Indigenous tobacco control researchers and workers from around Australia. This first meeting established a forum where researchers could identify gaps in the research knowledge and provided an opportunity to share current research.

 
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CEITC and CRCAH Indigenous Tobacco Control Researcher's Roundtable, Brisbane 23 May 2008

Roundtable organising committee and presenters

Uncle Hughie and Aunty Janette Kirk

Mick Gooda (CRCAH), Mick Adams (NACCHO) and Viki Briggs (CEITC)