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
