Celebrated Territory radio broadcaster, Charlie King, has been announced as MC for the Menzies School of Health Research’s Close the Gap Day Charity Breakfast on 20 March.

Mr King, a long-time human rights and anti-domestic violence campaigner, will join local Territory ministers, private industry, Indigenous organisations, health professionals and the general public for the Northern Territory’s premier Close the Gap Day event.

Coinciding with National Close the Gap Day, the charity event will support research to improve Aboriginal lives and draw attention to health disparities between Indigenous and other Australians.

Indigenous Australians can expect to live substantially shorter lives than other Australians – 12 years less on average – and experience higher rates of preventable illness such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

People attending the breakfast will enjoy a formal sit down meal, cultural performances and have the opportunity to hear from Menzies’ leading Indigenous health experts about current projects which are improving Indigenous health.

Menzies' director, Professor Alan Cass, said he was looking forward to building on the success of last year’s event.

“It is an important time to reflect on the work that has already been done and to strengthen our resolve to improve access and health outcomes for Aboriginal people. This cannot be achieved without the generous support of the Territory community,” Prof Cass said.

“This year we hope to attract new supporters to join people who are already making significant contributions towards Menzies in our drive to provide job opportunities for Indigenous Australians and to make a real difference.”

Menzies will once again partner with the Rioli Fund for Aboriginal Health and the Darwin Convention Centre. All donations on the day will go towards Menzies’ Indigenous traineeship appeal, which will support a young Indigenous Australian to pursue their career in medical and health research.

The Menzies' Close the Gap Day Charity Breakfast will be held on Thursday, 20 March 2014 from 7.30am-9.00am at the Darwin Convention Centre.

Limited tickets are available for individual purchase or table bookings at a discounted rate. To purchase tickets, please visit the dedicated Eventbrite ticketing site.