A commitment to listen and act: MSHS attends Ngar-Wu Wanyarra Conference

The Melbourne School of Health Sciences sponsored twelve places at the conference, including that of Senior Lecturer David Kelly from the Department of Physiotherapy. David shared that he was looking forward to implementing learnings from the conference in his classroom,  “(It’s) fantastic to see the diversity of the work that’s being done... and understand its application to many areas that we work in.”

Held on Yorta Yorta country in Shepparton on 9 October, and hosted by the University’s Department of Rural Health, this conference provided an opportunity to delve into First Nations voices and knowledge in health and wellbeing. The morning kicked off with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Yorta Yorta man Michael Bourke, followed by a performance by local traditional dance group Galnya Yenbena.

The breakout sessions of the conference ranged from deeply personal (‘Becoming Torres Strait Islander Diaspora’) to medical (‘Aboriginal Cancer Patient Journal’) and socially significant (‘Treaty for the Generations’). MSHS-own Consumer Academic Shibs Sharpe and Researcher/Lecturer Haley Peckham delivered an empathetic and meaningful talk on ‘Neuro-ecological Diversity: Reframing our Dominant Narratives through Recognising and honouring the Impacts of Distress and Trauma’.

Shibs shared, “I think events like this create a healing and really supportive environment that really uplifts and highlights the voice of First Nations people, especially in the health setting”.

The conference keynotes were provided by Dr Anita Heiss [First Nations Author] (whom it is safe to say inspired every audience member to write a book) and Professor Sandra Eades AO [Deputy Dean – Indigenous, University of Melbourne], who spoke on the work needed to better support First Nations health. Sandra shared that health services themselves are necessary but not sufficient, and instead a broader view of community and cultural factors need to be considered.

This intertwining of science and culture is well-represented through the thematic artwork of the conference; Kidneys of the Dungala, by Yorta Yorta artist Norman Stewart, which featured on every attendee’s lanyard and tote bag.

By embracing the powerful collection of voices at the Ngar-Wu Wanyarra Conference, the Melbourne School of Health Sciences is proud to support and amplify First Nations healthcare initiatives into 2025 and onwards.