Fourth National Aboriginal and Islander Health Workers’ Conference: ‘health workers making the difference’
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The 4th National Aboriginal and Islander Health Workers’ Conference was held on Kaurna land in Adelaide, South Australia from June 15-18. The theme of the 2003 conference acknowledged the unique contribution that health workers make to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. The conference offered an opportunity for health workers to gain information about innovative projects, expand their local, regional and national networks, and discuss the future direction of their profession.
A special interest group meeting was held on Sunday afternoon before the official conference opening. This meeting was designed to allow health workers to talk about professional development and the progress of state and territory health worker representative bodies. The session gave health workers the opportunity to identify issues and form recommendations that could be discussed throughout the duration of the conference.
The main conference program offered delegates an opportunity to present and share information about their programs and projects. It also provided the opportunity for delegates to examine health workforce issues. Conference workshops provided an opportunity for delegates and presenters to provide expertise and constructive feedback in an interactive environment. Case studies of successful health worker practice from around the country were integrated in the program, as were issues surrounding the professional development of health workers.
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Tuguy Esgin and Sam Burrow from the HealthInfoNet, and Donna Daly from the Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal conducted a HealthInternet café at the conference. Staff were available to introduce conference delegates to the online information services offered through the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet website. The café also offered an informal setting for further exchange of information on creative and innovative programs and projects currently being implemented across the nation. Photos of conference delegates were readily captured by Tuguy. We’d like to thank conference delegates who provided written permission for us to display the photos included in the following galleries:
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet would like to thank the Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal and conference delegates for their support of our initiative.
