African Research and Engagement in Australia Initiative

A community-driven approach to supporting the health, cultural, social, economic and political wellbeing of African Australian communities.

Meet the AREiA Team

AREiA's priorities and activities are guided by a Reference Group and Advisory Board made up of African Australian community leaders and University of Melbourne researchers and staff.

Learn More

Grid of six people's photos in greyscale

The African Research and Engagement in Australia Initiative (AREiA) is a new collaboration between the University of Melbourne and key partners in the African Australian community.

Hosted by the Melbourne Social Equity Institute, it will provide an interdisciplinary, community-driven and solutions orientated approach to the health, cultural, social, economic and political wellbeing of African Australian communities.

AREiA will enable collaborative research and knowledge exchange in order to address existing knowledge gaps regarding African Australian communities. The insights generated from AREiA programs and projects are to be utilised by policy and decision-makers, business and community agencies and the broader Australian community.

AREiA will also support the implementation of government initiatives such as the Victorian African Communities Action Plan through various programs developed in partnership with the African Australian community and key partners both within and external to the University of Melbourne.

Infographic Heading - African-Australian research and training: a comprehensive approach Subheading – Flagship African Research and Engagement in Australia (AREiA) initiatives will include: Five interconnected circles each with short text The African Australian Research Clearinghouse Blue Nile African Business Masterclass Program An African Australian Community Research Academy Community Relationships, Research and Discovery Annual Conference and quarterly facilitated issues-based Roundtables — Infographic: Future goals of AREiA include an African Australian Research Clearinghouse and a Community Research Academy.

AREiA Launch Event

The African Research and Engagement in Australia Initiative (AREiA) was officially launched by Professor Nicola Phillips, Provost of the University of Melbourne, on Monday 6 December 2021.

The event also served as a completion celebration for the 2021 participants in the Blue Nile African Australian Business Masterclass Program with Mr Josh Bull, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, the keynote speaker.

Research Projects

Advisory Board

The AREiA Advisory Board is comprised of African Australian community leaders and academics who bring their collective experience and expertise into ensuring that AREiA's initiatives are aligned with community priorities.

Kenyatta Dei Wal
Chair, Federation of South Sudanese Associations in Victoria
Vincent Dogbey
African Studies Group and PhD Candidate
Selba Gondoza Luka
Founder, Afri-Aus Care
John Kuot
Public Servant
Muza Ntuwah
Board Member, African Think Tank
Padmini Sebastian OAM
Director, Engagement and Partnerships, University of Melbourne

Reference Group

Informed by their experience in community-engaged research, the AREiA Reference Group is comprised of academics who provide guidance and strategic advice with a focus on the dynamic and complex topics of interest within African Australian communities.