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 11th Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference on Wednesday 28 October 2026 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 Health 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 2025 conference

Conference Artwork

Norman Yakaduna Stewart

Norm Yakaduna Stewart is a respected Kwat Kwat, Moira, and Wurundjeri man, painting under the name of his great-great grandfather Yakaduna, also known as Tommy McRae. Norm’s creative and cultural expertise spans painting, drawing, woodwork and making cultural belongings (artefacts), and through his artwork, he sustains important family and community stories, cultural knowledge, and connections to country.

Norm was born in Nowra in 1958 to Norman Stewart Snr and Ellen Morgan and traces his origins to Corowa/Wahgunyah, Kwat Kwat country. Following the picking seasons, Norm’s family settled in Robinvale with his Grandmother on a small mission called Munatunga. As a young boy Norm has fond memories of this place, hunting for bush tucker and making canoes out of corrugated iron during flood season to collect yabbies, turtles and even pelican eggs. Norm and his siblings were forcibly taken from his Grandmother’s care, becoming wards of the state of Victoria in 1965 before being returned back to family several years later.

During his school years Norm enjoyed art classes but it wasn’t until later in life that he began to have an interest in the arts, inspired by the artwork and legacy of his Great Great Grandfather Tommy McCrae (Yakaduna). Norm describes his art-making as ‘a bit vast at times and quite vivid’ and he practices across styles of painting including portraiture, landscapes and Kwat Kwat mark making. In 2013 Norm undertook a year of study at Deakin University to deepen his knowledge of Visual Arts, strengthening his style and technique. In more recent years, he has developed a strong practice of bushcraft and woodcarving, creating stunning 3D sculptural works he calls the Yakaduna Birds, as well as cultural belongings such as coolamons, shields, clap sticks, digging sticks and boomerangs. Norm is passionate about sharing his knowledge and passing on culture and knowledge to the next generations, and regularly facilitates workshops for mob in community and in the justice system, as well as mentoring young men in the community to pass on skills.

Over the years, Norm has regularly exhibited and sold work via Kaiela Arts and taken on some bigger engagements including: a commission for Clothing The Gaps 2023 ‘For Our Elders’ campaign; commissioned artwork for the 2023 Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence build; featuring in Kaiela Arts showcase for 2025 Victorian First Peoples Arts and Design Fair Showcase at Melbourne Art Fair; and being a finalist in the prestigious Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in 2025.

Tickets & Pricing

Note: you will be required to create a UniMelb account to register for this event.

Register for the conference here

Submit an abstract

The conference is an opportunity to showcase your work, share your ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue with conference delegates. Whether you're an artist, activist, researcher, or community member, we welcome your contributions.

Let your voice be heard, your stories be told, and your impact felt.

Submission guidelines:

• Abstract submissions are now open
• Abstract submissions will close 1 September 2026
• Abstract summaries must not be longer than 300 words
• All presentations must be delivered in-person only
• Abstracts submitted after 1 September 2026 will not be considered
• All abstract submissions will be reviewed by the University Department of Rural Health and Malka team.
• All abstract submissions will be notified of acceptance by 15 September 2026
• There is a requirement that one presenter is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (maximum of 2 people per presentation)
• Each presentation is allocated 20-minute time slot (15min presentation + 5min Q&A)
• The information in your abstract submission will be published in the conference booklet. Please ensure all details are correct.

This year's presentation themes will  comprise:

• Truth-Telling
• Knowledge and Education
• Health and Wellbeing
• Culture and Community

Submit an abstract here

_{If you experience any issues completing this form, please contact the conference committee: aboriginal-health@unimelb.edu.au.}

Keynote Speakers

This year's keynote speakers include:

• Uncle Travis Lovett, Executive Director, Centre for Truth-Telling and Dialogue at the University of Melbourne
• Aunty Felicia Dean, CEO Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative

Read more about the conference keynote speakers below.

Uncle Travis Lovett

Travis Lovett is a proud Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, Boandik man and Traditional Owner who served as Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia’s first formal truth-telling inquiry. A lifelong advocate for justice and cultural preservation, Lovett has held senior leadership roles in the Victorian Public Service, including Executive Director and Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing Treaty and truth-telling, reforming Koori Courts and protecting cultural heritage across Victoria.

Lovett’s commitment to truth was powerfully embodied in his 513 kilometer “Walk for Truth,” a symbolic and deeply personal journey from Gunditjmara Country to Melbourne, marking the Commission’s closing chapter. His work helped amplify First Peoples’ voices, illuminate the enduring impacts of colonisation and deliver a landmark report with over 100 recommendations for systemic reform leading to a historic apology from the Victorian Government.

He is passionate about practicing Culture, working with Community and preserving Aboriginal languages, with a focus on healing, unity and creating lasting change.

Aunty Felicia Dean

Felicia Dean is a proud Yorta Yorta and Taungurung Winya (Woman). She has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

She has completed a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching, Advanced Diploma of Business Management and Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Governance.

Felicia is the business owner of “The Connection” in Shepparton. She has been running her own function and conference centre which includes catering and a restaurant, with a focus on modern bush foods for 10 years now.

Felicia is the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rumbalara returning in September 2019 after being away for 6 years and being in the position for 10 years previously.

Felicia has a strong background in Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector and firmly believes in the ACCO model with its foundation based on Self Determination, and flexibility as the way forward for addressing the disparity across Australia for Aboriginal Communities.

Felicia is also a Board member of several Aboriginal Organisations across the State, and an active Community member who often volunteers at local events and activities in her free time.

Felicia first started at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd as an Aboriginal Health worker, working in the Health Services Nutrition Program then moving across to the Mental Health team to support the Woongi Mental Health research project.

Rumbalara supported Felicia and others to undertake further study via Ballarat University (now Federation University) to complete both a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Business Management. Upon completion Felicia took on the Inaugural Deputy CEO role and 18 months later stepped into the CEO role at age 35 years.

Program and Speakers

This year's conference program is in development.

Note: this program is subject to change,  please refer back to the website for latest updates in the lead-up to the event.

Activities

There will be a range of activities on the day of the conference for attendees to participate in. Take a look at the activities on offer below.

Cultural weaving workshop by Tammy-Lee Atkinson

Tammy-Lee Atkinson and Jean Fowler will be providing an Aboriginal weaving workshop throughout the event. Participants will be contributing to an art installation that will permanently be on display at the Department of Rural Health to celebrate the Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference.

Music by Zane Caleb

Zane Caleb is a Yorta Yorta artist from Shepparton, Victoria. He began recording and producing his own music at 15 years old, focusing on hip-hop and rap before expanding into R&B, pop, metal, electronic, and folk. Today, Zane describes his sound as alternative rock, drawing on influences from across genres.

In June 2026, he released his debut EP, The Boy Can Fly, recorded and produced in a garage in Shepparton.

Sacred Space Healing by Brady Jones

Bricky B, a Yorta Yorta, Yenbenna, hip-hop, and spoken word artist, began writing lyrics and poetry at 17 and has since evolved into a dynamic performer. He’s graced stages across Victoria, including the Moomba opening event and Shepparton Festival, using his art to reflect, empower, and tell the stories of his community.

Post conference networking

Join attendees of Ngar-wu Wanyarra for a post conference networking event with light refreshments. Relive the day and make meaninful connections with likeminded individuals.