Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council QAIHC has a strong vision and mission for providing development and support for the community controlled health sector in Queensland.

Vision

The elimination of disparities in health and wellbeing experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland. Goal

To support and drive a sustainable and responsible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector in Queensland, recognised by governments and other service providers as an essential, valued and preferred partner, and to enhance

primary health care provision more broadly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities. This goal will be met through work under our five strategic priorities. Values

QAIHC Values are based on feedback from its Members and Board of Directors:

• We advocate for the inclusion of cultural practice across the whole health care system in Queensland.
• We act ethically, respect difference and both support and engage in open exchange of ideas, planning and programming decisions.
• We act as thoughtful and responsible stewards of our and our Member Services resources, knowledge, and data.
• We demonstrate strong and uncompromised integrity in support of the highest standards of service quality and governance.
• We aspire to excellence that is approached through diligent effort, both individual and collective, and commitment to continuous quality improvement.

QAIHC Members!Two weeks remain to shine a light on the people, teams and projects doing deadly work across our sector.Ar...
17/08/2026

QAIHC Members!

Two weeks remain to shine a light on the people, teams and projects doing deadly work across our sector.

Are you so proud of a project you think it should get an award?
Has your team done such a stellar job providing culturally safe care that you need to see them recognised?
Is there someone who always shows up for mob and should be acknowledged?

They might be eligible for nomination in the 𝗤𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗖 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

There are six categories to choose from, with each winner receiving a $1,500 cash prize.

You can also nominate someone for induction into the QAIHC Hall of Fame, recognising a significant contribution to a Member service or the ACCHO sector over an extended period.

Nominations close in just two weeks at 𝟲:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺, 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Nominate:
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 | https://buff.ly/ePAogzT
𝗣𝗗𝗙 | https://buff.ly/OObcq3i

QAIHC’s South Brisbane office will close Wed 12 August for the Brisbane’s show public holiday, reopening 8:30am Thurs 13...
11/08/2026

QAIHC’s South Brisbane office will close Wed 12 August for the Brisbane’s show public holiday, reopening 8:30am Thurs 13 August.

Member CEOs needing urgent support can contact A/CEO Paula Arnol.

IT support will continue with no disruption: [email protected] | 07 3328 8560.

Welcome to part two of our celebration of our sector's Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Pract...
07/08/2026

Welcome to part two of our celebration of our sector's Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners!

This year we’re celebrating 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 on the National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners.

It’s all about the Many Paths people take to become Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners; and the Many Ways the workforce continues to build the profession through innovation, advocacy, and everyday practice.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners are Australia’s first and only culturally based healthcare workforce underpinned by national training and registration.

Their strength, leadership and advocacy, at our most vulnerable times, are a vital part of Australia’s health system and critical to achieving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To celebrate our sector’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and/or Health Practitioners, we reached out to our Members to help us showcase the Many Paths, Many Ways. These are some of their stories.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Jannah – Carbal Medical Services
I hope the profession continues to grow and creates more opportunities for Aboriginal people to support their communities. I would also like to see the role gain greater recognition and respect.

Kristy – Carbal Medical Services
My hope is that we see more people becoming Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners, and that the wider community recognises and respects the important work we do. I hope we continue to make a positive difference for our mob and communities.

Aunty Fabia – Craicchs
I hope the profession continues to grow, with more Aboriginal Health Workers recognised for the important role they play in supporting individuals, families, and communities. And also, to see stronger partnerships between healthcare services and Aboriginal communities, where trust, understanding, and respect are at the centre of care.

Ashlee – Girudala Community Cooperative Society
My hope for the future is to encourage the young people to continue to learn and grab a hold of the chances they are offered in the health industry. I am hoping to grow and develop my skills in becoming a nurse, to pass on the knowledge I have learnt to the next generation.

Malana – Girudala Community Cooperative Society
This profession has become so much more than just a job - it's a chance to give back to my community, advocate for better health outcomes, and continue learning and growing every day. I'm excited for what the future holds and hope to keep making a meaningful impact for our mob.

Monica (Bigambul) – Indigenous Wellbeing Centre IWC
Full Recognition: Not only for IHP’s and IHW’s but for our future generations to upskill and grow into other medical/specialty fields.

