Celebrating 10 years of the Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference

The Department of Rural Health hosted the 10^th Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference on Wednesday 15 October.

Meaning to ‘listen and act’ in Yorta Yorta language, the conference amplified First Nations voices and knowledge, sharing information on key topics on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing.

Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) said ongoing efforts to address inequalities must focus on creating meaningful and culturally responsive solutions that ensure Indigenous Australians have the same opportunities to live long and healthy lives as other Australians do.

“Ngar-wu Wanyarra continues to be a platform for Indigenous voices to lead the conversation, to speak and be heard, and brings into focus the strengths of Indigenous health, well-being, research, and community aspirations, particularly in respect to rural and regional regions across Australia,” he said.

Bridget Brennan, a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman and the co-host of ABC’s national News Breakfast program, was among the keynote speakers.

A First Nations Women’s panel was held at the conference with respected local indigenous women, Dr Karyn Ferguson, Dr Sharon Atkinson-Briggs and Dr Tui Crumpen.

“It has given us an opportunity to talk about our research and to talk about it locally and give back that knowledge to our local community and our First Nations community,” Dr Crumpen, Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Melbourne said.

Professor Judd said the conference is an example of action, bringing forward real solutions to complex problems.

“The University of Melbourne has a proud history of partnership with the people of the Goulburn Valley and Yorta Yorta Peoples.”