Projects and Partners
Other CRRTHS Projects
Investigators: Professor James Dimmock, Dr Sam Teague, Jodie Mottram, Kaila Putter, Cate Nagle
Partners: Professor Jessica Borelli - University of California, Delyse Hutchinson - Deakin University, John Cote - Creighton University
The research project Perspectives on the Conceptualization and Measurement of Maternal–Fetal Bonding explores how maternal–fetal bonding is understood and measured within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across different health and research contexts. Maternal–fetal bonding refers to the emotional connection a mother develops with her baby during pregnancy and is recognised as an important early indicator of maternal and infant wellbeing. However, commonly used measures of maternal–fetal bonding are largely developed within Western frameworks and often rely on lengthy self-report scales that require high levels of literacy and cultural familiarity. These methodological features raise concerns about their accessibility, cultural relevance and validity for mothers from diverse linguistic, cultural and social backgrounds. This project responds to these concerns by critically examining whether existing measures meaningfully capture maternal–fetal bonding across diverse populations.
Data collection is being conducted across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada and the United States, drawing on perspectives from birthing mothers, midwives, nurses, healthcare providers working in the mother–infant space, and researchers with experience supporting CALD communities. Using selective sampling, the study privileges voices from culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including Indigenous, migrant and minoritised groups, to understand how maternal–fetal bonding is conceptualised, expressed and assessed across cultures. By centring these perspectives, the research aims to identify cultural strengths, gaps and potential biases within current measurement tools. The findings will inform the development and adaptation of more inclusive, culturally responsive and clinically meaningful approaches to assessing maternal–fetal bonding across diverse settings and populations.
Investigators: Professor James Dimmock, Dr Sam Teague, Jodie Mottram, Dr Jessica Muller, Dr Emily Callander
Partner: North Queensland Primary Health Network
Funding: North Queensland Primary Health Network
This independent evaluation examines the implementation, functioning and economic impact of the MyndKind Stepped Care System on behalf of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN). The study retrospectively explores how end-users transition between informal supports—such as family, friends and community networks—and formal mental health service providers within the stepped care system across Northern Queensland. In addition, the evaluation assesses the effectiveness of partnerships between service providers and the MyndKind system, including the system’s capacity to support providers in achieving MyndKind’s goals of compassionate, client-centred care. While MyndKind is designed to facilitate timely, coordinated and appropriate transitions of care, the extent of end-user engagement and satisfaction, the effectiveness of provider–system partnerships, and the economic efficiency of the model have not yet been systematically evaluated. This research addresses these gaps by examining real-world patterns of care alongside informal support use and associated resource implications.
Using a co-designed, exploratory, mixed-methods design, the evaluation combines behaviour sequence analysis, semi-structured interviews and economic evaluation methods to capture both experiential and cost-related outcomes. End-user data will map care pathways and satisfaction with informal and formal supports, while provider perspectives will inform understanding of the practicality, effectiveness and sustainability of stepped care in regional, rural and remote contexts. A key focus is NQPHN’s bottom-up approach to system integration, known as action evaluation, which empowers providers to set shared goals, implement locally responsive strategies and collaboratively assess performance. The economic evaluation will examine resource use, cost drivers and potential efficiencies associated with the MyndKind model, supporting evidence-informed decisions about scalability and sustainability. Together, these findings will inform ongoing refinement of the MyndKind Stepped Care System and support more integrated, equitable, person-centred and cost-effective mental health care across Northern Queensland.
Investigators: Amanda Mackay (Principal Investigator), Selina Taylor, Emma Anderson and Beverley D Glass
In Australia, where one in six couples struggle with their fertility, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are the mainstay of treating infertility, with approximately 5% of women giving birth as the result of having used ART. However, for those who live in rural and remote areas of Australia, patients face inequities and challenges in accessing infertility care, which has been acknowledged by the community pharmacists in these communities.
This study aims to explore the delivery of infertility health care to residents of rural and remote areas of Australia. It will include the potential role for community pharmacists and allied health professionals in supporting these patients to reduce the inequities they experience in their fertility journey.
Investigator: John Grundy
Partner: Regional Office UNICEF East Asia Pacific
This project is a mixed study review of levels of Human Papilloma Vaccine (HPV) integration with Adolescent health and development programs in East Asia and the Pacific (ongoing). The study involves a regional review of the issue, along with development of case studies/policy briefs in Indonesia and Mongolia.
Investigators: Team from the WHO Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing (MCA) WHO Geneva
Partner: World Health Organization Geneva
The project developed a framework and analytic tools for analysis of strategic choices for maternal and neonatal transition. The project involved conceptualization, literature review, expert consultation, and field testing. The model is based on examination of programmatic, health system, social and and multi-sector determinants of mortality, with a view to using this data to accelerate mortality decline.
Maternal, newborn and stillbirth programmatic transition framework: background paper. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/786a6177-26d5-4c0a-9047-925c09fbb076/content
Investigators: Team Based at Eastern Mediterranean Office of WHO (Cairo/Amman)
Partner: WHO EMR, National Public Health Institutes and Ministries in the Region
This project involved literature and data review, and consultations with National Institutes and Ministries across the Region. The engagement framework was completed during a regional consultation in Cairo, and is based on a set of strategies for strengthening NPHI coordination with Ministries and Sectors, workforce development for NPHIs and development of regional networking of NPHIs.
