Forum
20 – 21 August 2025
Workshop
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22 August 2025
Pullman Cairns International, Gimuy/ Cairns
Creating Healthier Communities by strengthening the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce
The 2025 Closing the Gap on Indigenous Health Forum is now CPD Accredited. Attendees will receive 7 points per day, with a certificate immediately following the event.
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Meet Our Advisory Board
Professor Bep Uink
Director
HealthinfoNet
Vickie Parry
Chief Executive Officer
Barang Regional Alliance
Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup
Chief Executive Officer
Uncle Jimmy Thumps Up!
Maxine Tuner
Senior Project Officer
Ninti One Ltd
Dr Brad Murphy
General Practitioner; Professor of Indigenous Health and Wellbeing
The University of Queensland
Welcome to the Closing the Gap on Indigenous Health Forum
The 2025 Closing the Gap on Indigenous Health Forum will explore grassroots initiatives, traditional knowledges, collaboration in the ACCHO sector, digital health solutions and culturally safe practice in mainstream health services; with community and culture remaining central to all initiatives.
Of particular focus this year will be the incredible people that make up the Indigenous health workforce, as well as their solutions to strengthening Indigenous health employment in both ACCHOs and mainstream health services.
The Forum is an important opportunity to yarn with your peers about the services, programs and practices that are working in their communities, including innovative approaches to addressing social determinants, community-led research, and evidence-based practice. Learn from community leaders and health practitioners from across the Country who are leading the way forward to closing the gap on health inequity for Indigenous communities.
Featured Speakers
Timmy Duggan OAM
Founder
Hoops 4 Health
David Reeve (DrPH)
Health Systems Manager
Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT)
Sherry Holzapfel
Executive Director
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
George Saveka
Mekem Gardens Projects
Torres Strait Regional Authority
Nicole Turner
Chief Executive Officer
Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW
Karen Reys
Founder
Ceed Healing
Lauren Williams
Program Manager, First Nations Training Pathways Programs
Metro North Health
Renelle Gondarra
Community Health Worker
Miwatj
On-Country Workshop, 22 August
Take a short ferry ride to stunning Wunyami/Green Island for a powerful cultural tour with Black Seahorse Arts Collective who will share stories about the island and its historical importance.
Then, join an interactive workshop designed to help you and your organisation deliver culturally safe and person centred support to those in your community.
Forum Experience
Cultural Safety
There will be a dedicated Elders’ space on site for Elders to take their lunch, socialise, or take a break from the forum. There will also be safe spaces for all attendees to decompress and take some time away from the content of the forum.
Forum Dinner
Immediately following Day One, we welcome you to unwind and catch up with your peers in a relaxed setting as we host a community social event for all attendees. There will be music, food, and drinks, allowing you to switch off from the day and nourish your mind and body.
Yarn with your peers about the services, programs and practices that are working in their communities, including innovative approaches to...
Community-led research
Health program design
Evidence-based practice
Who Should Attend?
Directors, CEOs, Managers, Program Coordinators, and community leaders in Indigenous healthcare involved in:
If you are a First Nations employee working in an NFP or charity with 10 or less staff, or if you are a First Nations Elder or young person, you can apply for a bursary to cover your registration fee. To do so, submit an application on the bursary applications page, detailing why you are applying & how it will help you.
Why Attend?
Identify what supportive partnerships between ACCHOs and mainstream health services look like and how to build them
Feel inspired by positive case studies from ACCHOs that are successfully retaining a skilled workforce and expanding their community services
Hear the experiences of ACCHOs in implementing digital and virtual healthcare solutions in their communities
Discover the innovative ways digital platforms provide health solutions for remote and regional communities
Discover healthy lifestyle choices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities to eliminate preventable diseases
Learn about traditional practices that are solving modern issues
Gain insight into the healthcare strategies of peak bodies
Yarn and network with your peers in the healthcare sector from across Australia
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