Laura – Kambu Health
My hope for the future is Aboriginal Health Practitioners are recognised as the vital backbone of our healthcare system.

National Association of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

This year we’re celebrating 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 on the National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait...
07/08/2026

This year we’re celebrating 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 on the National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners.

It’s all about the Many Paths people take to become Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners; and the Many Ways the workforce continues to build the profession through innovation, advocacy, and everyday practice.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners are Australia’s first and only culturally based healthcare workforce underpinned by national training and registration.

Their strength, leadership and advocacy, at our most vulnerable times, are a vital part of Australia’s health system and critical to achieving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To celebrate our sector’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and/or Health Practitioners, we reached out to our Members to help us showcase the Many Paths, Many Ways. These are some of their stories.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Janine – Craicchs
I began working with kids, but then I decided to step out of my comfort zone to pursue a traineeship. Now, I feel accomplished and like I’ve started on the path to where I want to be.

Sophia – CRAICCHS
In my community, people need to see a local in the workforce. I do, and I also want to give back to the community.

Kara (Taribeland Bunda | Wiradjuri) – Gidgee Healing
My youngest son was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) at the age of seven and, wanting to better understand his condition and support him inspired me to learn more about RHD. This experience motivated me to educate and support other families by raising awareness and sharing knowledge about the disease.

Allira – Girudala Community Cooperative Society
With an 18-year background in Mental Health Support Work it felt natural becoming an Aboriginal Health Worker. I am going to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to bolster community support and empower Mob to heal their own way through our ways.

Jackie – The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health
I became an Aboriginal Health Worker because I wanted to support our people with care, respect and understanding. Every day gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and our community.

Zoe – Moreton Atsichs
After finishing school, I was looking for a career path while working in hospitality, and I found my opportunity through a Certificate III and traineeship with Moreton ATSICHS. I then gained a role at the MATSICHS Caboolture Clinic and have proudly been working there for the past eight years.

Mandy (Cabrogal | Dharug) – Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council
My path into becoming an AHP came from wanting to give back to our mob and make a difference in my community. Becoming an Aboriginal Health Practitioner gave me the opportunity to combine cultural knowledge with professional clinical skills so I could improve health outcomes for our mob; and it’s given me a voice to advocate for our people, challenge health system inequities and strengthen culturally safe care.

Keep an eye out: we'll be bringing you more stories from deadly Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners talking about 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 later today.

National Association of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

30/07/2026

This National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, we’re inviting children to draw, paint or create something that shows what growing up strong, proud and deadly means to them 🎨

We’ll turn your artwork and your own words into a postcard to keep.

📧 Submit your artwork to [email protected]. Email us or call us on 02 5104 8521 if you need help.

Parents and carers can find the participation guide and consent form here:
www.naccho.org.au/child-maternal-health/

SNAICC-National Voice for our Children's National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is celebrated on 4 August – but there’s no closing date for the In Our Words: Postcard Project.

Learn more about :
https://www.snaicc.org.au/our-work/campaigns/childrens-day/



Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services AH&MRC of NSW Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council AHCSA - Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia - AHCWA Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre

QAIHC Members! Are you proud of a project and want to tell the whole world?Have your team done such a stellar job you wa...
27/07/2026

QAIHC Members!

Are you proud of a project and want to tell the whole world?
Have your team done such a stellar job you want to shout it from the rooftops?
Is there a deadly individual who always goes above and beyond?

They might be eligible for nomination in our 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, this year gratefully held on Yugambeh Country.

There are six categories to choose from, with winners receiving a $1500 cash prize.

Or maybe you want to recognise someone who has made a significant contribution to your service, or the ACCHO sector, over an extended period?

Nominate them for induction into the QAIHC Hall of Fame.

Hurry! Nominations close 𝟲:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺, 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟯𝟬 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Winners will be announced at:
2026 QAIHC Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner
📅 21 October 2026
📍Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Yugambeh Country | Gold Coast

You can nominate:
𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 | https://buff.ly/ePAogzT
𝗣𝗗𝗙 | https://buff.ly/OObcq3i

𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: Communications Manager𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: South Brisbane, Brisbane QLD𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀: Full time𝗥𝗲𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Competitive ...
27/07/2026

𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: Communications Manager
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: South Brisbane, Brisbane QLD
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀: Full time
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience

𝗤𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗖 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: QAIHC is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) in Queensland, supporting Members through leadership, advocacy and sector development. QAIHC works to strengthen the ACCHO sector and support improved health outcomes. Its work is grounded in culture, self-determination and health equity.

𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: QAIHC is seeking a Communications Manager to lead its strategic communications function and support clear, culturally safe communication across the sector.

This role will guide messaging, media, campaigns, publications and stakeholder engagement that reflect QAIHC’s vision, priorities and values.

You will lead the Communications team and help share advocacy, policy, program and health promotion messages with Members, communities, stakeholders and the broader public.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
🔸 Lead strategic communications planning, messaging and campaign delivery
🔸 Embed culture, cultural protocols and respectful storytelling in communications
🔸 Manage and develop the Communications team across all channels
🔸 Lead production of Sector Leader magazine and other key publications

𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮:
🔸 Qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related experience
🔸 Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and community control
🔸 Experience leading communications, media relations and stakeholder engagement
🔸 Current unrestricted C Class Driver Licence, with required checks if requested

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: 24 August 2026, unless a suitable applicant is sourced earlier

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆: QAIHC is committed to building an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and creating meaningful employment opportunities that support self-determination, community control, and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We recognise the value of cultural knowledge, lived experience, and community connections and encourage applications from candidates who can bring these strengths to the role.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆: https://buff.ly/ssg61c8

26/07/2026

Close the Gap on Remote Health: The Royal Flying Doctor Service is in partnership with Ngarnal to provide primary healthcare five days per week on Mornington Island.

The walk-in clinic is the first of its kind collaboration across Australia.

An Indigenous health expert says this kind of community-led care has the potential to be replicated across the country.

Read full ABC News report here

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-25/mornington-island-gulf-rfds-queensland-health-care/106948234

NACCHO Aboriginal Health Australia
Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council
RACGP
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy - Northern Territory
Katie Kiss - Social Justice Commissioner

Diphtheria is serious and contagious. It often appears as skin sores or a sore throat.Diphtheria bacteria releases a tox...
17/07/2026

Diphtheria is serious and contagious. It often appears as skin sores or a sore throat.

Diphtheria bacteria releases a toxin that can spread through the body and damage your heart or nerves. In serious cases, it can be life-threatening.

NT, WA and parts of SA are continuing to respond to a large diphtheria outbreak.

QAIHC’s public health medical director Dr Sophia Couzos said being proactive by staying up to date with vaccinations and getting early checks can make a difference.

“Get checked early; if you have skin sores or a sore throat, see your local ACCHO, Aboriginal Health Worker, Aboriginal Health Practitioner, or GP.

“While you’re there, ask whether you need a booster vaccination.”

𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗶𝗽𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮

𝗤𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗖: https://buff.ly/dhKoaNz | 𝗡𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗛𝗢: https://buff.ly/e0gph22

📷️: Former Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council councillor Derek Haines with PICC AHW Keira during the Jab Up, Stay Strong campaign in 2023 / NACCHO

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and serious bacterial infection. It can first appear as skin sores or a sore throat.Di...
17/07/2026

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and serious bacterial infection. It can first appear as skin sores or a sore throat.

Diphtheria produces a toxin that can spread through the body and cause serious illness. If left untreated, it can make you very sick, and in some cases, it can be life threatening.

The NT, WA and parts of SA continue to experience a large quick-spreading diphtheria outbreak.

QAIHC public health medical director Dr Sophia Couzos said you can help keep Community healthy by making sure vaccinations are up to date and seeking help early if symptoms appear.

“Help keep your family safe by getting checked early,” she said.

“If you have a skin sore or sore throat, see your local ACCHO, Aboriginal Health Worker/Health Practitioner or your GP.

"While you’re there, ask if you and your family are up to date with vaccinations or need a booster.”

𝗕𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗶𝗽𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

Check out the below links for more information
🔸𝗤𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗖: https://buff.ly/dhKoaNz
🔸𝗡𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗛𝗢: https://buff.ly/e0gph22

📷️: Former Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council councillor Derek Haines with PICC AHW Keira during the Jab Up, Stay Strong campaign in 2023 / NACCHO

Address

36 Russell Street
South Brisbane, QLD
4101

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category