Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council

15/04/2026

On the 35th anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report, QAIHC urgently calls for a different approach to youth justice in Queensland.

QAIHC opposes the Expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time and Taking a Strong Stance on Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour Amendment Bill 2026, and has made a formal submission to the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee outlining this position.

This anniversary is a reminder that criminal justice reform must be health-focused and evidence-based, centred on rehabilitation, access to health care and the principle that detention should always be a last resort for children.

𝗤𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗖’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

𝗤𝗔𝗜𝗛𝗖 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹: This Bill shifts the response to youth offending and substance use further toward punitive and enforcement-based approaches, rather than evidence-based health-focused responses.

𝗗𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 “𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲”: The Bill adds 12 offences that trigger adult sentences for children. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are already overrepresented in Queensland’s prison system – this Bill will disproportionately harm First Nations children while deepening inequality, poor health outcomes, mental health challenges and social disadvantage.

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀: More than half of children in custody (54%) have at least one mental health and/or behavioural disorder. QAIHC recommends more early childhood development screening across schools, primary care and community-based services, alongside early supports like Thriving Kids and Healthy Kindy Kids.

𝗗𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀: QAIHC opposes the repeal of the Police Drug Diversion Program for a new framework which narrows diversion to first-time and low-risk individuals. Limiting access to treatment and rehabilitation, while increasing financial and criminal penalties, will hit hardest those experiencing disadvantage and trauma.

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗛𝗢-𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗢𝗗 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: A caring society does not answer trauma, distress or dependence with harsher punishment. It invests in culturally safe alcohol and other drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and in community-led supports that connect people with mental health care, family support, housing assistance and community programs.

QAIHC welcomes further consultation to ensure policy responses to youth offending and substance use improve health, wellbeing and community safety outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Queensland.

Read the full submission here: https://buff.ly/P6cB245
To read all submissions, click the link and select the 'View Submissions' tab: https://buff.ly/alX6Zqd

09/04/2026

Job opportunity: Company Secretary
Location: South Brisbane, QLD (hybrid)
Status: Permanent Part-time position, approximately 7 hours per week
Remuneration: Hourly rate by negotiation; applicants to provide expectations

QAIHC overview: Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council is the peak body for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector in Queensland. Its work with Members and stakeholders extends across advocacy, sector leadership and community control, helping drive Closing the Gap through culturally safe health policy and reform.

Position overview: QAIHC is seeking a highly skilled Company Secretary to work closely with the Board and provide authoritative advice on policy, procedure, governance and legal matters. This is a senior governance appointment with responsibility for supporting lawful decision-making, sound board practice and strong organisational accountability across corporate and regulatory obligations.

Responsibilities:
🔸 Keep records of Members’ and directors’ meetings in compliance with the Act and QAIHC Constitution
🔸 Ensure ASIC, ACNC and other regulatory obligations are met, including continuous disclosure requirements
🔸 Provide, or procure, advice for directors on the Act, Constitution and other legal and regulatory duties
🔸 Develop, implement, communicate and maintain compliance policies, processes and procedures
🔸 Advise the Board and committees on good corporate governance, ethical conduct and board practice
🔸 Organise annual general meetings, board papers, agendas, minutes, registers and committee workflows

Essential criteria:
🔸 Tertiary qualifications in law, business, governance or a related field
🔸 Graduate status with the Governance Institute of Australia, AICD or equivalent
🔸 5+ years’ experience as a Company Secretary, ideally in the not-for-profit sector
🔸 Strong knowledge of ACNC governance standards, statutory compliance and high-level board support
🔸 Cultural capability working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations

Applications closing: 4pm, Thursday 23 April 2026
For full details and to apply: https://buff.ly/8GFOqTY

08/04/2026

Last week, QAIHC was proud to host a two-day ASQ-TRAK2 Practitioner Training Workshop at our Meanjin/Brisbane office.

Funded by NACCHO Aboriginal Health Australia, the workshop strengthened ACCHO workforce capability in culturally appropriate developmental screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Developed by The University of Melbourne in partnership with Aboriginal communities, ASQ-TRAK supports families, carers and communities through the early years.

