Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association

08/09/2026

We've been busy these past few days hosting , but we must offer our belated congratulations to AIDA Student Members Shay-Lee Coulson and Emma-Kate Thornley. 💚✨

They have been awarded an Australian Medical Association Indigenous Medical Scholarship, supporting their journey in medicine and commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We’re so proud to celebrate this achievement with both of you. 🫶🏽

Two Indigenous future doctors have been awarded medical scholarships by the Australian Medical Association.Scholarship recipients Emma-Kate Thornley and Shay-Lee Coulson — who the AMA said are c...

06/09/2026

Yesterday we wrapped up in style at our fantastic AIDA Gala Dinner! ✨
 
🎶 A huge thank you to our MC Troy Benjamin and to Bilya Booladarlung, DJ Macca and Phil Walley-Stack for keeping the celebrations going.
 
🩺 Congratulations to everyone who received an AIDA Award or was presented with a stethoscope, marking special milestones in their journeys as doctors.
 
🌿 Earlier in the day, we gathered for the Gather and Grow Breakfast and closed out the Conference with conversations on Collective Wellness, community, reciprocity and shared responsibility.
 
Three days on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar / Perth filled with culture, connection, learning and plenty of memories. ❤️
 
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make possible. Until next year! 👋🏿

05/09/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 AIDA Award recipients! ✨
 
This evening on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar, we celebrated the achievements of our members at the AIDA 2026 Conference Gala Dinner. This year’s AIDA Award winners are:
 
🏆 Indigenous Medical Student of the Year – Kristy Darnell
🏆 Indigenous Medical Student of the Year – Jennifer Gulson
🏆 Indigenous Doctor of the Year – Talila Milroy
 
We were also honoured to present the inaugural Uncle Louis Peachey Lifetime Achievement Award to the man who inspired it. 💛 The new accolade recognises an individual whose lifelong leadership, advocacy and commitment have helped shape AIDA’s mission, vision and values, while advancing equity and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in health. Thank you Uncle Louis for your enduring legacy that continue to guide us today and into the future.
 
Congratulations to all our 2026 AIDA Award recipients too. We are proud to celebrate your work and the impact you continue to make across our communities and the health system.
 

05/09/2026

05/09/2026

Friday at was all about feeling empowered and ‘Strong in Care’ on a rich day of keynotes, yarning circles and conversations centred on care and cultural safety. ❤️

📸 We also captured another classic Conference moment with our group photo, bringing delegates together for a bit of fun.

✨ The day finished with a special moment: the presentation of the inaugural Prof Helen Milroy AM Lifetime Award, recognising a lifetime of contribution to community wellbeing and reflecting AIDA’s values of self-determination and equitable health outcomes in a culturally safe health system.

Let’s enjoy today the final day of conference as we come together for 🌿 ‘Collective Wellness’.

04/09/2026

Today, we honoured Professor Helen Milroy’s outstanding contribution to our people’s wellbeing by presenting her with the inaugural honorary Kata Walyja Award.
 
Kata Walyja roughly translates to ‘head good’, describing when we are feeling strong in our mental health and wellbeing. It’s a fitting name for an award recognising the strength Professor Milroy has brought to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing throughout her career.
 
From 2027, the Kata Walyja Award will be presented annually at the AIDA Conference to a nominee put forward by the AIDA Board, recognising an exceptional contribution to community wellbeing, cultural safety and stronger, healthier communities.
 

04/09/2026

Thursday at brought our first full day grounded in the theme ‘Safe in Culture’.🌿
 
🔥The day opened with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, before a full day of keynotes, yarns and conversations exploring leadership, cultural safety, healthcare and the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors.
 
🎤The AIDA Members Forum and AGM was held in the afternoon, where we welcomed our elected 2027 AIDA Board. We look forward to the experience, perspectives and leadership they will bring to AIDA.
 
✨ As the day came to a close, delegates gathered for the Welcome Reception, reconnecting with friends and colleagues and enjoying a cultural performance by Corroboree For Life
 
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the conversations throughout the day. We’re looking forward to continuing the Conference today with a focus on ‘Strong in Care’.
 
Don’t forget to share your Conference journey by tagging us or using . 📸

03/09/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Phillip Saunders as AIDA’s Chief Executive Officer for the next 12 months.

Phillip is a Bunganditj, Gunditjmara and Narungga man who brings more than 25 years of experience spanning Aboriginal affairs, executive leadership, governance, law, health, justice and community engagement.

💬 “I’m looking forward to working closely with the Board and staff to provide experienced leadership, support the delivery of AIDA’s strategic priorities, and maintain our focus on members and communities,” Phillip Saunders said at the conference.

AIDA welcomes Philip’s leadership as we progress our new Strategic Plan and continue advocating for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

🗞️ Read the announcement: aida.org.au/ceo-phillip-saunders

03/09/2026

Tonight, AIDA welcomed new board members during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Boorloo (Perth).

We’re pleased to welcome some new and familiar faces to a strong group of leaders who will guide AIDA through its next phase. 🤝🏾 We look forward to the leadership, experience and perspectives they will bring as AIDA continues working towards our strategic goals. Join us in congratulating our 2027 Board and wishing them all the very best in their roles.

🔸 Dr Olivia O’Donoghue – President
🔸 Dr Alicia Veasey – President-Elect
🔸 Dr Narawi Foley Boscott – Director
🔸 Dr Tanika Ridgeway – Director
🔸 Dr Brodie Seymour – Director
🔸 Dr Annalyse Crane – Director
🔸 Mr Andrew Gosbell – Appointed Director
🔸 Dr Nathan Passi – Appointed Director
🔸 Jenni Gulson – Student Director

We also thank our outgoing President Dr Jonathan Newchurch, Director Dr Vinka Barunga, and Student Director Mr Gari Watson, for their leadership and contribution to AIDA. Your service has helped shape an important period of growth and change for our organisation, and we’re grateful for all you’ve contributed.

03/09/2026

The AIDA 2026 Conference has officially started in Boorloo (Perth) with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Nick Abraham from Warrang-Bridil, setting the tone for three days grounded in: Our Cultures. Our Peoples. Our Doctors. 🌿

Each conference day is themed to guide our conversations, learnings and connections throughout the gathering.

We’re looking forward to three wonderful days of bonding and thought-provoking conversations with all of you on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar.