Prof Kerry Arabena

Kerry Arabena is Chair for Indigenous Health and Director of the Indigenous Health Equity Unit at The University of Melbourne. Professor Arabena was the Lead Investigator on the Australian Model of the First 1000 Days Study, an interventions based pre-birth cohort study designed with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and is now the Executive Director of First 1000 Days Australia.

A descendent of the Meriam people from the Torres Strait, Kerry has a Doctorate in Human Ecology and a degree in Social Work. With an extensive background in public health, administration, community development and research, her work has made significant contributions in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, family violence, gender issues, access and equity, service provision, and harm minimisation. Professor Arabena’s professional experience has seen her recognised as an Australian of the Year Finalist in 2010 and recipient of the prestigious JG Crawford Prize for Academic Excellence at Australian National University in 2011. Kerry is a Board Director, author and business owner; a mother and a grandmother with interests in achieving equity for all Australians.