Metro South Health recently launched Australia's first HHS-wide (Hospital Health Service) Community Jury for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research.

The project, launched on 21 May, brings Metro South researchers together with First Nations representatives to support more culturally responsible and responsive research across the region.

Waanyi woman and Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Metro South Health, Denise Hookey, said the launch was part of the health service's broader work toward equity.

"What a privilege it is to do the right thing," Ms Hookey said. "As we continue our journey toward health equity in Metro South, we will move forward together with determination and hope.

"We will lead by example, guided by a simple truth: we are better together."

Bundjalung woman and Project lead, Kay-cee Mikkelson, said the jury was designed to make sure research involving First Nations people was shaped with community.

"Its purpose is to ensure that all future research that includes First Nations peoples within Metro South Health is not done on us anymore, but done with us," Ms Mikkelson said.

The jury marked a pivotal moment for Metro South Health and built on the Inala Community Jury model, which was established in 2011.

The Metro South Health Community Jury expands that local model across the wider health service area.

Ms Mikkelson said the work was focused on culturally safe research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"It's all about doing culturally safe research with Mob and ensuring our voices are heard," she said.

"It's important that researchers are held accountable for their research, and that they have access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the Metro South catchment."

Fifteen members from different communities across the Metro South region held their first meeting on 21 May at Kingston Butter Factory.

The meeting included a traditional smoking ceremony and blessing to cleanse the space.

Ms Mikkelson said the Kingston Butter Factory was chosen because it was central, accessible and a cultural space for the jury to gather.

"We have recruited people from all Countries within the Metro South catchment area so that they can provide localised guidance," Ms Mikkelson said.

"That helps researchers shape the way they're going to approach their research, and it gives them connection to local organisations and people on the ground.

"It gives them ways of doing things more meaningfully."

Researchers will be required to meet with the jury in person each year.

The process is designed to support culturally responsive research co-design and ongoing accountability throughout research projects.

Ms Mikkelson said face-to-face meetings were important because of the history of distrust between Indigenous communities and government systems.

"We know there is a long historical distrust of government among mob, so it's important that we meet in person and get a feel for people," she said.

"That's how we do business and how we build that trust.

"Some research projects run for four or five years, so it's important that Jury can reconnect and make sure that our voices are being heard appropriately, and our recommendations have been taken on board."

Research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Metro South Health must include a local Indigenous research officer.

"The other beautiful thing about the research that's being done is that for you to be able to do research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Metro South Health, you must have a local Indigenous research officer," Ms Mikkelson said.

"That strengthens our workforce, it's growing our people, and it means you have a real voice in shaping this research and getting to the right outcomes that are culturally safe."

The jury will now work to support better research, stronger partnerships and improved health outcomes for Indigenous communities across Metro South.

Ms Mikkelson said the model was a major shift for researchers, but one that could improve the quality and impact of their work.

"Having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, who are having those yarns and interpreting those yarns, is so different to having someone who doesn't walk in our shoes," she said.

"This is a huge, life-changing step forward, and we're the only HHS in Australia doing it."