NACCHO Sector News: 5 December 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News

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.

Donna Ah Chee appointed CEO of AMSANT

The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT) has appointed Dr Donna Ah Chee as its new chief executive officer.

Dr Ah Chee is currently the chief executive officer of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, an Aboriginal community controlled primary health care service employing over 500 staff to deliver integrated services to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and nine remote communities across the region. She is a proud Bundjalung woman from the far north coast of New South Wales who has lived in Mparntwe for over 36 years. She is married to a local Yankunytjatjara/Arrernte man and together they have three children and three grandchildren.

Dr Ah Chee has devoted herself to the movement for health and justice for Aboriginal people at a local, Northern Territory and national level. Her advocacy to improve health and wellbeing outcomes through collaborative action, and her firm commitment to holding governments accountable for closing the gap in health outcomes has earned her a national profile. She has made a significant contribution to the health of Aboriginal people through her leadership in primary health care, research, education and public health. She has also made important contributions to reducing the harms caused by alcohol, and to improving early childhood outcomes for Aboriginal children.

Dr Ah Chee will be based in Alice Springs and will commence on 23 February 2026.

Read more here.

Dr Donna Ah Chee. Image source: AMSANT

Planning transition of trachoma health promotion to community control

In November 2025, Minum Barreng: Indigenous Eye Health Unit and NACCHO co-hosted a trachoma health promotion transition workshop in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) held over two days (11-12 November). This workshop identified a number of the critical next steps to support the transition of trachoma health promotion to NACCHO and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health (ACCH) sector from 1 July 2026.

The meeting was held at the newly completed Congress (CAAC Central Australian Aboriginal Congress) Mparntwe Health Hub, and participants enjoyed the opportunity to gather in such a welcoming space for the workshop.

Workshop discussions reflected on the history and many successes of trachoma health promotion over the past decade, as well as the key activities Minum Barreng will undertake up to 30 June 2026 to support a strong transition. Planning and funding considerations for NACCHO and the ACCH sector to sustainably lead and deliver trachoma health promotion beyond mid 2026 were also explored.

Read more here.

Trachoma Health Promotion Transition Workshop in Mparntwe. Image source: The University of Melbourne

2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Roundtable – Outcomes Report

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Roundtable brought together Health Ministers and Chief Executives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collaboration Group members, NACCHO and Affiliates, the National Health Leadership Forum members, and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts to discuss current and future health policies, strategies, and reforms.

This report focuses on enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share their experience and expertise with each other and governments, as well as to identify priority areas where parties can work together and in partnership to achieve better outcomes.

Learn more here.

University of Sydney honours Professor Scott Wilson’s decades of service to Indigenous health

Adjunct Professor Scott Wilson, an Aboriginal man of the Stolen Generation from Darwin, has been admitted as an Honorary Fellow of the University of Sydney, in a ceremony recognising his many years of work in alcohol and drug use care.

Professor Wilson has dedicated his career to advancing the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around Australia, and to Indigenous peoples internationally.

He described the recognition of his work as “an honour”.

“I have always been absolutely committed to closing the gap and addressing issues with alcohol and other drugs – locally, nationally and internationally,” he said.

“Working with Aboriginal people and communities to close the gap means ensuring that health outcomes, access to care and support are improved.

“This recognition demonstrates that the University is likewise committed to continuing this crucial work.”

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Professor Brendan McCormack, Adjunct Professor Scott Wilson, and Presiding Pro-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Garton. Image: University of Sydney.

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.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au and we will feature it in the news.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au
and we will feature it in the news.

NACCHO Sector News: 4 December 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News

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.

View the 2025 NACCHO Members’ Conference Agenda

The 2025 NACCHO Members’ Conference agenda is available on the website. To see what’s scheduled for the event, go here.

This year’s NACCHO Members’ Conference, National Youth Conference, and AGM is taking place from Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 December 2025 at the Royal Randwick Racecourse, Sydney. The Conference theme is Strength Comes from Community Control.

Queensland Health recruiting for Chief First Nations Health Officer

The recruitment of Queensland Health’s Chief First Nations Health Officer will occur through an open market process, and the role will be open to receive applications until 01 February 2026.

As a member of Department of Health Executive Leadership Team, the Chief First Nations Health Officer plays a critical role across the health care sector and holds system wide responsibility for delivering on government objectives to drive health equity and improve healthcare access and outcomes.

Enquiries about the role can be made to Tiana Callaughan on (02) 8001 6603 or 0476 538 307.

Learn more here: EA670859 Chief First Nations Health Officer _RD.

Future Aboriginal Health Practitioners on the Rise

Marr Mooditj Training students and SWAMS team members Ashlee Humphries and Ella McLean are well on their way to becoming qualified Aboriginal Health Practitioners through NACCHOs First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program.

Recently, they visited Fiona Stanley Hospital for a hands-on “day in the life of an AHP,” gaining valuable insight into hospital care, cultural safety, and the vital role AHPs play in supporting our mob.

Both Ashlee and Ella say the experience strengthened their confidence, highlighted the importance of clear communication, and reinforced their passion for delivering primary health care in our communities.

Learn more about the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program, here.

Image source: Marr Mooditj Training

Filling Your Cup: Tania Lewis on finding Her Purpose

Tania Lewis is a proud Awabakal woman, mother, wife, and disability advocate. She leads an active outdoors lifestyle, and since acquiring her disability after having a stroke in 2011, Tania has found drive and purpose in advocating for her peers and building connection.

After having a stroke, Tania lived in aged care facilities for three years due to limitations in finding appropriate housing assistance and support elsewhere. Through the NDIS and Summer Foundation, she was able to move out of nursing homes into purpose built Special Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Tania says that having an SDA home is a blessing, as these homes are designed for people with high-care needs and built with the unique requirements of those living with disability.

