2024 Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference

The Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference is a much-needed annual event that highlights the breadth of work in Indigenous health occurring across Yorta Yorta Country.

The 2024 conference was no exception, with keynotes from award-winning Indigenous Australian author Dr Anita Heiss and Professor Sandra Eades AO, Deputy Dean, Indigenous at the Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Faculty.

The day began with a Welcome to Country by Michael Bourke, a proud Yorta Yorta man, and bloodline connections to Dja Dja Wurrung Nguraiilam and more, and the Smoking Ceremony and Galnya Yenbena Dancers, a young dance group on a journey to reconnect with and share our culture through dance, started the day.

Dr Heiss’ keynote was a fabulous presentation delivered with humour and great passion. Dr Heiss spoke to the critical importance for Indigenous voices and stories to be told across all areas of society, including histories, literature and media.

Professor Eades’ keynote spoke to positive impact of the growth of Indigenous researchers in health. She shared her journey, including her first job working at Derbal Yerrigan, in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. A trailblazer in the university sector, Professor Eades navigated her career with tenacity and cultural integrity, becoming the first Aboriginal doctor to receive a PhD.

A brilliant day of cultural activities, research and program presentations and networking.

Four photo collage showing the leaves placed on the fire for the smoking, a man playing the didgeridoo, Poche team member with Dr Heiss and her book and the Galnya Yenbena dancers

Photo collage: Michael Bourke placing leaves on the fire for smoking, Dylan Charles playing the didgeridoo, Poche team member Jenn with Dr Heiss and her book, and the Galnya Yenbena dancers, Vanessa Harbrow, Sereana Harbrow, Shanara Ritchie, Emmasyn McMellon and Dhadjowa Gordan.