The Teaching Academy Changes One Thing Award

To change the world, you don’t have to change everything – just one thing. The annual Change One Thing Award recognises the outstanding work of the teaching community in creating innovative solutions to teaching challenges. Kirsty Van Grinsven, Cate Melville and Caroline Robinson, a team from the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, created their award-winning submission in the Indigenous Engagement category: Spaces and Places for Authentic Learning.

The team identified gaps in the understanding of First Nations’ health and wellbeing. By working directly with the community and following the philosophy of Yindyamarra – moving slowly with respect – the team, in conjunction with the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS), developed an interactive learning experience for third-year podiatry students. With careful preparation, the students participated in a ‘Yarning Circle’ with First Nations’ health practitioners, organised by AWAHS. This enabled them to understand, from the grassroots level, the health concerns of the community. This unique approach is, without doubt, a huge step towards creating sustainability and respect for all cultures.