The Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Forum is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with local health districts, specialty health networks, and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council. This forum serves as a crucial platform for the Aboriginal mental health workforce, providing opportunities for information sharing, professional development, and networking. It plays a key role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of those dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing within Aboriginal communities.
The 2024 Forum, hosted by the Mental Health Branch, took place on the 5th and 6th of June at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney. This year’s event was particularly special as it celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Djirruwang Program, a pioneering initiative in Aboriginal mental health education and workforce development. The forum brought together a diverse group of professionals, including mental health workers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, to reflect on the progress made over the past three decades and to discuss future directions in Aboriginal mental health.
The celebration finished off with a Gala event held at the Ivy Ballroom on the evening of 6 June. The Gala was a soaring success, honouring the achievements of the Djirruwang Program and its graduates, while also recognising the contributions of those who have been instrumental in advancing Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing. The evening featured inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and the presentation of awards to individuals and teams who have made significant impacts in the field. This milestone event not only highlighted the importance of the Djirruwang Program but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to strengthening the Aboriginal mental health workforce for the future.
Watch the highlights video below:
