Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Author: Ashleigh Brissett

2025 Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Conference – Event Recap

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, and in collaboration with the Centre for Aboriginal Health and the NSW/ACT PHN Aboriginal Health Network, successfully hosted the 8th annual Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Conference on 10–11 November 2025.

The conference theme, From the Ground Up: Aboriginal Leadership Transforming Health Innovation and Research, explored the critical role of Aboriginal leadership in reshaping health systems and research practices. Discussions highlighted community-driven approaches, the strength of cultural knowledge, and self-determination as key drivers of meaningful and lasting change.

The event celebrated Aboriginal voices leading innovation, challenging conventional models of care, and creating pathways towards more equitable, inclusive, and effective health outcomes for communities across NSW and beyond.

Using AI to Navigate the New Australian FASD Guidelines – Webinar Summary

In October, health professionals attended a one-hour webinar focused on practical ways to navigate the Australian FASD Guidelines 2025 using artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT.

The session addressed common challenges associated with the size and complexity of the guidelines and demonstrated how AI can support day-to-day clinical and professional decision-making. Key takeaways included how to:

  • Quickly locate and summarise relevant sections of the FASD Guidelines

  • Simplify complex information into practical, usable resources

  • Develop effective prompts to generate accurate and reliable responses

  • Reframe assessment findings for different audiences, including NDIS providers and schools

The webinar also included live demonstrations, ethical considerations when using AI in health settings, and an interactive Q&A session.

Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease – Webinar Highlights

A RACGP webinar held in December provided updates on acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), featuring Dr Marion Tate FRACGP from Bulgarr Ngaru.

The session reviewed the updated Australian guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of ARF and RHD, as released by the Heart Foundation. Attendees gained valuable insights into best-practice care, early intervention strategies, and culturally safe approaches to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Scholarships Opportunities

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

1. Applications for 2026 Lowitja Institute Health and Wellbeing Scholarships are now open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and early career researchers across three streams:

These scholarships contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership of health by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop skills in their chosen area of study. Applications close on 15 October.

Apply here.

2. AUSLARC Scholarships are now open! AUSLARC is led by Sexual and Reproductive Australia (SRHA) in partnership with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

This initiative received grant funding from the Australian Government. It includes a national evaluation framework to support long-term impact and sustainability. Fully funded long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) training and support for eligible health professionals.

For more information or to register your interest head to AUSLARC Scholarships.

3. Scholarship Opportunity for NSW Nurses & Midwives

Lyn Gardner scholarship applications are open to registered nurses or midwives in NSW who have at least one year’s work experience in Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) nursing or a related field.

The full course overview can be found here.  

4. NSW Health Fully Funded Masters of Genetic Counselling

This is an amazing opportunity for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student to study the University of Technology Sydney Master of Genetic Counselling in 2026. Scholarship includes full tuition fees and living stipend, and academic cultural mentorship with UTS Jumbunna Institute for Education and Research. The scholarship is open to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student who is accepted to study the UTS Master of Genetic Counselling in 2026. Preference will be given to someone with connection to country in NSW.

UTS are hosting Information session – 8 October 2025 4.00–5.00pm AEDT – Master of Genetic Counselling Indigenous Scholarship Info Session

ADHD Prescribing Reforms in NSW – What You Need to Know

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a complex diagnosis with impact in Aboriginal communities, as outlined in the 2023 NACCHO submission to the senate about the barriers to assessment and support services for people with ADHD.  

Until now, people seeking assessment and diagnosis for ADHD have been referred by their GP to see a paediatrician or psychiatrist. However, Stage 1 of the NSW ADHD prescribing reforms began on 1 September 2025, with trained GPs able to prescribe ongoing psychostimulant medication for patients aged 6 and over who have a previous ADHD diagnosis and are stable on treatment.

Stage 2 of the reforms, which will allow GPs to diagnose ADHD and initiate medication, is expected to commence in early 2026. Details about training and eligibility for this next phase will be released later this year.

What This Means for ACCHOs and Primary Care Providers  

These changes have the potential to improve equity and expand access to culturally-safe ADHD management through trained GPs (continuation prescriber) in NSW ACCHO’s able to represcrbe ADHD medication for stable patients. 

  • GPs can now apply to become “continuation prescribers”, allowing them to prescribe ongoing ADHD medication for eligible patients. 
  • Training is funded by NSW Health, and priority will be given to GPs working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
  • This reform helps free up specialist appointments for new and complex cases, while enabling GPs to provide more holistic, accessible care.

