Chief Investigator - Looking Forward Aboriginal Mental Health Project, Curtin University
Dr Wright is a Yuat Nyoongar man from Western Australia. His mother’s and grandmother’s boodja (country) is just north of Perth in the Victoria Plains region. He has worked across the spectrum of health as a practitioner, policy officer and researcher, and has extensive experience in Aboriginal health and mental health. The Looking Forward Aboriginal Mental Health Project commenced in 2011 and is now an integral part of the Curtin School of Allied Health. The research has been impactful in driving change in culturally safe research practice within and across the School and University. Michael led the development of the Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny Conditions for Engaging Framework, co-designed with Nyoongar Elders and service providers. The framework has been implemented in mental health and drug and alcohol services in the Perth area and offers a pathway for culturally-safe co-design practice with Aboriginal people.