Khan W, Ikram A, Hersey S, Grundy J, Lynes S, Malik M, Mataria A, Brennan R. Tackling health emergencies in complex settings: the role of national public health institutes in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Lancet. 2024 Jan 6;403(10421):8-10. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02696-X
Past Projects
NHMRC Partnership Grant (GNT1148660 2017-2020, $1.13million)
Co-Lead Investigators Dr Veronica Matthews and Professor Sarah Larkins
The LEAP (Leveraging Effective Ambulatory Practices) project aims to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care services to identify and implement a strengths-based framework that will support quality improvement – we seek to understand what is needed for all services to succeed.
This project builds on current work and existing partnerships to improve the quality of health services. Working with eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care services and existing quality improvement networks, we will support services to achieve their quality improvement goals.
Find LEAP Project updates, presentations, publications and community resources on the LEAP Project page.
LEAP story is now available via YouTube.
Larkins S (CIB), Taylor J, Elston J, Croker F et al.
This NHMRC funded Partnership project works with our partners Townsville Mackay Medical Local, La Trobe University Rural Health School, Loddon Mallee Murray Medicare Local and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to test whether a method for involving communities in participatory planning around rural oral health services is successful in designing improved services and better outcomes. Funding allocated: $840,000.
Learn more about Rural ECOH.
The Tropical Centre for Telehealth Practice and Research (TC-TPR) is the leading telehealth innovation and research organisation in North Queensland. Located within Townsville University Hospital, the TC-TPR is dedicated to advancing telehealth practice, training and research across Northern Queensland and Australia to provide quality and safe patient-centred care, closer to home.
Contact Associate Professor Sabe Sabesan for more information.
Larkins S, Murray R, Mills J, Stewart R et al.
Demonstration health workforce development projects with Mareeba and Yarrabah communities in partnership with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service. Extension currently under consideration by HWA. Funding allocated: $80,000.
Whaleboat D, Larkins S, Murray R.
Innovation in Clinical Training Placements in the community-controlled sector in north Queensland. Funding allocated: $249,000.
Pighills A, Stronach P, Gordon S, Hornsby D, Thomas Y. To establish a student led trans-disciplinary clinic to enable students to be allocated patients, carry their own routine clinical caseload and share professional skills. This service will be delivered to older people, at risk of, or currently experiencing, functional decline, from two community based Allied Health teams in regional Queensland. $245 5000.
Gordon S, Kennedy R, Morrison J, Raasch B, Stronach P, Pellatt A. Development, implementation and evaluation of an inter-professional student-led university health clinic in partnership with non-Government organisations. $250 000.
Knight S. The development and implementation of a service learning model of remote, Aboriginal and rural mental health clinical placements to build on current innovation, and to address multiple issues related to both student placements and service delivery in the region.
Larkins S, Murray R, Preston R, Ross S, Woolley T et al.
THEnet is an international network of medical schools with a social accountability mandate. JCU SMD is a foundation school. THEnet have published an evaluation framework for socially accountable medical education and are now coordinating an international graduate outcome study. Atlantic Philanthropies funding since 2008. Euros 600 000.
2018-2020. Contract research, Department of Health. $370,000.
Researchers: Sarah Larkins, Rebecca Evans, Karen Carlisle, Emily Callander, Robyn Preston and Karen Johnston.
2019-2020. Contract Research, Cooperative Research Centre for Northern Australia. $150,000.
Researchers: Maxine Whittaker, Sarah Larkins, Stephanie Topp, Edward Strivens, David Atkinson, Bhavini Patel, Alexandra Edelman, Nishila Moodley
The Northern Australia Health Service Delivery Situational Analysis project is an initiative of the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). The project is a policy-focussed consultancy that involves the production of a health-sector-focussed situational analysis report following extensive stakeholder consultation across the north.
The analysis will identify the key challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian health service delivery sector and health workforce and strategic development priorities for future investment.
The contracted project participants comprise:
- James Cook University (project leader)
- Northern Territory Top End Health Service
- University of Western Australia Rural Clinical School
- Hospital and Health Services in northern Queensland through the Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre.
These consortium partners are working closely with state and territory government departments and health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and other health and community stakeholder groups using a collaborative scoping and problem-solving approach.
The six-month project consists of two stages:
- Stage 1: a scoping review of publications, policy documents and report; analysis of health sector export and demand opportunities; analysis of government-partnered workforce and research projects; and a cost-benefit analysis of development scenarios. These analyses were compiled into a draft situational analysis report for consultation in October 2019 (link below).
- Stage 2: discussion and engagement with stakeholders across northern Australia to refine the draft report and inform the development of a policy action plan (October 2019 to February 2020).
For more details about the project please visit the CRCNA website.
