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Our Voices | Our Solutions | Our Decisions | Our Time


Improve the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people at the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference.


 30th – 31st October, 2023

 Darwin Convention Centre, Larrakia Country, NT

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Image credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia

Miledma Batji-wa, Kia Ora, Talofa Lava.

We welcome all our First Nation’s people and pay respects to them and their elders past, present and emerging.

As this conference is being held on local Larrakia land for 2023, we have honoured their language where we can, throughout this website and look forward to highlighting some of their culture throughout the program. We are grateful for their hospitality and look forward to welcoming you and your cultural background so we can collectively celebrate First Nation’s social and emotional wellbeing.

We would also like to take this opportunity to warn you that the following content may contain images and voices of deceased persons.

The conference gives space for and respect to the stories of our past and present. We aim to share our collective wisdom to move forward positively and improve health outcomes for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.

24%

In 2018–19, based on self-reported survey responses, an estimated 24% of Indigenous Australians reported having a diagnosed mental health or behavioural condition and 3 in 10 (31%) Indigenous adults reported ‘high or very high’ levels of psychological distress.

2X

Data from 2016–2020 show that the rate for suicide of Indigenous Australians is almost twice the rate of non-Indigenous Australians, with the differences being greater for people aged under 45. It was also the leading cause of death for Indigenous children aged 5–17.

240k Years

in 2018, Indigenous Australians as a whole lost almost 240,000 years of healthy life due to ill-health and premature death – equivalent to 289 years for every 1,000 people.

Under 25 year olds

Hospitalisation rates for medical conditions were consistently higher for Māori than for NMNP under-25-year olds from 2000 to 2019. 

Statistics: ABS 2019, 2021a, aihw.gov.au

Now in its third year, the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference:

  • Celebrates Indigenous community, culture and identity to help advance social and emotional wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.
  • Highlights the importance of connection to country, culture, spirituality and ancestry and the roles they play in wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.
  • Brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to conceptualise and strategise solutions to the most important wellbeing needs of all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.

Let’s work together to improve the wellness, wellbeing and health of all Indigenous, First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika.

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The Indigenous wellbeing conference theme, topics and final program is carefully curated by a committee with Indigenous cultural, community, services and business leaders.  The conference supports ‘nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples’ when reviewing presenter applications so you can rest assured the content at the conference is extremely relevant for the sector.

What will I learn at the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference?

In 2023, our conference theme:
Our Voices | Our Solutions | Our Decisions | Our Time
will explore into the topics:

Social Connectedness and sense of belonging

  • Isolation and disengagement with community 
  • The impact of racism on Indigenous Health and Well-being 
  • Celebrating a wider sense of identity—including a collective view of being connected to kin, culture and community 
  • Economic and social disadvantages including unemployment, housing, homelessness and financial stress - Inequality  

Connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry

  • Supporting Indigenous rangers to manage land and sea country 
  • Strengthening communities to develop and sustain economic independence in their regions 
  • Passing on of cultural values, beliefs, protocols and practices. 
  • Traditional Healing methods/Rongoā Māori and mobilising community natural helpers 
  • Power of Indigenous ways of respect, relationships, caring, view of life, living and passing 

Funding & Resources for community organisations

  • Improving the health outcomes and access for Indigenous Communities 
  • Where are the government support systems succeeding and failing? ie: Indigenous Business Sector Strategy (IBSS) Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP)  
  • Philanthropic Services and alternative funding sources 
  • Shaping assessment, diagnosis, care and management under culturally valid understandings, including the connection of physical health, mental health, spiritual needs and social and emotional wellbeing 
  • Developing a culturally, trauma sensitive and clinically competent workforce and skill set 

Hearing our voices, from the youth to the elders.

  • Improving the health outcomes and access for Indigenous Communities 
  • Where are the government support systems succeeding and failing? ie: Indigenous Business Sector Strategy (IBSS) Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP)  
  • Philanthropic Services and alternative funding sources 
  • Shaping assessment, diagnosis, care and management under culturally valid understandings, including the connection of physical health, mental health, spiritual needs and social and emotional wellbeing 
  • Developing a culturally, trauma sensitive and clinically competent workforce and skill set 

This is your chance to collaborate with, learn from and listen to leaders in the Indigenous wellbeing space as we work together to deliver better outcomes for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.

Who will attend the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference with me?

The delegates for the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference are varied across community, government, mental and allied health as well as business. Typically, we see:

  • Traditional Healers, Elders, Community Leaders within the First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika communities.
  • CEO, Managing Directors and Managers of any First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika organisation.
  • Professors, Associate Professors, Lecturers, PhD Students from Universities around the world with a particular focus on First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika studies.
  • Psychologists, GPs, Social Workers, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Nutritionists, Allied Health Manager, Mental Health Nurses working within First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika communities.
  • Directors and Consultants of Private Counselling/ Psychiatrist/ Psychologist Practice.
  • Mental health workers from federally funded government agencies - e.g. Housing, Social Services, Employment Services, Educational Services, NIAA, Corrective Services.
  • Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of any Australian Peak or State Mental Health agency, NZ Mental Health agency or Human Rights Commissions.
  • Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of Hospital and Health Services and PHNs.
  • Team Lead, Program Manager, Project Lead of Land Councils.
  • Principal, teachers or counsellors working with First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika students.
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Is this event for me?

