Greg Poche AO and Kay van Norton Poche
Tackling the health of Aboriginal children is the priority of UWA’s new Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. Leading Australian philanthropists Greg Poche AO and his wife Kay van Norton Poche have donated $10 million to UWA to create the WA-based centre.
Social, spiritual and emotional wellbeing will form part of the Centre’s approach to children’s health, disability, developmental outcomes and chronic disease.
This is one of our nation’s biggest challenges and it is vital that we do everything we can. Greg and I are determined that the Poche Centre will make a significant difference.
Kay van Norton Poche
“The Centre will bring together the University’s considerable expertise, programs and resources in Aboriginal health. This is critical for successful health outcomes in our Indigenous communities,” said UWA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Johnson.
Despite recent improvements, the life expectancy for Aboriginal people is estimated to be around 10 to 11 years less than that of non-Indigenous Australians. Closing this gap has been identified as a nationwide priority.
“Recognition of the centrality of culture and wellbeing is essential to promoting good mental health in Indigenous communities. Aboriginal knowledge systems are the key to the success of these health programs,” School of Indigenous Studies Dean, Winthrop Professor Jill Milroy said.