2008 AIDA Symposium
The theme Our Culture, Our Kids, Our Future set the scene for AIDA’s 2008 Symposium held in Darwin on 4 October 2008.
The new Darwin Convention Centre provided a fabulous location on which AIDA members, guests, friends and local organisations came together to listen, discuss and network.
Just over 170 people enjoyed an exciting program that included keynote presentations from the Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing representing the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, and the Hon Marion Scrymgour, MLA, Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.
Special guests at the Symposium included Ngankaris Mr Andy Tiljari, Mr Rupert Peter and Mr Toby Ginger, AIDA Patron Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue and our friends from the land of the long white cloud – Dr David Jansen and Ms Ripeka Evans (President & CEO of Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa: Maori Medical Practitioners’ Association).
Associate Professor Ngiare Brown managed the proceedings of the day. We were honoured this year to have our very own Dr Aleeta Fejo welcome us to Larrakia country and then hand over to Dr Tamara Mackean, AIDA President who provided a moving personal story that resonated the theme of the Symposium in her opening speech.
Several of our Indigenous Doctors and Medical Students provided presentations on their work in Indigenous health. Danila Dilba Health Service and Save the Children also provided an insight into their health programs and the outcomes for children in the Northern Territory.
The program was interspersed with cultural entertainment from the Kenbi Aboriginal Dancers and Torres Strait Islander entertainment from Dr Latisha Petterson with her Uncle Gerald de la Cruz.
A special feature of Symposium proceedings this year included the signing of a Collaboration Agreement between Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (Medical Deans) and AIDA. The Collaboration commits AIDA and the Medical Deans toward working together to increase the number of Indigenous Doctors and improve Indigenous Health.
The day ended in full style with Mary G – Queen of the Kimberley - hosting the evening dinner. Entertainment was provided by Idol Star Ms Jessica Mauboy, who later mingled with the AIDA mob.
A special feature of the evening’s program was the presentation by Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue and Dr Tamara Mackean to new Graduates and Fellows of specially painted and framed stethoscopes in acknowledgment of their dedication and hard work.
To end the night, "Storm Front" lead by our very own Vice President, Associate Professor Peter O’Mara, rocked the night away and filled the dance floor. A strong message was heard through "Storm Front’s" rendition of the song "AIDA" featuring the words "Together we are strong, Together we belong".