“The ANU PFAS study needs four Katherine residents to form a Community Reference Panel.

The panel will be a direct link to the research team to voice public concerns.

The Australian National University ran an information session at Knotts Crossing in June to discuss their epidemiological study into the health risks of living with PFAS in Katherine.

The session, which saw only four community members in attendance, set out what the three year study would involve.

It also was an opportunity for the researchers to invite community members to join the reference panel and participate in focus groups.

‘We are looking to recruit between two and four people, and hopefully a mix of both men and women, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members,’ ANU Study Coordinator and doctor, Katherine Todd said.

The aims of the community reference panel are to:

  • Provide the ANU research team with a direct, and open link with the residents of Katherine
  • Support the development of the epidemiological study through engaging with the community
  • Create an effective feedback system for communication between the ANU research team and local residents; and
  • Identify and raise any community concerns regarding the epidemiological study

‘We are looking for people who have strong ties to the community, can commit to attending study team meetings (via teleconference) for the life of the project, and can commit to attending some Community Consultations run by Australian National University.’

Nomination forms for the Community Reference Panel can be obtained from Sue Trevenar at susan.trevenar@anu.edu.au and need to be received back by July 18.

The research team will also be returning to Katherine to conduct focus groups on PFAS and its health effects in early August.”

Read the full article by Roxanne Fitzgerald