Shining a light on Aboriginal health at annual conference

Culturally tailored health care, listening to Indigenous knowledges and the value of Aboriginal people in Victoria’s Goulburn Murray region will be explored at this year’s annual Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference.

Running for its seventh year, the conference, ‘Ngar-wu Wanyarra’ — meaning ‘listen and act’ in Yorta Yorta language — will be hosted by the Department of Rural Health at the University of Melbourne on Yorta Yorta country in Shepparton and online, on Wednesday, 12 October.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, health professionals, community workers and national leaders will be presenting at the conference, providing a forum for rich dialogue and knowledge sharing on how to promote health for Indigenous Australians.

Beginning with a Welcome to Country by Yorta Yorta Elder Aunty Faye Lynam, the conference includes keynote speeches from former professional AFL footballer and anti-racism advocate Adam Goodes (virtually attending) and Commissioner for the Yoorrook Justice Commission Sue-Anne Hunter.

“Our communities have much to offer when it comes to health and wellbeing. If they are at the decision-making table, they can offer solutions,” Goodes said.

Hunter said a holistic approach is needed when it comes to improving health outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“First Peoples’ health and wellbeing is not a list of measurable, deficit-focused outcomes. It is a nuanced understanding of health and wellbeing. Whole-of-life concepts that incorporate body, mind, emotional health, relationships with family, country, community and connection to culture.”

Dr Raylene Nixon, a lecturer in Rural Aboriginal Health at the Department of Rural Health and descendant of the Gunggari people of Southwest Queensland, said that Aboriginal people bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the health sector that can’t be ignored.

“Here in the Goulburn Valley our contribution is crucial in protecting the rights and health of our peoples, ensuring Aboriginal and Western knowledges can both be applied in the field of health.”

Director of the University’s Department of Rural Health, Professor Lisa Bourke, said the conference is an opportunity to learn from First Nation knowledge holders and identify ways to further raise their voices.

“Having Aboriginal people at the heart of our health care is vital to improving systems, reducing inequalities and ensuring better health outcomes for all Australians, especially those living in rural and remote areas.”

The conference will be delivered as a hybrid event with an immersive online attendance option available. To register visit: ruralhealth.unimelb.edu.au.

Image caption: Dr Raylene Nixon. Image: Supplied