By building skills and sharing knowledge, the training helps practitioners identify developmental strengths and delays early, and supports timely care through a culturally safe, family-centred approach.

Thank you to NACCHO for continuing to invest in the ACCHO workforce and in strong, happy and deadly kids.

Apunipima Cape York Health Council | Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation | Galangoor Duwalami Primary Health Care Service | Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd | Manngoor Dja Aboriginal Health Services | Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS)

07/04/2026

Vale Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers, a visionary founder of AMS Redfern and of the ACCHO movement, as well as Chair of the National Aboriginal Health Strategy Working Party, which delivered the foundational National Aboriginal Health Strategy (1989).

Aunty Nay was instrumental in the foundation, leadership and shaping of the national body NAIHO (now NACCHO) alongside Dr Puggy (Arnold) Hunter, and in supporting the nation-wide growth of the ACCHO sector.

It is with heavy hearts the Board and staff of AMS Redfern honour Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers OAM, AKA “Aunty Nay”, following her passing.

We have lost a fearless Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman, who dedicated her life to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

Born on Erambie Mission in Cowra in 1941, Aunty Nay’s first paid job was for the Aborigines Advancement League in Melbourne.

A visionary, Aunty Nay was one of the pioneering founders of the Aboriginal Medical Service Co-operative Limited, Australia’s first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.

With a background in nursing, Aunty Nay was appointed as AMS Redfern’s first Administrator in 1972, later serving as CEO until her retirement in 2017. She always remained connected to AMS Redfern and continued to enjoy many community events following her retirement.

Over 45 years, she guided the transformation of AMS Redfern, from a small shop-front medical clinic - underpinned by the principles of self-determination - into a model of care that has been instrumental in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities throughout Australia.

When communities needed help, they called Naomi, who would organise an AMS Redfern team to provide whatever support and resources they could gather - that would help the local community to establish their own local health service - often Naomi was part of the team.

At the same time, she was instrumental in the establishment of other community-controlled initiatives in Redfern, including as a founding board member of the Aboriginal Children’s Service, the Aboriginal Housing Company, a board member of the Aboriginal Legal Service, and was a regional ATSIC representative.

Aunty Nay was a founding member and the first national coordinator of the National Aboriginal and Islander Health Organisation (now NACCHO), the national body for Community Controlled Health Services and a member of the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW as well as a number of other organisations.

In 1984, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her services to community.

Aunty Nay led some of the most enduring reforms in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and continued up until the day she retired.

In 1988, she was appointed Chair of the National Aboriginal Health Strategy Working Party, recognised as the landmark document in Aboriginal Health policy in Australia.
Aunty Nay’s leadership was also recognised internationally by her election as the Australasian delegate to the International Committee on Indigenous Health.

Aunty Nay loved to sing, and was a member of the original Sapphires, the ground-breaking all-Aboriginal music group who performed defiantly, at a time when Aboriginal people and issues were ignored or not spoken about.
In 2023, she was honoured with a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding services and contributions to our people.

Aunty Nay was a trailblazer in health and a visionary and activist long before the closing the gap policy. One of her legacies will be self determination and community control which she never deviated from as she continued to support many Aboriginal communities across Australia.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very sad time.

NACCHO Aboriginal Health Australia AH&MRC of NSW

27/03/2026

QAIHC Senior Program Officer Lee Yeomans and members of the My health for life Collaborative Working Group joined the Women’s Ethnic Network for its 2026 International Women's Day Breakfast on Saturday 14 March.

Held at The Greek Club in South Brisbane, the annual ‘Balance the Scales’ event, formed part of Queensland Women’s Week and brought together community leaders, professionals, business representatives, government and advocates.

The morning opened with a Welcome to Country by Refiti Tovi (Turrbal, Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka), who also shared a welcome in song.

Ms Yeomans said: “There are still so many barriers our women face because of inequality, inequity and bias across the healthcare system.

“It was really lovely to dress up and celebrate the day with a team that’s genuinely committed to helping people overcome those barriers and live their best lives.”

