- Our Health in Our Hands: Building Our Workforce
- Call for action to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children on Human Rights Day
- In a world out of balance, connection to Country can restore equilibrium
- New data reveals Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander solutions are leading to long-term change
- Torres Strait man returns home a doctor after long journey
- Highly successful youth programs earn two-year funding boost
- Sector Jobs
The NACCHO Sector News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.
We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.
Our Health in Our Hands: Building Our Workforce
The 2024 NACCHO Conference, themed Our Health in Our Hands: Building Our Workforce, was held from 1–5 December at the National Convention Centre Canberra on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country. With over 840 delegates, 50 sponsors and exhibitors, and engaging sessions, and workshops, the event highlighted critical discussions and inspired collaborative action across the sector.
The opening of Men’s Health Day convened over 100 delegates to address vital issues, including social and emotional well-being, workforce challenges, and the empowerment of communities through the healing of inter-generational trauma. Attendees left energised, with one participant commenting, “We need more days like this!”
The NACCHO National Youth Conference the following day provided a vital platform for emerging leaders to discuss key topics such as workforce development, vaping myths, Rainbow Mob awareness, and youth governance. Guided by inspirational leaders like Aunty Matilda House, Chairperson Donnella Mills, and Semara Jose, the sessions left participants motivated to bring their learnings back to their communities.
The week’s highlight was the NACCHO Members’ Conference, which broke attendance records and delivered a rich agenda. Highlights included the presentation of service awards, the graduation of Trainer and Assessor program students—celebrated by the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles—and the launch of pivotal resources, such as the RACGP Guide to Preventative Health. Sessions covered diverse and impactful topics, including climate change, cancer screening, elder care, career pathways, sexual health, precision medicines, traditional healers, and workforce wellbeing.
Delegates also enjoyed vibrant networking opportunities, capped off by the lively Wednesday night Karaoke Dinner. Western Australia clinched the trophy for best group performance, while Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler joined the fun, adding to the night’s celebratory atmosphere.
The Conference concluded on a powerful note, highlighting the strength of community unity in advancing the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We sincerely thank all delegates, sponsors, and contributors for their invaluable roles in making this event an extraordinary milestone.
Call for action to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children on Human Rights Day
Australia’s First Nations children deserve a future where their well-being, rights, and dignity are protected. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss highlighted this need on International Human Rights Day.
She reflected on what a devastating year this has been for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“Their human rights have been ignored for political gain in the Northern Territory and Queensland; there have been more deaths in custody, reports of maltreatment, and sky-high rates of out-of-home care.”
This year’s theme for International Human Rights Day, Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now, emphasises the role of human rights in addressing challenges globally.
International Human Rights Day marks the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
To read the full article, go here.
Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss calls on governments to prioritise the rights and well-being of First Nations children over punitive policies.
Image: Australian Human Rights Commission.
In a world out of balance, connection to Country can restore equilibrium
The HEAL 2024 Conference in Sydney showcased the profound connection between people and Country, as Indigenous community leaders and researchers emphasized that healing begins with a renewed relationship with the land.
Indigenous communities have long understood the deep interconnection between people, Country, and wellbeing. By honouring these knowledge systems and fostering stronger relational ties, we can create a future where both Country and community thrive together—sustaining health, culture, and the environment for generations to come.
To read more, go here.
Professor Linda Payi Ford, her daughter Chloe, and granddaughter Eden deliver the HEAL2024 Welcome to Country. Image courtesy Alison Barrett.
New data from Central Australia reveals Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander solutions are leading to long-term change
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are leading transformational change and can close the gap through self-determined operations, a new report has found.
Speaking after the release of the Ampe-kenhe Ahelhe (Children’s Ground Central Australia) Evaluation Report – 2020-2022, Central Australian organisation Children’s Ground said a “new generation of children were engaged in early learning, families are engaged in employment and people across all ages are engaging in critical health promotion”.
The organisation says their approach focuses on “outcomes to achieve long-term sustained change, so that children, families and whole communities can thrive”.
To read more, go here.
Children’s Ground says First Nations people are leading transformational change and can close the gap through self-determined operations. (Image: Children’s Ground).
Torres Strait man returns home a doctor after long journey
Dr. T’Kido Titasey, a proud Torres Strait Islander from Thursday Island, has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Queensland (UQ). His journey has been one of resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to his community.
Dr. Titasey plans to work full-time in the Torres Strait, aiming to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
“As a doctor, you’re in a place of privilege and power, and you can make a fair bit of change,” he says. “Why not come back and inspire other Torres Strait Islanders to pursue their dreams? It has been a lot of hard work, but once I found what we call the ‘ginnar’—or the process—it became easier. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
To read more, go here.
Dr T’Kido Titasey graduated with a Doctor of Medicine last Friday. (Image: Supplied).
Highly successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Kimberley youth programs earn two-year funding boost
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led initiatives to support vulnerable young people and strengthen community safety in the Kimberley region are receiving a significant boost, with an additional $9.7 million in funding over the next two years.
The investment is part of the Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy (KJJS), a cornerstone of Western Australia’s commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Since their inception earlier this year, the Night Space programs have made a tangible difference. Over 400 young people have engaged with the services, contributing to more than 4,100 positive interactions. The Fitzroy Crossing Youth Connection Night Place has coincided with a significant drop in youth offending, a success attributed to the culturally responsive and community-driven approach of Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation.
To read more, go here.
Patrick Green, Peter Murray, Mark Howes, Rochelle Dolby, Divina D’Anna MP, and Jane Biendury at the opening of the Night Place in early September. Image: Marra Worra Worra.
Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.
Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.
