NACCHO Sector News: 16 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 calls for greater investment in community-led diabetes care

NACCHO is using Diabetes Awareness Week to call for urgent and sustained investment in community-led solutions to tackle diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Representing 146 Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the country, NACCHO says community-driven care is delivering results — but much more is needed to close the gap in health outcomes.

In a statement, the organisation highlighted a drop in diabetes-related deaths among Indigenous Australians from 100 per 100,000 people in 2008 to 70 per 100,000 in 2019 — a change NACCHO attributes to culturally safe, community-led care.

“Every improvement, every life changed, comes from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leading the solutions, for our families and for the next generation,” NACCHO Chair Donnella Mills said.

“But the numbers tell us there is still so much to do. This Diabetes Awareness Week, we’re calling on government and partners to invest in what works so that we can turn today’s progress into tomorrow’s healthy futures.”

Read more here.

Orange Aboriginal Medical Service Men’s Three Rivers Fishing Group

Orange Aboriginal Medical Service (OAMS) Biliingarra Bagurany Barraminya Culture Care Connect Men’s Three Rivers Fishing Group recently celebrated the finish of the program for the first group of participants with a presentation of a certificate of appreciation, a personalised fishing shirt (which the men designed and created).

Due to the high demand, OAMS are looking at making more spots available in the near future for men in our community to engage in this highly successful program.

Read more here.

Image source: Orange Aboriginal Medical Service

Fifty years of strength, struggle and legacy detailed in moving NAIDOC Week address

In front of more than 8,000 people gathered on Larrakia Country for the 2025 National NAIDOC Week celebration, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) CEO, John Paterson, delivered a rousing speech which honoured the past, celebrated the present, and empowered the next generation to carry forward a powerful legacy.

Reflecting on the theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, Dr Paterson paid deep tribute to the Elders, activists, and communities who have led the way over decades of resistance and reform.

“It’s been 50 years since we began formally celebrating NAIDOC Week,” he said.

“That’s 50 years of lifting up our culture, our truth, and our strength. Fifty years of pride. Fifty years of resilience. And always – 50 years of vision and hope.”

Read more here.

Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory CEO John Paterson.

National Conference to Shape a ‘Proud Future’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia will be holding its 2025 National Conference on 28 and 29 August 2025 in Garramilla (Darwin) on Larrakia Country.

Held in one of the most culturally rich parts of the country, the conference will bring together national thought leaders, policymakers, community champions, and emerging voices to shape the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.

This year’s theme, ‘Proud Futures’, describes how we will recognise and celebrate the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in championing the next generation by celebrating identity, being strong in self-determination, and creating a future legacy for cultural continuity for the next 65,000+ years.

“This is more than a conference, it’s a movement for change. We’re calling on our sector, our allies, and our decision-makers to be in the room where bold ideas, hard conversations, and legacy-shaping decisions are taking place,” said Rachel Fishlock, Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi.

The 2025 event marks several milestones:

  • Ten years since the launch of the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration.
  • Five years since the establishment of Gayaa Dhuwi as the national peak body.
  • And the celebration of Gayaa Dhuwi Day on 27 August 2025.

Attendees can expect:

  • Unmissable keynote addresses and panel sessions from leading voices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention.
  • Unpacking of current and future policy environments.
  • Celebration of successful community-led programs and initiatives, both local and national.
  • A platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, innovation, and lived experience to shape systems change.

Registrations are now open, and tickets are strictly limited. Register here.

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.