The Menzies Infectious Diseases Indigenous Reference Group (MID IRG) was established in 2014 to provide Aboriginal leadership, cultural governance, and strategic direction for the Menzies infectious diseases research program. The group includes representatives from more than 14 communities across the Northern Territory and meets regularly to guide research priorities and approaches.
The MID IRG ensures that research is grounded in community priorities and conducted in a culturally safe and respectful way. The group plays a key role in shaping research design, implementation, and translation, and supports strong partnerships between researchers, health services, and communities.

Role of the MID IRG 
The MID IRG provides high-level advice and leadership across infectious diseases research, including:
  • Guiding culturally safe research practice and implementation
  • Advising on community priorities and research impact
  • Supporting knowledge translation to Aboriginal communities
  • Contributing to the development of culturally appropriate resources
  • Strengthening Aboriginal workforce and community capacity in research
Impact

The leadership of the MID IRG has contributed to a number of key initiatives, including:

  • The Hep B Story app, translated into 11 Aboriginal languages
  • COVID-19 vaccine information videos in 9 Aboriginal languages
  • Development of the Certificate II in Community Health Research
Why it matters

The MID IRG demonstrates the importance of Aboriginal-led governance in research. By embedding community leadership and co-design, the group helps ensure research is relevant, respectful, and delivers meaningful outcomes for communities across the Northern Territory.

Chairperson:
Kumalie Riley

Members:
Amanda Dhagapan
Ann-Marie Lee
Cheryl Ross
Dee (Diane) Hampton
Dell Hunter
George Gurruwiwi
Gregoriana Parker
Heather D'Antoine
Jeanette Burrunali
Jill Nganjmirra
Kelly Stuart
Linda Bunn
Naomi Zaro
Nathan Rosas
Patricia Nundhirribala
Phillip Wilson
Raymond Anderson
Robert Randall
Sandra Nelson
Sarah Bukulatjpi
Shiraline Wurrawilya
Tammy-Allyn Fernandes
Teresa De Santis
Terese Ngurruwuthun
Velma King

Contact info:
hepbpast@menzies.edu.au  

Scope:

Menzies Infectious Diseases research projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Viral hepatitis and liver disease, including liver cancer 
  • Influenza, 
  • SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), 
  • RSV
  • Rotavirus
  • Streptococcus
  • Staphylococcus
  • Tuberculosis
  • Syphilis
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship