Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association

25/10/2026

On 26 October, we mark the anniversary of the handback of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu people, in 1985.

An important moment in the ongoing fight for Aboriginal land rights and recognition of Aṉangu’s enduring connection to Country.

Today, we honour Aṉangu Elders, past and present, and the generations who continue to care for Country, share their knowledge and keep culture strong.

21/10/2026

A new article in The British Medical Journal (BMJ) calls for First Nations knowledge to help shape medical education that responds to the needs, priorities and experiences of the communities it serves.

Co-authored by Torres Strait Islander woman (Wagadagam), Professor Jaquelyne Hughes from Flinders University, the article highlights the importance of prioritising equity, First Nations sovereignty, place-based learning and community strengths in medical education.

📚 Take a few minutes to read the article: https://www.bmj.com/content/394/bmj-2026-100496.full

20/10/2026

“I saw these beautiful Blak faces at the careers market and started having a yarn with them.”

Wiradjuri woman Dr Sarah Jane Springer discovered medicine through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entry pathway while finishing school in regional New South Wales.

Today she is a Rural Generalist and health leader who has spent more than 20 years delivering clinical care across rural and remote Australia while working to strengthen culturally safe healthcare systems.

📖 Read Dr Springer’s story in our latest Let’s Yarn article: https://aida.org.au/lets-yarn-with-dr-sarah-jane-springer/


The University of Newcastle, Australia

18/10/2026

Thinking about nominating? Now’s the time!

As an AIDA University Representative, you'll have a great opportunity to :

📎 connect with other students, listen to their experiences and priorities
📎 help shape AIDA student gatherings and activities at your university
📎 have your voice heard contribute to your student community

Don’t miss your chance to represent your student community!

Nominations have been extended to 11:59pm (AEST) on Sunday, 29 November 2026.

💡 Find out more and nominate: aida.org.au/2027-student-representatives/

16/10/2026

This Liver Cancer Awareness Month, we're sharing the story of Uncle Kerry Fox, a Stolen Generations survivor whose liver cancer was discovered by chance. Today, he's encouraging community to have conversations about liver health and seek support early.

If you're worried about your liver health or supporting someone who is, help and information are available through the Liver Foundation.

Visit: liver.org.au/liver-cancer-awareness-month/first-nations/

https://youtu.be/5NaKKRo8Efk?si=S2gC_REdWBCNg6qE

Liver disease and liver cancer often have few symptoms. That is why...

13/10/2026

Registrations are still open for the 2026 Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress (PRIDoC), hosted by Maipt台灣原住民醫學學會.

The congress brings together Indigenous doctors, medical students and health professionals from across the Pacific to share knowledge, strengthen connections and celebrate Indigenous leadership in health.

🗓️ Registrations have been extended to 30 October, so don't miss this final deadline!

🔗 Register here: www.maipt2003.com/memberreg

13/10/2026

Cancer and other neoplasms are the leading cause of death among First Nations people, accounting for 24% of deaths between 2019 and 2023. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2026).

Creating stronger pathways for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander medical students into cancer care is an important part of addressing this health gap.

AIDA’s First Nations Oncology Experience Program (FNOEP), delivered in partnership with Cancer Australia, provides medical students with opportunities to undertake clinical oncology placements and explore pathways into cancer care.

Together with partner cancer centres, the program is helping strengthen the pipeline of First Nations doctors entering the cancer workforce and support a future of culturally safe cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We hope to see the number of students taking part continue to grow. If you’re interested in a future intake of FNOEP, register your interest here: bit.ly/AIDA_CA-FNOEP.


📸: 1 -3. Program cohort at AIDA Conference, 4. Senior Program Officer, Chanelle Martin, presenting at the AIDA Conference and the ACCN Innovations Showcase.

12/10/2026

⚕️ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals in QLD, take a look at this amazing opportunity:

The Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP) offers scholarships and bursaries of up to $10,000 per year to support eligible health professionals in remote and rural Queensland with professional development, training and postgraduate study.

🗓️ Applications close 25 October 2026.

🔗 Find out more: https://go.hwq.com.au/f45f524b

Know someone who could benefit? Share this opportunity with your networks.

10/10/2026

➡️ Today is World Mental Health Day. It's an opportunity to pause, check in with ourselves and those around us, and reflect on how we can look after our own mental health and wellbeing.

A simple conversation, a kind message or taking the time to listen can make a meaningful difference.

For more information and resources supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, explore NACCHO’s mental health resources: naccho.org.au/mentalhealth

If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or not good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 📲 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and have a confidential one-on-one with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

08/10/2026

We would like to acknowledge some of the deep grief being felt across community at this time. Our hearts are with the families, relatives and friends experiencing Sorry business in deeply distressing circumstances, and with our members and the wider community who are also feeling these losses.

Our connections to one another run deep. Loss can reach across families, communities and generations, including those living away from home. For some, recent losses may also bring earlier grief close again. Members may be carrying that weight while caring for patients, supporting colleagues and being present for family and community. Those who care for others need care and space to grieve too.

At times like this, care can be as simple as sitting alongside someone, sharing a meal, helping with everyday responsibilities or checking in again after the first few days have passed. We don’t need to have the right words to be present. Listening without pressure, making room for silence and staying connected can matter deeply.

To anyone finding things heavy: reaching out for support can help, whether you are in Sorry business, worried about someone or feeling the weight of grief around you. A trusted person, Elder, local health service, or GP can be a place to start.

Support is available:

🧶 13YARN - 13 92 76: Free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. A culturally safe space to yarn when you are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to listen.

🌿 Thirrili - 1800 805 801: Culturally responsive emotional and practical support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities following traumatic loss. Support can include bereavement care, connections to services and assistance with cultural and family responsibilities. Its phone referral line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We extend our love and care to everyone grieving. May we make room for one another’s sorrow, respect what each person needs and continue to show up for each other in the days and months ahead.