• Professor Susan Green from Charles Sturt University conferred Contribution to Indigenous Research Award at the 2020 National Indigenous Allied Health Awards
• Award recognises the Wagga Wagga Professor’s research with Aboriginal communities spanning the last 20 years
• Professor Green’s work has increased the number of Aboriginal people undertaking social work courses and working in the social work profession

A Charles Sturt University academic from Wagga Wagga received national recognition for her research when she was announced as a category winner at the 2020 National Indigenous Allied Health Awards.

Professor in Indigenous Australian Studies Susan Green in the Charles Sturt School of Indigenous Australian Studies received the Contribution to Indigenous Research Award at the virtual award ceremony hosted by Indigenous Allied Health Australia.

The annual award program recognises current and future leaders who have had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities.

The award was conferred on Professor Green in recognition of her 20-year research career working with Aboriginal communities, with particular mention of her work in co-designed and Aboriginal-led research and in social work and Aboriginal social work education.

“To receive an award from my peers recognising my work is a great honour,” Professor Green said.

“Ensuring that research is co-designed and lead by community can be difficult due to the constraints by institutions and funding which operate within the Western model of research and can therefore limit the possibility to work with communities to co-design and lead research projects.

“However, it is important that we ensure that our communities demand what research is done, how it is done, and then how it is used.

“I thank everyone for their support of me and my work.”

Head of School in the Charles Sturt School of Indigenous Australian Studies Associate Professor Jay Phillips congratulated Professor Green on her well-deserved award win.

“The award recognises the extensive achievements of Professor Green,” Professor Philips said.

“It recognises her ongoing demonstration of principles in research that align with knowledge translation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through true partnership with communities and her significant contribution to allied health.”

Professor Green’s work has made a significant contribution to the development of social work ethics, practice, theory and education, and changed the way social work practices with Aboriginal people are taught at university.

Her work has increased the number of Aboriginal people undertaking social work courses and working in the social work profession, as well increased the profession’s awareness of its need to decolonise its practices and include culturally responsive practice.

Much of Professor Green’s career has also been dedicated to Aboriginal-led research and working to ensure Aboriginal people and communities are able to decide what research is completed and how it is completed.

In more recent times, Professor Green’s work has included the development and coordination of the Wiradjuri and Charles Sturt University Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage, which is the only university course of its kind offered in Australia.

The course provides a reconnective and bonding space for Wiradjuri people to strengthen their cultural identity. It introduces students to the Wiradjuri language and develops their capacity to make a positive contribution working in and supporting Indigenous communities.