Rate My Professor Margaret Gidgup

Dr Margaret Gidgup is a Noongar Wadjuk, Yamatji, Ngadju woman and Associate Lecturer in the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University. With over 30 years of experience enhancing health and welfare outcomes for Indigenous communities, she brings extensive expertise in community engagement and culturally appropriate interventions. Currently pursuing a PhD in the School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University, her doctoral research evaluates a tailored physical activity program for older Aboriginal people in Western Australia, supervised by Professor Anne-Marie Hill and Professor Marion Kickett. Gidgup's work emphasizes decolonising practices in health programs, focusing on barriers and enablers to physical activity among older Indigenous peoples. She has led research initiatives adapting programs like Ironbark to Noongar Boodjar Country, involving weekly exercise sessions and yarning circles to foster community connection.

Gidgup has authored several key publications highlighting the impacts of such programs. Notable works include 'Translating and Evaluating a Physical Activity Program for Aboriginal Elders on Noongar Boodjar Country – A Longitudinal Study' (2022), where she served as lead author; 'Connecting and Reconnecting to a Community, with a Sense of Belonging – Exploring Aboriginal Elders’ Perspectives of Engaging in a Physical Activity Program' (2022), detailing themes of mental, emotional, physical, and social benefits; 'Barriers and Enablers to Older Indigenous People Engaging in Physical Activity – A Qualitative Systematic Review' (2021); ''Nih Waangkiny Kaadatjiny': 'Listening, Learning and Knowing' – Stakeholders’ Perspectives about Barriers and Enablers to Delivering a Successful Physical Activity Program for Older Aboriginal People' (2023); and 'Practical Strategies for Establishing a Physical Activity Program for Older Aboriginal People on Noongar Boodja: Reflections about Decolonising Practice' (2024). As lead researcher, she developed engagement plans rooted in Aboriginal values, conducted yarnings and interviews with Elders, performed data analysis, and ensured member checking for cultural integrity. Her contributions promote holistic health improvements, including reduced anxiety, increased confidence, better mobility, and strengthened social bonds through culturally safe physical activity interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders.