Jill Milroy

Professor Jill Milroy is a Palyku woman from the Pilbara region and holds dual roles as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Education) and Head of the School of Indigenous Studies at The University of Western Australia (UWA). She directs UWA’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and leads the University’s Indigenous Education Strategy and Aboriginal Employment Strategy. Her academic leadership extends to key university committees including Academic Board and the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Group.

Her research focuses on Aboriginal knowledge systems, storytelling, and Indigenous health equity. Notable contributions include children’s books co-authored with her mother, Gladys Milroy, and leadership in national grants addressing chronic disease disparities and mental health. She is recognized with the 2011 Order of Australia for services to Indigenous education.

Research Interests:

• Aboriginal storytelling and knowledge preservation
• Indigenous higher education policy
• Mental health equity in Indigenous populations
• Health professional education reform

Recent Research Trends: Her work addresses pandemic impacts on Indigenous communities, culturally responsive healthcare systems, and global Indigenous health equity. Collaborations span Australia, Canada, and New Zealand through projects like the NHMRC International Indigenous Health Research Partnership.

Awards:

• Member of the Order of Australia (2011)

Grants & Leadership:

• Chief Investigator in a $2.8M Medical Research Future Fund project on Indigenous-centred mental healthcare
• Co-leads the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program

Labs/Teams: Directs the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and contributes to the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health & Wellbeing initiative.