NACCHO Sector News: 3 July 2025

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.

NACCHO Celebrates NAIDOC Week 2025: Honouring Strength, Vision & Legacy in Community Health

As NAIDOC Week approaches, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) embraces this year’s theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. This theme resonates deeply with our 146 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), which all advance the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week, observed from 6 to 13 July 2025, has been celebrating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience for decades. Its longevity is a testament to the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their ongoing contributions to Australia’s identity.

 Empowering the Next Generation

“Our communities have always been defined by strength, guided by vision, and enriched by the legacy of our Elders,” said Donnella Mills, NACCHO Chair. “This NAIDOC Week, we honour the next generation who carry forward this legacy, shaping a future grounded in self-determination and cultural integrity.”

Our 146 ACCHOs and their 550 clinics are at the forefront of this movement, providing culturally safe care and working hard to strengthen their communities. They are instrumental in addressing the health gap and fostering environments in which the next generation can thrive.

Celebrating Community-Led Achievements

“Our young leaders are not just the future; they are the present, actively contributing to the health and well-being of our people,” said Pat Turner, CEO of NACCHO. “Their commitment to community-led initiatives ensures that our cultural practices and knowledge systems continue to flourish.”

A Call to Action

NACCHO calls upon all Australians to engage with and support our communities. By participating in NAIDOC Week events, learning about our cultures, and advocating for equitable health outcomes, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and just society.

“Let’s walk together, honour our past, embrace the present, and deliver a future where the health and wellbeing of our peoples are central to our national identity,” said Ms. Mills.

AMSANT welcomes government action on syphilis outbreak

The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) has welcomed the NT government’s decision to commission a dedicated Incident Management Team (IMT) to respond to the ongoing syphilis outbreak in the Territory.

AMSANT described the move as “a long overdue but critical step in addressing this public health issue” in a statement on Wednesday.

“Syphilis is a serious public health issue that has quietly worsened for more than a decade,” said Barbara Molanus, Sexual Health Coordinator at AMSANT.

“The decision to commission an IMT is a step in the right direction that can bring a renewed focus to community-wide testing.

“Testing is key to identifying cases early. By starting treatment straight away and treating partners, we can prevent further transmission and the potentially devastating effects of untreated syphilis on babies and people who go on to develop tertiary syphilis.”

Read the full article here.

NT Parliament. Image: Paul O’Leary.

‘Good medicine’: Elders playgroup brings joy to all ages

Each fortnight at the Marra Elders Playgroup, run in collaboration with Aboriginal Community Services, Playgroup SA and local cultural community centre Marra Dreaming, Elders and children come together for painting, cooking, storytelling, music and weaving activities.

“For our Elders, this exciting new program brings joy, purpose and connection, reducing isolation and celebrating their vital role in raising strong, culturally connected children,” said Graham Aitken, chief executive of Aboriginal Community Services, which runs the village.

“This is a true community approach where young and old come together to support one another, learn from each other and build strong, inclusive communities.”

Read more here.

The Marra Elders Playgroup is helping bring First Nations generations together. Credit: Hughes PR/AAPIMAGE

New research reveals the hidden harm of fluctuating ear disease in First Nations children

More than one third (35%) of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience fluctuating ear disease and 8% experience persistent ear trouble, according to new clinical findings from Hearing Australia. As NAIDOC Week kicks off this Sunday (6-13 July 2025), Hearing Australia is calling for urgent action to detect and treat ear disease early – giving children the best start in speech, learning and social development before school.

Middle ear infection (otitis media) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children remains among the highest globally.

“It can often start in early infancy without any obvious symptoms which is why regular ear health checks are important,” says Yorta Yorta woman Kirralee Cross, Partnership Specialist at Hearing Australia.

“It can impact a child’s hearing over time and their ability to develop important listening, speech and language skills. Our findings are a powerful reminder that the fight against preventable hearing loss must remain a national priority, especially in a child’s early years.”

Read more here.

Image source: Hearing Australia

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.

Oral Health Online Yarning Circle

Oral health gaps affect our mob’s overall health – Join the conversation and be part of bridging the gap by informing the National Oral Health Plan (2025-2034).

Details:

Friday 4 July: 11AM-12.30PM: Register here.

Wednesday 16 July: 3.30PM-5PM: Register here.

Speakers:

  • Cas Nest (She/her) Endorsed Midwife, Managing Director, First Peoples Health Consulting, Co-founder and Managing Director, Gullidala
  • Nadine Blair, Director ‑ Policy, NACCHO