ADHD Treatment Is More Than Just Medication 

While medication can play an important role in managing ADHD, it’s not the only option. Many individuals benefit from a multimodal approach that includes:

For children and adolescents: 

  • Parent training and support programs
  • Classroom-based interventions
  • Behavioural therapy
  • Speech and occupational therapy (especially for co-occurring developmental concerns)
  • Social skills training
  • Support with emotional regulation and executive functioning

For all age groups: 

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Executive function coaching
  • Mindfulness and lifestyle strategies
  • Psychoeducation and peer support groups

These approaches can help improve emotional regulation, time management, and daily functioning—especially when tailored to the individual’s age, environment, and co-existing conditions.  

For more information and resources about ADHD:  

If you have any feedback and suggestions about these ADHD reforms from the sector, please email publichealth@ahmrc.org.au, and we will collate and advocate, if needed. 

Deadly GP’s Workforce Project- Meet the AH&MRC team

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

AH&MRC is proud to announce the Deadly GP’s Workforce Project. This initiative aims to address some of the challenges in recruitment and retention of General Practitioners (GPs) in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations . This is a co-design project, and we will soon be reaching out to key people in our Member Services for your input.  

Staff introductions- Meet the AH&MRC team

Project Manager, Luke Romer
Luke is a Gomeroi man with connections to Baradine and the Pilliga Scrub. With a background in Aboriginal Higher Education, Culturally-safe NDIS Services & complex case management. Luke is excited to meet our Member Services to connect and hear how AH&MRC can better support you. Luke will be overseeing the new Deadly GP’s Workforce Project.  

Luke Romer (left) joined Carers NSW at the Joint Colleges Training Services Cultural Training event for GPs to start the first conversations with doctors.

Program Officer Workforce Development, Kay Lane
Kay is a highly experienced Practice Manager and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Leader with over 18 years in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sector. She specialises in GP recruitment, registrar and medical student placements mentoring, and support to ensure continuity of care in Aboriginal medical services. Kay excels in the complex environment of ACCHOs, helping develop ACCHO-led strategies to support their operations which will deliver outcomes for both ACCHOs and their communities.  

Cultural Educator, Keira Edwards
Keira is a Gamilaraay, Gia Ngaro and Birri Gubba woman with strong ties to Tingha & Whitsunday Islands. Keira has an extensive background in education, health, disabilities, and trauma informed practices. Keira will be developing the cultural education framework and learning resources for the GP Workforce Project. 

The team will be reaching out to all Member Services in the coming weeks to start the conversation to provide further opportunities for collaboration.

For further information, please email publichealth@ahmrc.org.au.  

 Check out the Deadly GP’s Workforce Project Flyer

Sexual Health Updates

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

NSW Sexual Health Workshop – Registrations Now Open! 

Syphilis was declared by the Chief Health Minister of Australia as a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance on the 6 August.  In response, AH&MRC together with NACCHO is hosting a NSW Sexual Health Workshop to support ACCHO staff delivering sexual health care.This free, hands-on workshop is designed for clinicians, nurses, and health workers working in sexual health across NSW ACCHOs.  

What’s on offer:  

  • Practical syphilis point-of-care testing (POCT) training
  • Resources to support broader sexual health care 
  • Networking with peers from other NSW ACCHOs, and the AH&MRC and NACCHO sexual health teams 

Dates: 28-29th October 2025 (1.5 days)
Venue: AH&MRC Little Bay | 35 Harvey Street
Cost: FREE to attend. 

Scholarships: available for travel and accommodation.

Register now to attend by completing the Registration Form   

Mpox Alert- recommendations for greater awareness in the community  

In August 2025, there were 10 notifications of Mpox in NSW in both males and females. ACCHOs are encouraged to maintain a low threshold for testing sexually active individuals presenting with Mpox-like symptoms. 

Mpox can resemble other conditions like herpes or syphilis, so differential diagnosis is key. Refer to the Australian STI Management Guidelines for testing protocols. 

Helpful resources: 

Contact publichealth@ahmrc.org.au if you would like further information. 

Catch us at the Koori Knockout! 

We’re heading to Tamworth for the 53rd Annual Koori Knockout – 2025 will be the biggest in its history with 170 teams competing!

Come and visit the AH&MRC sexual health team at the health precinct. We’ll be there to yarn, share resources, and hand out some deadly merch.

We look forward to connecting with you and your community!

Childhood Pneumococcal Vaccines Get an Upgrade

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) childhood pneumococcal schedule which commenced on1 September 2025 has seen Prevenar 20 replace Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23. This newly funded vaccine covers more pneumococcal strains and offers longer-lasting protection than the previous vaccines. Prevenar 20 is free of charge through the National Immunisation Program. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will now receive four doses of Prevenar 20, ensuring consistency across all states and territories.