Yes! The Indigenous Wellbeing Conference is for you, if you’re looking for:

check-solid-green A space for safe, open and connected conversation around the health and wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika.
check-solid-green Application based presentations to leave you with practical tools to create immediate and positive changes.
check-solid-green Networking with like-minded multi-sector professionals who are both Indigenous and non-indigenous to discover best practice solutions.
check-solid-green Inspiration from current research, top professionals and community leaders in Indigenous wellbeing.
check-solid-green A platform to share your own stories, research, programs and case studies with your community.
check-solid-green A space to collaborate with and support likeminded individuals to deliver better outcomes for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika.
check-solid-green Time away from your every-day to think bigger, creatively and strategically.
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Join us and be a part of a brighter tomorrow.   

What do past delegates say about IWC?

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Presenting at the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference

IWC will explore the theme: Our Voices | Our Solutions | Our Decisions | Our Time

If you are passionate about conceptualising and strategising culturally responsive solutions for Indigenous wellbeing in our communities and you have insights, ideas, research, results or future plans to share - please apply to present now.

This opportunity comes up once a year so please take this as your moment to apply to present now.

APPLY TO PRESENT

Partnering with Indigenous Wellbeing Conference

Partner with IWC23 and connect with 400+ First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika community leaders – present and emerging. Be a part of the ground-breaking Indigenous Wellbeing Conference in Australia and New Zealand.

Introduce 400+ delegates to the programs, services and initiatives which can help enhance the wellbeing of all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika. Our team can assist in creating custom partnership packages designed for your specific goals, so reach out today.

LEARN MORE NOW
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Registration Options

Save $110 With Early Bird

Virtual

2 DAY PROGRAM

$399 + GST

Early Bird Pricing Ends 22/09/2023

  • Live streaming of all keynote presenters
  • Live streaming of all sessions in the plenary room over three day conference period
  • Virtual presentations
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days*
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance

    *Access to presentation recordings (Resource Centre) will be available 5 business days after the conference and will expire 30 days. Options to extend access will also be available.

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Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.

Save $220 With Early Bird

In-Person

2 DAY PROGRAM

$999 + GST

Early Bird Pricing Ends 22/09/2023

  • All keynote presentations
  • All concurrent presentations
  • Discounted accommodation rates
  • Access to conference app
  • 5 star conference catering package
  • Access to exclusive networking functions
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
  • Printed conference materials
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance
  • Exposure for your organisation
  • Plus, chances to win great prizes!

REGISTER NOW

Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.

Save $385 Per Person

In-Person Group (3 pax)

2 DAY PROGRAM

$2,547 + GST

A saving of $385 per person

  • All keynote presentations
  • All concurrent presentations
  • Discounted accommodation rates
  • Access to conference app
  • 5 star conference catering package
  • Access to exclusive networking functions
  • Complete online access to audio and visual presentations for 30 days post-event
  • Printed conference materials
  • Over 10 hours towards CPD points
  • Your personalised certificate of attendance
  • Exposure for your organisation
  • Plus, chances to win great prizes!

REGISTER NOW

Please fill in your details below to begin your registration.

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Venue

The 2023 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre.

Networking Function
Date: Monday 30th October 2023 
Time: 4:45pm - 5:45pm
Cost: Included in your delegate registration. $77 for guests.
Catering: Drinks and canapes will be provided.

Adina Hotel Darwin
Vibe Hotel Darwin

Accommodation

Accommodation is at Adina Hotel or Vibe Hotel and can be booked during registration. Room rates below.

Adina Hotel (GST inclusive)
Studio Apartment $279
Studio Apartment with View $309
One Bedroom Apartment $339
One Bedroom Apartment with View $369
Breakfast $22
Vibe Hotel (GST inclusive)
Guest Room only $249
Guest Room with view $279
Breakfast $22
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Scholarships

The ANZMHA is awarding 3 in-person and 10 virtual delegate scholarships to attend the 2023 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference in October. Applications for scholarships must be submitted by close of business Friday 22nd September 2023. Please click here to find out the eligibility criteria and apply.
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Contact Us

Acknowledgement

Miledma Batji-wa (Good day). Midling Darrandirra (together all of us) welcome you to the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference being held on local Larrakia land for 2023. Where we can, we have honoured their Mannma (language) throughout this website.

The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region. Larrakia country runs from Cox peninsula in the west to Gunn Point in the north, Adelaide River in the east and down to the Manton Dam area southwards.We want to remember the Larrakia Mannma (language).

Our goal is simple: to provide a platform for First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people to come together, collaborate, teach, learn, create, and lead programs and services for greater social and emotional wellbeing.

Thank you for your support and involvement. United, there will be a stronger n-wirribo-g (vision for the future) for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people.

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    Information

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    Contact

    Please use the contact form to get in touch.
    PO Box 329, Ashmore City, 4214
    +61 7 5502 2068

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    © The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association. All rights reserved.

    As an association that is a leader in mental health, we stand beside our First Nations people in both Australia and New Zealand to empower their people and communities to improve their wellbeing. We support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia and Maori people in New Zealand/Aotearoa and acknowledge the beauty, strength and uniqueness in their people and cultures. We celebrate their diversity and acknowledge that we work, walk and talk on your lands and we thank and pay yindyamarra/whakaute/respect to your ancestors, Elders and people. Our association will work to continue to amplify voices and empower communities to improve the mental health within First Nations people in both countries.