First Nations-led healthcare the focus at Ngar-wu Wanyarra conference in Shepparton
Highlighting the importance of First Nations-led healthcare, encompassing cultural, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing was front and centre at the Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference held at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health in Shepparton on Wednesday 9 October.
A celebration of rich culture, powerful stories and shared commitment to First Nations health at the 2024 Ngar-wu Wanyarra conference. Left to right: Cassandra Clarke, Dr Anita Heis, Dr Raylene Nixon, Jessie Barnes-Hill, Professor Sandra Eades, Helen Everist and Alice Pettit.
Now in its 9th year, the Ngar-wu Wanyarra conference, which means ‘listen and act’ in Yorta Yorta language was created to amplify First Nations voices, providing a platform for Indigenous leaders, healthcare workers, academics and community members to present their work in health and wellbeing.
Keynote speakers included Professor Sandra Eades, Deputy Dean (Indigenous), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne and award-winning author and international speaker Dr Anita Heiss.
An inspiring keynote by Professor Sandra Eades, Deputy Dean (Indigenous) at the University of Melbourne, at Ngar-wu Wanyarra 2024—sharing her invaluable insights and dedication to advancing the health and wellbeing of First Nations youth.
Professor Eades spoke about advancing Indigenous youth health through cultural integration, highlighting its vital role in achieving improved health outcomes.
“I’m deeply honored to have been a keynote speaker at this year’s Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference in Shepparton,” Professor Eades said, a proud Noongar woman and Australia's first Aboriginal medical doctor with a PhD.
“I recognise the critical importance of uplifting and listening to local First Nations voices in health and wellbeing. Now, more than ever, our collective efforts are vital to ensuring a healthier future for our communities. I enjoyed engaging with everyone at this event.”
The opening ceremony set a warm and welcoming tone as the Galnya Yenbena Dance Group and Michael Bourke invited guests onto Yorta Yorta Country, honouring culture and tradition.
The conference covered topics such as improving cultural safety in cancer care, curriculum design for a cultural immersion education program for health professionals, Aboriginal Rainbow Elders’ stories of resilience and strength, and Gama-dji Wirrirrap Bilang-bilang - First Nations medicine and healing.
Attendees also participated in immersive cultural experiences such as traditional weaving with local Yorta Yorta artist Tammy-Lee Atkinson and a sacred space healing with Brady Jones, a Yorta Yorta Yenbenna hip-hop and spoken word artist. Galnya Yenbena Dance Group and Michael Bourke welcomed guests onto Yorta Yorta Country with a smoking ceremony and dance.
Between presentations, participants engaged in immersive cultural workshops, practicing traditional weaving and mindfulness to connect with First Nations art and traditions.
Reflecting on joining the conference, Dr Heiss said, “I was thrilled to have delivered a keynote at this year’s Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Conference on Yorta Yorta country. I hope that sharing my journey as an author has inspired (and motivated) conference delegates to document their own stories, or stories of their own nations and communities.
“It is important as part of truth-telling to share, but there is also joy to be found in writing our mobs into the national narrative.”
Dr Anita Heiss delivered an engaging morning keynote, celebrating the power of First Nations storytelling and the importance of First Nations voices in literature.