The AH&MRC 2026 CQI State Forum brought together Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, health professionals, quality improvement leaders and sector partners from across New South Wales for three days of learning, collaboration and shared commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Held under the theme of ‘Achieving Quality: On Our Terms’ through culture, innovation and community leadership, the forum provided an opportunity for participants to explore emerging challenges, celebrate successes and share practical approaches to strengthening service delivery across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector.
Throughout the forum, attendees heard from a diverse range of presenters and organisations, with sessions highlighting the importance of culturally safe care, governance, innovation, data quality and community-led solutions.
Key presentations included NACCHO’s partner session, Walking Together in Healing: Culture, Community and Truth on Sorry Day, which explored the ongoing importance of truth-telling, healing and cultural strength in Aboriginal health and wellbeing. Participants also engaged in discussions on governance and safety in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, examining how emerging technologies can be implemented responsibly while maintaining community trust and cultural integrity.
The forum featured practical sessions focused on strengthening service delivery, including presentations on improving data integrity following clinical information system transitions and ensuring high-quality data supports informed decision-making and better health outcomes. Attendees also heard examples of successful community-led approaches that continue to place community needs, voices and aspirations at the centre of service design and delivery.
One of the highlights of the forum was the interactive tabletop sessions, where services shared what is working in their communities and reflected on lessons learned through their CQI journeys. These conversations fostered valuable peer-to-peer learning and reinforced the strength of collaboration across the sector.
Beyond the presentations, the forum provided an important space for networking, relationship-building and knowledge exchange. Delegates connected with colleagues from across the state, shared experiences and explored opportunities for future collaboration.
The AH&MRC extends its sincere thanks to all presenters, delegates, sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of the 2026 CQI State Forum. Your expertise, insights and commitment to continuous quality improvement continue to strengthen the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and support better health outcomes for our communities.
As we reflect on the discussions and learnings from this year’s forum, we remain committed to supporting ACCHSs to lead innovation, drive quality improvement and deliver culturally safe, community-controlled healthcare across New South Wales.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the momentum generated throughout the 2026 CQI State Forum.
