Programs designed to improve cancer outcomes for First Nations communities will be enhanced with the appointment of Professor Jacinta Elston and Louise Lyons to the VCCC Alliance team, as co-Research and Education Leads, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
The appointments will be for a period of 12 months, and come as Associate Professor Kalinda Griffiths steps away from the position for a year. A/Prof Griffiths will continue ongoing collaborative research with the VCCC Alliance partners during this time.
VCCC Alliance Chief Executive Professor Grant McArthur AO welcomed the two new appointments and the extensive experience Prof Elston and Ms Lyons would bring to the organisation, and more broadly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health outcomes for those experiencing cancer.
“We are delighted to welcome two people of Louise’s and Jacinta’s calibre and expertise to grow and strengthen the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health program.” - Prof Grant McArthur AO
Prof Elston, who has multiple affiliations including as an Advisor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control, Cancer Australia will co-chair the alliance’s Health Equity Advisory Group and provide strategic guidance around engagement with key stakeholders.
Ms Lyons, who is Senior Manager, Strategy and Policy, Indigenous Genomics at The Kids Research Institute, will provide strategic guidance on growing partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations. She will also plan a collaborative precision medicine project with the alliance’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program manager, Dr Shayne Bellingham.
“We are looking forward to enhancing collaborations between the VCCC Alliance and The Kids Research Institute with Ms Lyons, especially in the area of Indigenous genomics and precision medicine,” Professor McArthur said.
“Prof Elston will bring invaluable expertise, including from her work with Cancer Australia developing the Australian Cancer Plan where she led engagement with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and guided the process of co-design,” he said.
Prof McArthur paid tribute to A/Prof Griffiths, commending the impressive program of work she developed with the alliance over the past three years.
The alliance’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program spans multiple critical areas, including developing targeted cancer control strategies, integrating First Nations consumer perspectives into research and education, and creating supportive pathways that respect cultural traditions while delivering high-quality, personalised cancer care.
Established through a meaningful partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the program is committed to implementing the Victorian Aboriginal Cancer Journey Strategy, and Aboriginal Research Accord, with a strong focus on cultural safety, research governance, and data sovereignty.