NHMRC Project Grant (GNT1146013 2018-2022 $1.8 million)
Co-Lead Investigators Associate Professor Catrina Felton-Busch & Professor Sarah Larkins
This project aims to test the effectiveness of community women’s groups to improve the quality of maternal and child health care and outcomes. The project is a partnership between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care services, community women's groups, and experienced researchers. Together we will use the best evidence about community participation in co-design of health services.
This NHMRC funded research aims to better remote and regional Indigenous primary health care services, through examination of case studies at six "high improving" primary health care services within the ABCD national research partnership.
Chief Investigators: Prof Sarah Larkins, Sandra Thompson, Christine Connors, A/Prof Jacinta Elston, Prof Komla Tsey.
Associate Researchers:
- Menzies School of Health Research: Prof Ross Bailie, Ms Tania Patrao, Dr Veronica Matthews, Moana Tane, Maxwell Mitropoulos.
- Queensland Health: Chris Henaway, Ms Ru Kwezda.
- James Cook University: Annette Panzera, Dr Cindy Woods
- University of Western Australia: Mrs Jacki Ward
- Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory: Kerry Copley
Site Representatives:
- Wurli Wulinjang: Dr Bruce Hocking, Rebecca Bond
- KWHB-Yarralin: Rebecca Gooley, Brian Pedwell, Sinon Cooney
- Darnley and Yorke Islands: Robyn Taylor, Robyn White, Angela Mills
- Batchelor: Margaret Brice
- Fitzroy Crossing: Maureen Clarke
Felton- Busch C, Knight S, Elston J et al. Training Aboriginal Health Workers and facilitating registration 2013-2015, HWA Consultancy. $900 000.
NHMRC Targeted Call for Research into Healthy Ageing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. $1100540 over 5 years 2020-2024.
Investigators: Professor Edward Strivens, Dr Sarah Russell, Ms Rachel Quigley, Professor Robyn McDermott, Dr Sean Taylor, Professor Sarah Larkins and others.
NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Grant. $1,515,145 over 5 years, 2020-2024
Investigators: Prof Edward Strivens, Dr Sarah Russell, Ms Rachel Quigley, Prof Sarah Larkins Dr Veronica Matthews, Prof Robyn McDermott et al.
NHMRC CRE $2.5 million over 5 years
Investigators: Dr Veronica Matthews, Prof Sarah Larkins, A/Prof Catrina Felton-Busch, Prof Yvonne Cadet-James and others (administered through Uni Sydney).
Learn more about the CRE-STRIDE project.
Murray R. Grant M. (CIA) Asbestos related disease in Indigenous communities. NHMRC project grant.
Elston J, Speare R, Murray R et al. Successfully developing a cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. NHMRC - Building Indigenous Research Capacity (BIRC) grant. 2.5 million over 4 years.
Sarnyai Z, Larkins S, Elston J. Biomedical research will focus on biological understanding of priority diseases, potentially leading to outcomes focused genomics research with potential for large health gains (performed with respectful engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities). Initial projects include correlating salivary cortisol with self-reported stress and observing diurnal variation over time. Faculty grant 2013. $20 000.
Devlin S, Corbin P, Massey P, Judd J. Tuberculosis in Northern NSW- a PAR project with North Coast Health and Aboriginal Medical Services building Indigenous research capacity.
Evaluating Indigenous Health Programs [Judd J. (JCU); Boulton A. (Whakauae Research Services Ltd, Wanganui NZ); Cargo M. (SAMRI, UniSa); Warner L (UniSA); and other partners in NZ]
MacLaren D et al. Seventh Day Adventist Responses to HIV in Papua New Guinea. PNG National Aids Council - Large Research Grant Program. $295 650 over 3 years.
MacLaren D et al. Is Male Circumcision an Acceptable and Feasible Intervention to Reduce HIV Transmission in Papua New Guinea? NHMRC Project grant. $605 000 over 3 years.
Harrison S. Buettner, Nowak M. Skin cancer research in north Queensland. $140 000 over 4 years.
Harrison S, Buettner, Nowak M. Multicomponent sun protection pilot intervention for schools. $90 000 over 3 years.
Oral cancer in remote Indigenous communities and its links with smoking (cannabis and tobacco)
Ye A. Endogenous bone regenerative technique in craniofacial clefts. ARC Discovery Early Career Research Grant. $375 000 over 3 years.
Franklin R, Leggatt P, Speare R , Furyk et al. Queensland Emergency Medicine Research Foundation – Capacity building grant. $210 000 over 3 years.
Gordon S, Devine S, Knight S, Franklin R . Rural Health Continuing Education Addressing upstream causes and contributing factors to allied health patient presentations in a rural and remote setting. Department of Health and Ageing grant. $46 000 over 2 years.
MacLaren D, Speare R, Larkins S. Eradicating soil transmitted helminthes in the Solomon Islands. AITHM grant. $20 000. Find out more on the Atoifi Health Research Group.
Speare R, Maclean J, Mendez D, Judd J, King F. Evaluating the services provided by bat rescue groups in the Queensland public. Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation: $2900
McBryde E, Carlisle K, MacLaren D, Larkins S, Whittaker M , Topp S, et al. Partners in Tropical Health 2017-2019. DFAT funded $2m.