Dear Members,
Another busy month in the space of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing has seen moves toward meaningful change.
With COVID-19 isolating many of us from usual social engagements, it was fabulous to see AIDA members and supporters come together in Darwin for a night at Pee Wee’s at the Point. Opening with a Welcome to Country from Larrakia elder Aunty Bilawara Lee and a powerful speech on Treaty in the Northern Territory from Ursula Raymond, NT Deputy Treaty Commissioner, it was a unifying moment for all in attendance. AIDA’s next member networking event is scheduled to be held in Canberra on December 4, depending on restrictions at the time. We hope to see you there.
This is an exciting time to be part of AIDA as we approach our Annual General Meeting which will be held online this year. It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved as an organisation and share that vision with prospective leaders of tomorrow. We will be able to advise AGM dates, and much more detail in the next Ward Round. With several board positions available, graduate and fellow members ready to share their knowledge and leadership skills are encouraged to nominate for a position on the Board of Directors. Also, students interested in connecting with their peers and finding their voice should consider joining the 2021 Student Representative Committee.
AIDA has been busy over the last month, having significantly contributed to the national conversation, raising our voices through various media and key conversations.
We thank our board members who have reiterated the importance of Indigenous voices in medicine and beyond, our Student Representative Committee for their recent health promotion efforts (#keepourmobsafe), and our members for continuing to engage in mentoring and educational initiatives.
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the doctors, students and health professionals who are working towards better health outcomes for our people. I know that some of our members continue to face some big challenges because of COVID-19, particularly in some parts of the country. If you are finding things tough right now, or if you just need a yarn, please give us a call at the AIDA Secretariat and we will endeavour to assist you however we can, by putting you in touch with support, or just listening.
Stay safe, strong and connected.
Monica
