ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which the conference is being held. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgment to Country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”. Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.
Welcome to the 2024 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference
The 2024 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference is scheduled to be held at the Gold Coast Queensland, Australia 2024. It is the only conference that has been continuously running since the establishment of the Closing the Gap concept and is the largest gathering of delegates from all sectors outside of Indigenous national associations. The conference is held annually and over the past ten years has attracted thousands of attendees bringing together representatives from all states and territories governments, First Nations medical services and mainstream health sectors, First Nations communities, allied health professionals, ACCHOs, NGOs, researchers and interested individuals.
THE CONFERENCE FOCUS
The primary conference focus include:
Primary health and the whole of body wellness
First Nations women’s health
First Nations men’s health
Successful community partnerships between First Nations peoples, governments and NGO`s
Innovative projects which promote leadership and self-determination
Community/ grassroots-based initiatives towards health
Culture and its importance to creating better mental health for First Nations people
Protecting mob against COVID-19 in remote Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander communities
THE CONFERENCE THEME
The conference theme is based upon an approach of “Prevention is better than Cure” which require collaborative partnership between all stakeholders, working together to support First Nations communities in addressing all forms of First Nations Health. The foundation of the conference is to share and discuss positive models of change and initiatives. The event is structured in such a way as to develop a wider methodology towards preventative programs that are culturally appropriate and therefore more likely to succeed. This conference is devoted to showing the positives in addressing First Nations Health in our communities and families today. Hence, the event has been developed with the belief that it is time to promote the positives and successes in Closing the gap programs whilst still recognising that we still have a long way to go.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The 2024 National First Nations Closing the Gap Health Conference is ideal for those responsible for designing and delivering primary health care, improving the responsiveness of the health care system to First Nations people and fostering good health & wellbeing from:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinicians
PHNs & Researchers
Social & Emotional Wellbeing workers
Aboriginal health professionals and practitioners
Elders & Community representatives
Program managers and Policymakers
Governments - State / Territory and Commonwealth
University Lecturers
GPs & Medical Specialists
Psychologist & Social workers
Care finders, health connectors, aged care workers and disability support workers
NGOs & philanthropists
Aboriginal Medical Services
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
Mental Health Practitioners
Community Services organisations
Interested Individuals
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER
As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance:
Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees.
An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation knowledge base.
Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.
Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.
CALLING FOR PAPER
To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations. Click the submit a paper button and complete the form online after reviewing the guidelines of submitting paper.
GUEST SPEAKERS
The 2024 National Closing The Gap Indigenous Health Conference is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers and grass-roots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.
REGISTRATION
Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS of from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.
SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE
ICS Australia have developed flexible sponsorship packages to sponsor the conference either in part or in full. Sponsorship is a great way of promoting your organisation/ company/ department to all delegates attending the conference. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprise, not individuals. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61740009111 or send us your expression of interest by email through our Contact Page.
