THE Ngar-wu Wanyarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Conference will return to Shepparton this month, marking 11 years of sharing First Nations knowledge, experiences and perspectives on health and wellbeing.
The conference will be held on Wednesday, October 28, on Yorta Yorta Country at the University of Melbourne’s Shepparton campus.
Meaning “listen and act” in Yorta Yorta language, Ngar-wu Wanyarra brings together community members, academics, health professionals and leaders to discuss issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year’s keynote speakers are Uncle Travis Lovett, executive director of the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Truth-Telling and Dialogue, and Dr Bridie Hofstee, director of Indigenous Medical Education at Melbourne Medical School.
Department of Rural Health Professor Lisa Bourke said this year’s conference would prioritise truth-telling about past and present realities while celebrating the strengths and successes of First Nations people.
“First Nations people understand what is best for their communities, and this is an opportunity to learn from their successes, understandings and vision for the future,” she said.
The program will explore First Nations cancer research priorities, strengthening community voices in health research, barriers within prisons and ways of bridging knowledge.
Attendees will also have opportunities to connect through cultural activities, including weaving and spear making.
“Ngar-wu Wanyarra is more than a conference,” Professor Bourke said.
“It’s a gathering of community, knowledge holders, health professionals and leaders united by a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples.”
Tickets remain available at go.unimelb.edu.au/83fh.
