Astrid Melchers

Astrid Melchers is the Coordinator of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Diabetes-related Foot Complications Program, a program of work to reduce diabetes related foot complications and amputations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia, the Northern Territory, the Kimberley region in Western Australia and Far North Queensland.

Astrid relocated from Germany to Adelaide in 2004 after working as a physiotherapist. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and spent time in Togo, West Africa, to undertake work experience in international development. In 2009, she completed a Master of Science in Health Systems and Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland (UK) to bring together her clinical and policy interests.

Astrid has worked in various Aboriginal affairs portfolios since 2009, in policy and project management roles in Aboriginal health, housing, education, governance and economic development. She is also engaged in Aboriginal affairs on a voluntary basis. In 2011, she founded the “Cycling for Culture” reconciliation event, a three day bike ride through Kaurna Yarta (Kaurna Country / the Adelaide Plains). She worked closely with the Kaurna community to bring together a team of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who, as a collective, held an event that has contributed to reconciliation in South Australia. Between 2016 and 2019, Astrid has also been a board member of Reconciliation SA.