Gulpa gaka/Welcome
The Department of Rural Health acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work, learn, and live on - the Yorta Yorta Nation. We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original owners and custodians of the lands and waterways across the Australian continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and future, and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the Academy. As a community of researchers, teachers, professional staff and students, we are privileged to work and learn every day with Indigenous colleagues and partners.
About the conference
The Department of Rural Health will be hosting our 9th Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference on Wednesday 9 October 2024 on Yorta Yorta Country the University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health, 49 Graham Street Shepparton VIC.
Meaning to ‘listen and act’ in Yorta Yorta language – the Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conference recognises First Nation voices and knowledge, sharing information on key topics in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing.
Read a summary of our 2023 conference here!
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets for the Ngar-wu Wanyarra conference are available to purchase now until Wednesday 25 September. Further information including the conference program will be available soon.
Please note you will be required to create a UniMelb account to register for this event.
| Tickets | In person |
|---|---|
| Indigenous attendee | $75 |
| Non-Indigenous attendee | $150 |
| Optional add-ons | In person |
|---|---|
| Craft workshops | Free |
| Post-conference refreshments & networking opportunity | Free |
Keynote speakers
Professor Sandra Eades
Deputy Dean, Indigenous
Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Professor Sandra Eades (BMed, PhD, FAHMS) is Deputy Dean (Indigenous) and Rowden White Chair in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne. She is a Noongar woman from Mount Barker, WA, and the first Indigenous Australian to be awarded a PhD in medicine. Professor Eades is a recognised leader in Aboriginal health, with over 100 publications focused on child and adolescent health improvement. She has received several awards for her work, including the Lowitja Institute Inaugural Award for Leadership in Aboriginal Health Research (2015). Professor Eades' research has influenced policy and practice, particularly in addressing high rates of Indigenous smoking and improving primary health care for conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Dr Anita Heiss
Award-winning Indigenous Australian Author
Dr Anita Heiss AM (Wiradyuri Nation) is an award-winning author, having written over 20 books. She is an international speaker with a background in Australian First Nations literature calling her audiences to action on issues that she is passionate about. She is a board member of the National Justice Project and Circa Contemporary Theatre. Anita is a Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland and an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the GO Foundation. Notably, her play "Tiddas" premiered at the 2022 Brisbane Festival, and in 2023, she delighted readers with six new books, including her inaugural children’s picture book, "Bidhi Galing" (Big Rain).
Call for abstracts
Would you like to present at our upcoming conference? We warmly invite you to share your story, wisdom, research, and community projects at the annual Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference.
This is an opportunity to showcase your work, share your knowledge, and foster meaningful dialogue amongst our conference delegates. Whether you're an artist, activist, researcher, healthcare worker or community member, we welcome your contributions.
Let your voice be heard, your stories be told, and your impact be felt. Together, let’s create a platform that highlights and honours Indigenous voices.
Key dates
- Wednesday 1 May 2024
-
Call for abtracts open
- Wednesday 31 July 2024
-
Call for abstracts close
- Monday 1 July 2024
-
Ticket registrations open
- Wednesday 25 September
-
Ticket registrations close
- Wednesday 9 October 2024
-
Conference commences
Contact information
For event enquiries contact:
Aboriginal Health Team
Department of Rural Health
Email: aboriginal-health@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +(03) 5823 3178
For media enquiries contact:
Giacinta Caione
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne
Email: giacinta.caione@unimelb.edu.au
Stay up to date
Stay in the loop by signing up for event updates! Request to join our database here.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices, or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
Conference artwork by Norman Stewart, Community/Language Group: Yorta Yorta, 'Kidneys of the Dungala', 2014