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2007 AIDA Symposium
 AIDA’s Annual Symposium was held in Adelaide on 29 September 2007. The theme for this year’s Symposium was ‘Referendum, Rights, Respect’. As always, the Symposium was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, leadership and culture as invited speakers, AIDA members and guests from across the country converged to share their views in a respectful and supportive space.
It was an honour to have Dr Charles ‘Chicka’ Dixon as a special guest speaker at the Symposium. Uncle Chicka’s personal story as a long-time campaigner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights was an inspiration to all present. Uncle Chicka’s timeline of the Aboriginal political struggle – which reflected his own special brand of humour and generosity of spirit – was an important reminder that the struggle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and respect is ongoing and one that we can’t afford to take for granted. This was particularly timely given the backdrop of the Northern Territory Intervention. As Uncle Chicka said, “While I breathe I’ll struggle”.
The Northern Territory Intervention was also a key theme in Professor Larissa Behrendt’s speech. Larissa’s presentation, which debunked some of the myths of the 1967 Referendum, provided a very useful framework for understanding the current political landscape in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs. Following on from Uncle Chicka’s words on the importance of fostering Indigenous leadership, it was fantastic to see Larissa, as an embodiment of the new Indigenous leadership sharing space with AIDA’s up and coming new leaders.
The AIDA Student Members made a very valuable contribution to the Symposium. They did a fantastic job of introducing speakers, and also provided a valuable insight into their own individual journeys into medicine. This, alongside some inspiring presentations on success stories in Indigenous health, examples of clinical best practice and the challenges of racism in the Australian health system were discussed and reflected within a context of healing, culture, community and goodwill.
The wonderful dancing and entertainment that followed the Symposium was a testament to the energy and empowerment that resulted from the speeches, wisdom and lessons of the day. Uncle Chicka’s personal motto was still fresh in everyone’s minds:
“I believe every woman on this planet is my sister
Every man on this planet is my brother
Like all Indigenous people, I know the Earth is my mother
I share and care with those three
If the rest of the world could adopt this philosophy,
there would be no wars
There will be no starving children.”
2007 Annual General Meeting
On Friday 28th September 2007, AIDA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Warriparinga, Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, Marion, Adelaide. Sixty (60) AIDA members from all over Australia attended this event.
Nestled in the heart of Adelaide rests Warriparinga, which in Kaurna language means “Windy Place by the River”. Warriparinga is a Kaurna ceremonial meeting place and European early settlement site. The Centre was built to ensure that Kaurna culture and the Dreaming Story of the Land, is passed on from generation to generation.
The atmosphere of the evening was deeply spiritual. Deep connection with Country and culture was experienced by all in attendance. Tall eucalypt trees surrounded the site, standing proud and strong and in a sense watched over us; their white trunks intensified by the background of black storm clouds building up in the northwest skies. Clusters of native grasses meandering along a shady creek bed, framed by rambling green lawns created the perfect setting for our meeting. The smell of approaching rain and the sounds of didgeridoo, thunder and lightning enticed our senses and combined perfectly to signal the opening of our AGM.
Following a moving welcome from Mr Stevie Goldsmith, Kaurna Elder, AIDA’s outgoing President, Dr Mark Wenitong welcomed members to the meeting. Dr Wenitong acknowledged Country, Kaurna Elders and Ngangkaris Mr Andy Tjilari and Mr Rupert Peter who travelled down from the Central Desert area to share in the celebration of achievement, culture, health and the future. Dr Wenitong thanked the AIDA Board for their commitment to medical education and their overall participation in leadership, partnership and scholarship within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and workforce arenas. He welcomed Dr Tamara Mackean, AIDA’s new President to the position and thanked Mr Romlie Mokak, AIDA’s Chief Executive Officer and the Secretariat staff for their ongoing dedication and support. Special appreciation was extended to Dr Marshall Watson, Dr Roy Whittaker and Ms Lose Pouvalu who were stepping down from the AIDA Board at this AGM.
Board members provided detailed reports outlining key events and representation responsibilities undertaken during the 2006/07 year including AIDA’s ongoing commitment to over 30 key national committees. The audited financial statements were tabled and accepted. Promotional events such as participation in CrocFests, Career Days and community visits were also highlighted as a feature of the past twelve month’s activities, including a planned visit to the Palm Island community during Strike 57 celebrations, which unfortunately had to be abandoned at the last minute, mid air, due to inclement weather. Feedback on AIDA’s response to the Northern Territory Intervention was also provided.
During 2006/07 AIDA underwent a Constitutional Review. Mr Luke De Jong, lawyer from Clayton Utz Canberra, briefed the membership on the work carried out to date. Two Special Resolutions were passed at the AGM relating to the winding up of the existing association, and transferring jurisdictions to move from an Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee. Part of this process involved the development of a new Draft Constitution which engaged the full AIDA membership. The Draft Constitution was endorsed by the AIDA membership at the AGM. The new Constitution is reflective of the organisation as it currently stands and will
guide AIDA into a positive and strong future.
Finally, Professor Ian Anderson provided information on advances in medical education, curriculum frameworks, accreditation and the LIME Governance Model future relationships with TeOra. It was proposed that Te ORA and the Medical Council of New Zealand, should be included in the LIME governance model.
A formal election process then took place. Mrs Kerri Dickman acted as the Independent Returning Officer and AIDA’s new Board of Directors was announced as follows:
Executive
President: Dr Tamara MACKEAN
Vice-President: Dr Peter O’MARA
Secretary: Associate Professor Noel HAYMAN
Treasurer: Dr Paula EDGILL
Directors
Dr Bradley MURPHY
Dr Simone RAYE
Associate Professor Helen MILROY
Dr Shannon SPRINGER
Dr Latisha PETTERSON
Dr Kelvin KONG
Dr Marilyn CLARKE
Ms Danielle ARABENA
Afterwards, members gathered around the campfire where Ngangkaris, Mr Andy Tjilari and Mr Rupert Peter lead a talking circle. Smoke lingered and combined beautifully with the smell of the moist earth, whilst the muffled sound of many voices created a sense of warmth, strength and collegiate support.
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