The Impact of Pneumococcal Disease: Why Prevention Matters

Pneumococcal disease is caused by infection with the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and can affect different parts of the body, from the lungs (bacterial pneumonia) and middle ear (otitis media) to more severe and sometimes life-threatening forms such as meningitis and bloodstream infection. Pneumococcus often live harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat of healthy people (known as colonisation), but occasionally these bacteria can cause an infection. Invasive pneumococcal disease can occur when a person acquires a new strain and the bacteria travels from the nose to a part of the body where it is not normally found.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, along with young children and older adults, are a priority for strong protection against pneumococcal disease. In Australia, pneumococcal disease remains one of the leading causes of hospitalisation and death in children under two years of age. Ensuring access to effective vaccines is a vital step in supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Why Vaccination Is Our Best Defence

The most effective way to protect children and communities from pneumococcal disease is through vaccination that prevents the bacteria from settling in the nose and throat—a process called colonisation. While many people carry pneumococcus harmlessly, these bacteria can sometimes spread and cause serious illness.

There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (like Pneumovax 23) protect against many strains, but their effect is relatively brief. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (such as Prevenar 13 and Prevenar 20) offer stronger, longer-lasting protection. Not only do they prevent disease in vaccinated children, but they also reduce colonisation and transmission—helping to protect the whole community, including those who aren’t vaccinated.

Prevenar 20 is expected to prevent 25-30% more cases of invasive pneumococcal disease in children compared to Prevenar 13 by protecting against additional seven pneumococcal strains.

The National Immunisation Schedule now has four doses of Prevenar 20 for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children nationally at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of age. Children who have been partially vaccinated so far with previously supplied vaccines can complete their routine schedule with Prevenar 20 without extra doses. The pneumococcal vaccination program for adults (aged ≥18 years) in Australia is currently under review.

Further information for ACCHO staff can be found in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website.

Contact publichealth@ahmrc.org.au if your ACCHO has immunisation questions.

 

Major Shift in Asthma Guidelines: What It Means for ACCHOs and Their Communities

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

On 16 September 2025, the National Asthma Council Australia released major evidence-based updates to the Australian Asthma Handbook with a significant change in asthma management for adolescents and adults. This shift is especially important for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), as it’s likely to affect many people in communities who have been relying on blue puffers for symptom relief. 

Key Change in Asthma Management: no more short-acting beta agonists (SABA) only treatment 

  • Short-acting beta₂ agonists (SABA), like salbutamol also commonly known as “blue puffers”, are no longer recommended as standalone treatment for adults and adolescents. This is because even mild asthma can lead to severe flare-ups and death if not treated with anti-inflammatory medication.  
  • Initial treatment for mild infrequent asthma should now be treated with low-dose budesonide-formoterol (anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR)- only therapy) taken as needed. 
  • This combination provides fast relief and reduces inflammation—unlike SABA, which only treats symptoms.  

Implications for ACCHOs 

This change will have major implications for ACCHOs, particularly because many community members may be using blue puffers regularly—often without a formal asthma diagnosis or ongoing clinical review. 

Key considerations include: 

  • Many patients will need reassessment: Those currently using SABA-only treatment may need to be reviewed and transitioned to the new recommended therapy. 
  • Community education is essential: People may not realise that asthma is a chronic condition that needs ongoing management—not just a quick fix when symptoms flare up. 
  • Pharmacy referrals may increase: Pharmacists are being encouraged to refer patients back to their GP or ACCHO clinic if they request a blue puffer without a current asthma plan. 
  • Asthma Action Plans are critical: Every patient starting the new therapy should receive a written plan to help them manage their condition safely. 

For further information, review the revised 2025 Australian Asthma Handbook and a webinar on the new guidelines. 

New Asthma Resources

ASTHMAXCHANGE is a new live dedicated hub that provides healthcare professionals with a growing library of collections which contain the latest knowledge, evidence-based tools and practical resources to support best-practice, person-centred asthma care.

Empowering Communities Through Genomics: Insights from ALIGN & CONNECT

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The 2025 ALIGN and CONNECT Symposium, held at the Adelaide Pavilion on Kaurna Country, brought together national leaders in Indigenous genomics, data sovereignty, and primary care innovation.

Highlights from AH&MRC’s Participation 

Community-Led Genomics

Senior Member Engagement Officer, Folau Talbot shared insights from AH&MRC’s regional consultations, including in Broken Hill, Inverell, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Wyong, Illawarra, Nowra, Campbelltown, and Newcastle. These consultations allowed community members to learn about genomics, raise concerns about ethics, data governance, and cultural knowledge, and shape how precision medicine could be introduced in Aboriginal health care. 

