Program Manager, CREATE
Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Unit, SAHMRI
Karen has joined the team as the CREATE Program Manager. Karen is a Mein:tnk woman from SE SA and also from the Wotjobaluk nation in NW Victoria. Karen has most recently worked as the CEO at Pangula Mannamurna, the Aboriginal community controlled health service located in Mount Gambier, and she brings knowledge and experience of the sector to contribute to the team. Prior to working in Mount Gambier, Karen worked in senior policy and management roles in both state and federal public service in the areas of policy and service development. Her work included Aboriginal health and wellbeing, maternal and child health, housing and homelessness and family and lateral violence. Karen has also contributed to research through the Aboriginal Families Study relating to improving Aboriginal birthing outcomes. Her role was the chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Group and also in investigator roles. Karen has two children and two grandchildren and has relocated back to Adelaide to be closer to them.