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      Forum      

20 – 21 August 2025

 Workshop

 | 

 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.

CPD approved event logo

Meet Our Advisory Board

Professor Bep Uink

Professor Bep Uink

Director

HealthinfoNet 

Vickie Parry

Vickie Parry

Chief Executive Officer

Barang Regional Alliance 

Graham Buzz Bidstrup

Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup

Chief Executive Officer

​Uncle Jimmy Thumps Up! 

Maxine Turner

Maxine Tuner

Senior Project Officer

Ninti One Ltd 

Dy Brad Murphy

Dr Brad Murphy

General Practitioner; Professor of Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

The University of Queensland 

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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

Timmy Duggan OAM

Founder

Hoops 4 Health 

David Reeve

David Reeve (DrPH)

Health Systems Manager

 Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT)

Sherry Holzapfel

Sherry Holzapfel

Executive Director

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 

George Saveka

George Saveka

Mekem Gardens Projects

Torres Strait Regional Authority 

Nicole Turner

​Nicole Turner

Chief Executive Officer

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW

Karen Reys

Karen Reys

Founder

Ceed Healing 

Lauren Williams

Lauren Williams

Program Manager, First Nations Training Pathways Programs

Metro North Health 

Renelle

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.

On-country workshop

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:

who should attend IHC

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

“This event enabled me to broaden my understanding of the barriers to, and the rewards of, providing better service delivery to communities that makes a positive change to closing the gap in First Nations peoples' wellness.” 

Primary Health Care Educator, Apunipima Cape York Health Council Limited

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IHC 2025 Brochure

Explore the program

CONTACT US

Level 12, 2 Bulletin Place,
Sydney, 2000
Phone: +61 2 8378 4334
Email Us

Aventedge acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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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.

CPD approved event logo

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