NACCHO Sector News: 30 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.

Seeking expressions of interest: Present at the 2025 NACCHO Members’ Conference

The deadline for submitting an EOI to present at the 2025 NACCHO Members’ Conference has been extended to 14 August 2025. Express your interest here.

This year’s NACCHO Members’ Conference will take place from Tuesday 9 to Wednesday 10 December 2025 at the Royal Randwick Racecourse, on Bidjigal & Gadigal Country, Sydney. The Conference theme is ‘Strength Comes from Community Control.’

For more information about the conference, go here.  

On World Hepatitis Day, experts urge nationwide action for First Nations hepatitis

On World Hepatitis Day this week NACCHO and Hepatitis Australia called for urgent national action, as Australia approaches its 2030 target to eliminate Hepatitis B and C.

With Hepatitis B and C disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, healthcare organisations are urging stronger, community-led efforts to close the gap in healthcare treatment and access.

Both NACCHO and Hepatitis Australia emphasised that reaching the 2030 target cannot be done without the full involvement of those most affected – such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities:

“As a country, we can’t claim progress if the most affected communities are still missing out,” said NACCHO Chair, Donnella Mills.

“The way forward is in our hands, and with real commitment, we can end viral hepatitis for everyone, leaving no one behind.”

Read more here.

NACCHO Chair, Donnella Mills

Elder Care Support workers come together to connect, learn, and strengthen their ability to care for Elders

Last month, frontline Elder Care Support (ECS) workers came together to connect, learn, and strengthen their ability to care for Elders.

From powerful yarns about Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative’s aged care journey to essential updates on aged care reforms from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing of Health, Disability and Ageing, the gathering offered space for honest conversations and real solutions.

The gathering explored dementia support, elder abuse prevention, and heard from the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA) as they presented their newly developed ECS Resource Pack. Together, these sessions offered practical tools and insights to strengthen care and advocacy across Community.

This event created space for frontline workers to reflect, recharge, and walk away better equipped to support Elders.

See more photos here.

Image source: VACCHO

Revamped medical clinic set to boost Indigenous health outcomes

Ground was broken on the $14 million upgrade of the Werin Medical Clinic on Friday, July 25. The new facility is expected to be open in late 2026.

Werin Aboriginal Medical Service will deliver primary healthcare, including chronic disease management, maternal and child health, mental health, and health promotion, which will help reduce health inequities and improve access to care.

The completed project will include twelve consultation rooms on the bottom floor and a wellbeing centre on the top floor, with improved vehicle access to the site and parking facilities.

Werin Medical Clinic Chairperson Uncle Brian King said the service will be more than a clinic; it will be a place of healing, belonging, and empowerment.

“This investment supports the national Closing the Gap targets by placing Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands and creating local employment and training opportunities,” Mr King said.

Read more here.

An artist’s impression of the upgraded Werin Medical Clinic, which is set to open in late 2026.

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.