Presents
Centring culture, community and lived experience in healthcare solutions
5-7 August 2026
Eora/ Sydney
Welcome to the
2026 National Indigenous Healthcare Forum
The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC) are pleased to welcome you to the National Indigenous Healthcare Forum being held on 5–6 August in Sydney.
This Forum brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, ACCHOs, practitioners, frontline workers, and government from across the country to share knowledge and drive culturally grounded, First Nations-led healthcare solutions. At a time when our communities continue to show strength and leadership, it is vital we come together to ensure our health systems reflect our culture, knowledge, and lived experience.
Across the program, we will focus on strengthening our workforce, improving care pathways for chronic conditions and cancer, and supporting mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
We will also explore the role of culturally informed research, digital healthcare, and approaches to caring for our Elders.
This is a space to listen, learn, and collaborate, grounded in community and focused on practical outcomes. Together, we can continue to shape a stronger, more equitable healthcare system for our people.
We look forward to sharing and connecting with communities from all over Australia in August.
Nicole Turner
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC)
About AH&MRC
The AH&MRC is the voice on Aboriginal Health and the peak body who represents ACCHOs in NSW that play a vital role in addressing the needs of Aboriginal people and improving Aboriginal health outcomes. We support 52 ACCHOs to deliver culturally safe,high-quality primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across NSW. In partnership with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health organisations at a local, state and national level, we address the social determinants of health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people. We work to strengthen the ACCHO workforce and ensure Aboriginal people are involved in the decision-making and delivery of health services.
Conference Committee Members
Nathan Taylor
Director of Intelligence
Lachlan Madden
Senior Project Officer
Kelly Jones
Ethics Coordinator
Danni Li
Marketing and Events Manager
Meet AH&MRC CEO
Nicole Turner
Nicole is a proud Kamilaroi woman with over 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal health and is CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, working closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across NSW. She is also Chairperson of Indigenous Allied Health Australia, having served on the board for over 10 years.Nicole is a qualified nutritionist and is an Adjunct Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Canberra. She is committed to research that creates meaningful impact for Indigenous peoples and future generations. Nicole was recently recognised for her contributions to Indigenous health and named the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the year. As a mother of 4 and grandmother of 6, Nicole’s work is guided by her commitment to her family and community.
Reasons To Attend
Hear key insights on inspiring and retaining the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers
Panel: From pipeline to leadership: Growing and sustaining an Indigenous health workforce
Riki Nia Nia, Chief Executive Officer, Te Rau Ora
Kenton Winsley, Chief Executive Officer, Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal
Co-Operative
Justine Swan-Castine, Senior Manager People and Workplace Culture, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
Sharon Bilney, Director of Aboriginal Health, Eyre and Far North Local Health District
Understand how we shift from reactive care to stronger, more accessible preventative healthcare
NSW Aboriginal Cancer Strategy: Caring for Kin and Country
Tracey O’Brien, Chief Executive, Cancer Institute NSW; Chief Cancer Officer, NSW Health
Learn how we can continue to deliver meaningful outcomes in the face of ongoing funding constraints
Panel: Community-led care: Innovations and leadership from ACCHOs in rural and remote regions despite system barriers
Moderator: Tanya McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia
Rachel Bruce, Operations Manager, Mura Kosker
Sinon Cooney, Chief Executive Officer, Katherine West Health Board
Learn from leaders from across Australia and beyond
Improving outcomes through community-controlled health systems
Professor Tom Calma AO, Commissioner, Australian Tertiary Education Commission
Elevating Aboriginal health workers and practitioners to improve outcomes at scale
Karl Briscoe, Chief Executive Officer, NAATSIHWP
Listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders to understand their aged care needs
Andrea Kelly, Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, Office of the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner
Featured Speakers
Professor Tom Calma AO
Commissioner; National Coordinator
Australian Tertiary Education Commission; Tackling Indigenous Smoking
Andrea Kelly
Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner
Office of the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner
Karl Briscoe
Chief Executive Officer
NAATSIHWP
Kenton Winsley
Chief Executive Officer
Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative
Tanya McGregor
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia
Dr Clinton Schultz
Director, First Nations Strategy and Partnerships, Head of First Nations Research
Black Dog Institute
Workshop and Cultural Cruise Friday | 7 August
Healthy Body and Mind through Connection to Culture, Country and Community
For many First Nations people, connection to Country, culture and community is deeply tied to wellbeing, supporting healing, mindfulness and a strong sense of belonging, something that’s just as important for those working in the space to reconnect with.
This is reflected in this year’s workshop day, which brings together a mix of cultural experiences, including a wellbeing yarning session and a Tribal Warrior cruise around Sydney Harbour, offering a chance to step back, reflect on the forum and continue connecting with others in a more informal setting.
Past Event Series Sponsors
Who Should Attend
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Executive & Senior Leaders
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Operational Leaders
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Clinical & Program Leaders
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Practitioners & Specialists
Key Sectors Attending
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Community Controlled Health Sector
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Mainstream Health Services
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Government Departments
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Non-Indigenous Health NFPs, Peak Bodies,and Associations
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Healthcare Solution Providers
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Universities
Venue
EORA / SYDNEY
5-7 August 2026
