Doctor of Philosophy
Josie is Wiradjuri with genealogical and ancestral ties to Burrangong, central western NSW, and Celtic descent.
With a 40 year career in health commencing with nursing, she has experience working largely in Aboriginal Affairs at the commonwealth and state levels in senior health administrative roles.
She has experience both state and local level with in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector, and the higher education sector. She has a GDip in Indigenous Health Promotion: SEWB (USYD) and is a practicing visual artist.
RESEARCH THESIS
End of life care for Aboriginal peoples in prison: the experiences of Aboriginal elders, leaders and caregivers
Wirimbirra ('to care' in Wiradjuri language).
Locally there is little known about the views of family members and caregivers confronted with a loved one in prison who is terminally ill, and there is currently no model for national palliative care in prison. Research indicates that the burden of adaptation falls solely on First Nations to conform to Western biomedical systems, rather than emphasising the importance of adopting First Nations’ solutions and integrating them into culturally responsive frameworks.
This project's research approach combines both a review of existing knowledge regarding global First Nations cultural protocols during end-of-life care; and direct engagement with NSW Aboriginal community members to hear what works...what doesn’t...and why. Their insights can offer a broadening of palliative care practices and potential benefits that will contribute to a more holistic and respectful approach to palliative care within the prison system - recognising the value of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and offering mainstream organisations capability to adopt strengths-based approaches grounded in Indigenous research methodologies.
Keywords Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, cultural protocols, correctional health care, end of life, palliative care, health in prison.
Supervision team
- Professor Andrew Hayen
- Dr Rachel Grove
- Professor Megan Williams
- Dr Julia Bowman (NSW Health, JHFMHN)