Hosted by mediator Shiv Martin, speakers included The Hon Fiona Simpson MP, Queensland Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism; gastroenterologist Dr Nadia Maqboul; award-winning immigration lawyer Aishwarya Somal; and social change advocate Brad Chilcott AM.

Guests included Australian Minister for the Environment and Water, Hon Murray Watt - Senator for Queensland, and Senator Paul Scarr.

26/03/2026

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲

Strong bodies and strong culture go hand in hand.

When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men look after their health, they honour their ancestors and keep their cultural spirit alive for the next generation.

My health for life can help men build small changes that make a big difference for your health, your energy, and the way you feel every day.

You can have a yarn with a health coach and find ways to sort out what you eat, how
active you are, and how you look after yourself.

It’s all about helping you feel strong and stay on top of things for you and your mob.

Local ACCHOs are running My health for life at ATSICHS Mackay Ltd, Gumbi-Gumbi Rockhampton - Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal/Rehabilitation Centre, and Girudala Community Cooperative Society, with more places coming soon.

Take charge! You can do the program over the phone or join a group!

Whatever feels right for you.

Call: 1800 00 6445
Visit: My health for life

Diabetes Australia Health and Wellbeing Queensland

26/03/2026

𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀

The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) is urging governments to take immediate action to address major gaps in Australia’s aged care reforms, warning the current system is failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and placing community-controlled health providers under increasing pressure.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders continue to face significant disadvantage under a new Support at Home co-payment model, which fails to recognise long-standing inequities including limited access to superannuation, lower rates of home ownership, and greater reliance on government payments.

These concerns were highlighted during QAIHC’s two-day Elder Care Workshop, where Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly (Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) spoke about the widening gap between what communities need and what the aged care system is currently designed to deliver.

QAIHC Acting CEO Paula Arnol said the November 2025 reforms will worsen inequities unless governments involve communities in designing solutions.

“The current reforms are not addressing the realities faced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders,” she said.

QAIHC General Manager, Sector Development, Gregory Richards said: “Elders face financial barriers and services that don’t meet their cultural needs. Without real collaboration and support for community-controlled providers, these reforms could make the gap worse instead of closing it.”

To read the full media statement click here: https://buff.ly/yUBU3hs

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health
Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd

26/03/2026

QAIHCS’s General Manager, Sector Development, Greg Richards, and Preventative Health Officer Cancer Care, Mandy Draper, were proud to join researchers, partners, and community leaders at the 2026 Research Showcase, hosted by Cancer Council Queensland.

Held at the Victoria Park Meanjin (Brisbane) earlier this month, the event showcased emerging researchers working in the areas of cancer prevention, treatment, access, equity and ongoing care. The showcase was opened by Tim Nicholls MP, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services.

Cancer, when considered across all types, is the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (AIHW, 2026).

Therefore, events like this are important spaces to strengthen partnerships and continue conversations about improving cancer outcomes for our mob across Queensland.

QAIHC values opportunities to connect with the research sector to ensure the voices, knowledge and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities remain central to the work being done.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & National Indigenous Australians Agency. (2026). Measure 1.23 Leading causes of death, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework website. Retrieved from https://buff.ly/aQTeWXT

📷Matt Gardiner - CEO Cancer Council, Mandy Draper - QAIHC, Mena Waller – COO Cancer Council

24/03/2026

Before the big cleanup, protect yourself from melioidosis.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle has left a big cleanup job for our communities. But before you work outside 🧑🏿‍🌾, it’s important to stay safe.

Melioidosis is a germ 🦠 that lives deep in the soil, but heavy rain ⛈️ and floods 🌊 can bring it to the surface.

It’s a serious infection that can make you really sick. Some people die from it.

It can get into your body through cuts and scrapes, or by breathing in tiny water droplets.

To protect yourself while cleaning up outside:
🩹 Cover any cuts and sores before you work outside
🥾 Wear closed in shoes and gloves 🧤
🖐🏽 Wash your hands, feet 🦶🏾 and any cuts or sores with soap 🧼 after working outside
🚿 Shower every day with soap
😷 Wear a face mask if you’re power washing

Elders; people with weakened immune systems, diabetes, kidney problems, lung problems; and people who drink a lot of alcohol are especially at risk.