Vision for Genomics 

At the closing panel, Senior Medical Advisor Kath Keenan joined national experts to discuss a meaningful and inclusive future for genomics in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care. She emphasised the vital role of primary care in building trust and enabling early diagnosis, and highlighted genomics as a transformative tool for precision medicine, rare disease detection, and improved health outcomes. Realising this potential will require sustained government investment to embed genomics into culturally safe, community-led care. 

ALIGN Genomics Resources Workshop  

Leading up to the Adelaide symposium a Genomics Resource workshop was held at AH&MRC Little Bay, with participation from Waminda (Nowra), Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill, and Tharawal (Campbelltown). The team is now developing three community-focused resources: an animation video, a poster, and a practical pamphlet to guide understanding step by step.  

For those interested in current resources available:  

  • PRECISE hub: education platform for primary care professionals 

AH&MRC Regional Consultations 

Planning is well underway for further visits to our member services and their communities with the team heading up Northern region in October and South and West in November.  

Please reach out to FTalbot@ahmrc.org.au or publichealth@ahmrc.org.au if you would like to discuss a visit to your ACCHO and community. 

Scholarship Opportunity

NSW Health are offering a fully funded opportunity to study the Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Technology in Sydney in 2026: Find out more here.

Working Together to Boost Cancer Screening in Community

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Last week, AH&MRC joined forces with the Cancer Institute NSW and Healthy North Coast PHN for a two-day workshop at Aanuka Resort in Coffs Harbour. Held on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August, the event brought together key partners to plan an upcoming population health project, a collaborative effort aimed at driving meaningful change across our communities.

Twelve Aboriginal Health Workers and Managers from six Aboriginal Health Services in Northern NSW — Bulgarr Ngaru, Werin, Rekindling the Spirit, Bullinah, Durri, and Galambila — came together for a workshop on planning a health project. This training was developed by AH&MRC using the learning outcomes of the Unit HLTPOP021, Plan a Population Health Project within the Certificate IV in Population Health

During the two-day workshop, participants identified a cancer screening initiative aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality. Using the skills learnt and templates provided, each participant drafted a project plan, including a program logic framework for monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

The workshop featured practical examples:

  • Bullinah Health Service shared their screening project using templates from the CINSW Primary Care Cancer Control Quality Improvement Toolkit
  • The Agency for Clinical Innovation and Durri showcased a screening project they are preparing to implement, using the work of KOWA and Understanding Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.

During the first workshop participants requested practical, accredited training with options for further study. This second workshop built on that approach, with topics led by participants for participants.

The next workshop will be held in November continuing the strong collaboration between partner organisations and working towards a vision of sharing and adapting these cancer projects so more communities can benefit.

The 2025 Deadly Doctors Forum

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The Deadly Doctors Forum is back in 2025 and it’s shaping up to be bigger, stronger, and more connected than ever 

The AH&MRC, in partnership with the NSW Rural Doctors Network, will be holding the forum over two days on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October at Little Bay. The event will bring together doctors working in NSW ACCHOs to share knowledge, strengthen networks, and celebrate the dedicated work being done by skilled and passionate GPs across the sector. 

We’re very excited to confirm a strong line up of speakers including NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant and cardiologist Dr Raj Puranick, who will return to deliver high-quality clinical education. We will hear from Bulgarr Ngaru GP Dr Marion Tait who will share insights into the RHD story in her region and from Bullinah GPs sharing lessons learnt working through disasters.

The full agenda is being finalised, and we look forward to announcing more inspiring speakers and sessions in the lead-up to the event. In addition to presentations. the forum will provide ample opportunities for networking, cultural training and peer connection.

Accommodation and two days’ worth of education and cultural activities will be provided for eligible doctors. Additional support for travel may be available, including potential eligibility through the RDN Health Workforce Scholarship Program. We encourage ACCHOs to nominate GPs in your teams who would benefit from this opportunity by emailing the Public Health Team at publichealth@ahmrc.org.au GPs working in ACCHOs can also register their interest in future updates through the AH&MRC Deadly Doctors Membership Form. 

Planning for the Future: Sustainable GP Workforce 

AH&MRC is also looking to work with member services to strengthen recruitment and retention of GPs and the broader health workforce. 

We’re aiming to support long-term workforce planning so that ACCHOs can continue delivering their holistic, multidisciplinary models of care. 

If your service is interested in working together on a sustainable workforce strategy, we invite you to express interest in joining our working group here: AH&MRC Recruitment & Retention Working Group – Expression of Interest