Listen to her story here.

Awabakal woman Tania Lewis, wife, mother and disability advocate. Image source: NITV Radio

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.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au and we will feature it in the news.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au
and we will feature it in the news.

NACCHO Sector News: 3 December 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News

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.

ACT is the first jurisdiction in the country to legislate its Closing the Gap commitments

The ACT is the first jurisdiction in the country to legislate its Closing the Gap commitments, with the bill passing late yesterday.

From July next year senior public servants will be required to uphold a “Closing the Gap principle”, with public sector entities to report annually on progress on the national agreement, which sets targets to address Indigenous inequality.

For Julie Tongs, the chief executive of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, it has “been a long time coming”.

“But the hard work’s still ahead,” she said.

“The proof is in the pudding, as they say, so we’ll see how this plays out in years to come, but this is a great first step.

“I hope that this is the turning point for [the government and its public servants], that they do take us seriously and that they take this bill seriously.”

Read the full article here.

Julie Tongs says the bill is a great first step, but there is still hard work ahead. (ABC News: Adam Shirley)

International Day of People with Disability

Today is International Day of People with Disability – a day to celebrate inclusion, equity, and community-led change.

At NACCHO, we’re proud of our Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officers (ADLOs) across the country who are helping our mob navigate the NDIS with cultural care and support.

ADLOs are more than connectors, they’re changemakers. They strengthen community ties, remove barriers, and make sure our people living with disability are supported in ways that reflect our culture, rights, and lived experiences.

As Dr Sarah Hayton, Executive Director at NACCHO, said:
“Our ADLOs are helping to transform access and inclusion through cultural connection, respect, and rights-based support.”

Let’s honour the strength and resilience of our people living with disability, their carers, and the community teams walking alongside them every day.

Learn more here.

NACCHO Elder Care Support Workshop

We recently held the NACCHO Elder Care Support Workshop, a two-day training program in Adelaide focused on strengthening care for Elders across our communities.

Key focus areas included:

  • Building workforce training pathways
  • Enhancing communications and engagement
  • Developing a robust data strategy
  • Supporting our sector and shaping the future of the program

It was a productive workshop filled with collaboration and valuable insights. A big thank you to all attendees for their contributions, and to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing representatives for sharing their perspectives.

New Great Southern Aboriginal Medical Service leads country’s first Indigenous-focused first aid sessions

Aboriginal communities in the Great Southern are the first in the country to benefit from a national initiative delivering vital emergency training, thanks to a newly established Indigenous health service.

More than 50 Aboriginal people attended the first sessions in Albany last week, with many more scheduled to attend sessions in Mt Barker, Tambellup, Katanning, Gnowangerup and Kojonup.

A joint effort between the newly formed Great Southern Aboriginal Medical Service, Community First Responders Australia and the Heart Foundation, the initiative teaches residents basic first aid, including how to use a defibrillator, to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

Read more here.

Gwyn Nichols, Sarah Williams, Lindsay Dean, Professor Sandra Eades AO, Patricia Williams and Leon Landau. Credit: Laurie Benson

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.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au and we will feature it in the news.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au
and we will feature it in the news.

NACCHO Sector News: 1 December 2025

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News

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.

World AIDS Day 2025: ACCHOs key to ensuring no one is left behind

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could become the first Indigenous peoples in the world to virtually eliminate HIV transmission – and it’s thanks to the tireless work of our ACCHOs.

The ACCHO sector is vital in maintaining low HIV rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and achieving virtual elimination.

Today, we would like to acknowledge the critical and highly skilled ACCHO sexual health and blood borne virus workforce who hold a safe space for community to talk openly, get tested and treated, without shame.

NACCHO continues to advocate for expanded access to culturally safe health promotion, testing and treatment pathways for all blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections.

Join NACCHO’s COVID-19 Evaluation Report Webinar & Live Q&A

NACCHO’s Covid-19 Evaluation Report: Webinar and live Q&A is being held Wednesday 3 December 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:35 PM AEDT. To register, go here.

Hear from Jason Agostino, Senior Medical Advisor at NACCHO, and George McMahon, Manager at Nous Group, as they unpack findings from the national evaluation of ACCHOs’ COVID-19 response.

  • Learn how flexible funding, local decision-making, and culturally safe communication saved an estimated 2,000 lives.
  • Explore what worked, what didn’t, and recommendations for future emergency preparedness.
  • Understand the role of Elders, cultural knowledge holders, and trusted community leaders in shaping health outcomes.

Registration close Tuesday 2 December 2025.

Grant Opportunity: The Remote Community Laundries Project

The Remote Community Laundries Project grant round is now open for applications on GrantConnect and will close on 13 February 2026. This grant is limited to communities in SA, WA, NT and QLD.

The Remote Community Laundries Project (the Project) will provide funding to establish or upgrade, maintain and operate laundry facilities in remote First Nations communities in northern and central Australia to 30 June 2029.

For more information, go here.

Any questions or queries related to the round can be directed to communitylaundries@niaa.gov.au.

Winners of Aboriginal health excellence awards celebrated in Darwin ceremony

Winners for this year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards have been announced at a ceremony in Darwin.

Since 2006, the awards have been held to recognise and acknowledge the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners make to their families, communities and the healthcare system across the NT.

The awards also recognise the efforts of the Territory’s future workforce and emerging leaders, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited course from within the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Training Package.

Read the full article here.

Minister for Health Steve Edgington with the winners of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards. Picture: NT government

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.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au and we will feature it in the news.

Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au
and we will feature it in the news.