RDN Share
Last week, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leaders, ACCHOs, Aboriginal Medical Services, practitioners, Elders, government and sector partners came together for the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council’s (AH&MRC) National Indigenous Healthcare Forum, held on Gadigal Country in Sydney.
Held on 5–6 August, the Forum provided an opportunity to share what’s working on the ground and strengthen the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare.
Skilfully MC'd by AH&MRC CEO Nicky Turner, the Forum featured a Day One keynote address by National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) CEO Karl Briscoe on strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce.
Day Two featured a keynote by Te Rau Ora CEO Riki Nia Nia on lessons in this space from Aotearoa, New Zealand, while yarning circles offered the opportunity for every delegate to have their say within the packed two-day program ahead of a cultural tour on the third day.
The Hon Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Assistant Minister for Women, spoke of the Federal Government’s commitment to invest in “self-determined healthcare solutions for First Nations communities”, citing the successful Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship transition as an example.
Amongst several thought-provoking panel discussions, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service CEO Jamie Newman challenged the room to “set the bar” for maintaining highest standards in Indigenous health, citing the need for investment in adequate training pipelines across the sector from Aboriginal Health Practitioners just starting out to CEOs running Aboriginal Medical Services. RDN was proud to support a delegation of three Indigenous Medical Cadets to attend the forum along with seven RDN staff, including RDN Health team members. This support enables ongoing investment in leadership and Aboriginal health system knowledge opportunities for early career Aboriginal leaders.
RDN Chief Operating Officer Mike Edwards said RDN values its long-standing relationship with AH&MRC and the organisation’s expertise and cultural authority.
"One of our goals is to practise meaningful allyship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and our support for the delegation of Indigenous Medical Cadets and staff to learn from thought leaders and connect with colleagues at the AH&MRC’s National Indigenous Health Forum is an important step in achieving this goal,” Mike said.
"RDN believes investments like this in emerging Indigenous leaders and those striving to practice allyship is important and will contribute to cultural governance capacity and shared decision-making that is needed across our health system. The event offered a valuable opportunity for the Indigenous Cadets to network and meet with Indigenous health leaders and community members from all over Australia."
MC Nicky Turner closed the Forum on a reflective note, telling attendees: "We've listened and reflected and now it's critical that things we have learned together are put in to practice. Change will require an ongoing commitment to Aboriginal self determination, to building our sector, and recognising the strength and resilience of Aboriginal communities."
AH&MRC is the peak body and voice for 51 ACCHOs (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations) across NSW, working to ensure ACCHOs have access to an adequately resourced and skilled workforce to provide high-quality health care services for Aboriginal communities.
Related reading:
- Guide for General Practice: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners in Primary Health Care (2025)
- Sydney welcomes Deadly Doctors (2025) - Rural Doctors Network
- Indigenous Cadet Shay-Lee Coulson's driving force to "increase the likelihood of a First Nations patient presenting to a First Nations doctor" (2024) - Rural Doctors Network