Dear members,
2021 has arrived…. And what a start to the new year, hot spots, borders opening, closing and reopening, vaccines, submissions, position statements and farewells….
This year we have farewelled two of our team, Alasdair Young our Communications Officer and Siani Ingelski our Policy Manager and long-term team member. After almost six years with AIDA, Siani has taken up an exciting opportunity with an Indigenous Business and we wish her all the very best.
Whilst some things have come to an end, 2021 will see AIDA consolidate and move forward with our existing programs as well as launch a number of exciting new initiatives. During the first half of the year AIDA will release our expanded Cultural Safety initiative, launch our Specialist Trainee Support program as well as the new AIDA website.
Member engagement continues to be a high priority with our first member event planned for Newcastle at the end of March, followed by several other engagement opportunities throughout the year. AIDA is also keen to hear from our members and has recently circulated a member survey, please make sure you have your say.
Our work across the sector continues with the recent release of two positions statements, Climate change and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient identification – Covid-19 release. Both papers are available via the AIDA website.
In addition to the position statements, AIDA has recently made comment/submissions in relation to:
- National COVID-19 Aged Care Emergency Communications Plan
- Lung Cancer Screening Enquiry, and
- National Medical Workforce Strategy
- Voluntary Indigenous Idenfifer (VII) Framework.
Thank you to members who contributed to the development of our position papers and submissions.
I would like to congratulate Professor Helen Milroy on being named WA Australian of the year and Associate Professor Kelvin Kong who was named Newcastle Citizen of the Year.
Thank you to all members, supporters and partners for your continued support, we look forward to working with you in 2021.
Best wishes
Monica