Melioidosis can take up to 3 to 4 weeks to develop symptoms. If you get a cough, fever, headaches, joint pain, trouble breathing, or develop sores or ulcers, reach out to your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker, ACCHO or GP clinic to get checked out, or phone 13 Health (13 43 25 84) for after-hours advice, 24/7.

21/03/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 📢

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, the Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs wants to hear from you or your mob about your experience of racism.

You can write in, send a video, photos, audio or artwork to tell your story. Click the link to share your story: https://buff.ly/tIkccBp

𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝟭 𝗠𝗮𝘆.

If this has raised issues for you, your family or your community, help is available:
13-Yarn | 📞 13 92 76 | 🌐 https://buff.ly/BVH2pdq

20/03/2026

Today is Harmony Day – a time when we celebrate diversity and inclusion. But importantly, it’s also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day with a serious history.

The United Nations chose this date to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, when 69 people were killed in Sharpeville, a township created through the forced relocation of Black South Africans. The victims were peacefully protesting apartheid-era pass laws in South Africa.

2025 was the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, declared exactly five years on from the tragedy of the Sharpeville Massacre.

Racism is not history for our Peoples, it is ongoing.

In January 2026, there was an alleged terrorist attack during an Invasion Day rally in Perth, and just six months ago, neo-Nazis allegedly attacked Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne. These events have prompted a federal parliamentary inquiry into racism against First Nations peoples.

For confronting but important reading, see 'Indigenous Australians share the racist messages they receive online' (7 March) from Guardian Australia. Content advisory: These shared messages are distressing. If you feel you need support, 13Yarn is available to help 📞 13 92 76 | 🌐 https://buff.ly/BVH2pdq.

While Harmony Day is often framed as a celebration of multiculturalism, we must also remember the day’s original purpose: to fight racial discrimination wherever it exists.

Let’s use today as a reminder that the work is not done. Every act of respect, understanding, and solidarity matters in building a truly inclusive society.

20/03/2026

Caring for Elders sits at the heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. That’s why understanding the Federal Government’s Aged Care Reforms is important.

QAIHC’s Marion Dwyer, Senior Program Officer (Elder Care) hosted a two-day Age Care Reform Workshop at the West End Hotel on 3 and 4 March, bringing together more than 35 team members from Queensland ACCHOs to discuss the reforms.

QAIHC focused on attracting key government parties to provide opportunity for Members to advocate for, and tell the stories of, their communities.

Overall, QAIHC came away knowing collectively our sector must keep these stories, and the impacts of the reforms, at front of government mind.

On Day 1, QAIHC Preventive Health Officer (Cancer Care) Mandy Draper (Dharug) graciously provided an Acknowledgement of Country, while QAIHC Board Director for Central Queensland Matthew Cooke provided opening remarks.

Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly emphasised the importance of strong advocacy from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, to hold governments to account and influence policy.

Day 2 saw Narelle Cameron and Andrea Conale (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission) speak on topics like the Commission’s dedicated First Nations team, and navigating complaints processes on Elders’ behalf – a topic which was appreciated.

Thanks go to our speakers:
🔸 Aunty Elsja Dewis – ADA Australia
🔸 Narelle Cameron & Andrea Conale – Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
🔸 Matthew Cooke – QAIHC Board Director - Central Queensland
🔸 Andrea Kelly – Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA)
🔸 Julie Morrow & Michelle McLauchlan – DHDA SEQ State Branch
🔸 Nathan Gaulton – Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd
🔸 Matt Moore – The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH)
🔸 Cassarah Hardie – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing & Aged Care Council
🔸 Abe Ropitini – Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc (VACCHO)

Apunipima Cape York Health Council
Bidgerdii Community Health Service
Gidgee Healing
Girudala Community Cooperative Society
Goondir Health Services
Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd
Moreton Atsichs
Nhulundu Health Service
Queensland Health
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service