Congratulations to Jess Payne, Melbourne Poche Indigenous Health Leadership Program 2026 Fellow

We are delighted to announce that Jessica Payne, proud Yuwaalaraay woman, is the recipient of a 2026 Melbourne Poche Indigenous Health Leadership Fellowship, sponsored by Western Alliance.

In addition to her role as a Research Assistant at Grampians Health, Jess is currently overseeing the scoping and co-design of a Western Alliance Aboriginal Research Translation Coordinator role. Jess’s role will help to strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal Community in co-design and research translation, build Aboriginal research translation capability and advance Aboriginal-led research and knowledge translation across western Victoria. 

The Poche Fellowship program gives Fellows the opportunity to build leadership skills, drive change in Indigenous health and grow professional networks through practical, connected learning.

Delivered across three week‑long modules in Melbourne and Wilsons Promontory, Toronto, Canada and Moama and Shepparton – the program is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals with sound experience and leadership roles in community, policy, academia, government or clinical practice.

We wish Jess all the very best for the program and look forward to following her journey in supporting the health needs of Community.