INDIGENOUS CONFERENCE SERVICES
(ICS-MEES Pty Ltd)
The IMPOSSIBLE IS JUST THE NEXT STEP FOR US IN OUR JOURNEY
INDIGENOUS CONFERENCES 100% Proudly presented, formulated, designed and organised By First Nations Peoples
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY          

In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which we are gathering. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgement to country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of First Nations Peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of First Nations peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Indigenous people are identified as First Nations People. Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for First Nations people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of First Nations cultures.​

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THE CONFERENCE​

The International Indigenous Chronic Diseases Management Conference scheduled on the 17th - 19th November 2021 will be held in Cairns Queensland at the Pullman Cairns International Hotel. The conference is hosted by Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) in partnership with several community based organisations in Australia and New Zealand, with great line up of First Nation's speakers from Australia and internationally. The conference will provide insights into the successes of Indigenous organisations and health care professionals, focusing on solutions to First Nation’s peoples with chronic diseases and highlights the successes of chronic disease policies and management programs implemented in Indigenous communities. The conference will highlight many of the achievements gained against chronic disease issues and the battle to stem the ongoing diseases within First Nations communities, new initiatives and successful programs being implemented and developed in First Nations communities globally. The three days event will present a unique opportunity to share experiences and successes. In many cases we do not need to re-invent the wheel when the answers to our challenges may be in the next town, state, nationally and even internationally.

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The event is based upon the principal belief that Indigenous health must be approached from a holistic view, which encompasses body, mind and spirit; thus, leading to the fundamental rights of self-determination. The conference recognises that treating our health must be done by treating the whole person, through mind, body, soul and culture. No matter what your culture is. If you are a First Nations person, statistics show that health, education and the justice system is monstrously weighted against First Nations People.  The 2018/2019 Indigenous Chronic Disease Health Report further highlights how wide the gap is. In today’s society Indigenous people have a varied lifestyle, ranging from inner-city living to isolated communities. Therefore, there is no set approach to dealing with health issues, as you have to look at the environment that you live in and, more importantly, the agencies that are available to assist. The conference is designed to bring together both government and non-government agencies who are working in the Indigenous health sector, therefore focusing on Indigenous Chronic Disease Health and strengthening the life expectancy of First Nations people to equal that of non-Indigenous people. ​In Australia, the most successful initiatives in First Nations Health are the Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and now the partnerships between government and communities. The first Aboriginal community-controlled health service was established in New South Wales and has been operational for the past forty (40) years.  Today, there are over 120 AMS and countless numbers of Primary Health Care Posts in First Nations communities in Australia. 

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CONFERENCE THEME AND FOCUS

The conference theme includes:

•  Diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, kidney disease, cancers, liver disease etc

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander health care coordination

• End of life care

• Place-based initiatives

• Primary health

• Building capacities for improving health outcomes with a focus on contemporary health initiatives, health policy, researchers, model of care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leadership, workforce sector development, e-health, tools/applications and resources.

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The conference theme is based upon an approach of “Prevention is better than Cure” which require collaborative partnership between all stakeholders, working together to support First Nations communities in addressing all forms of chronic disease. ​The foundation of the conference is to share and discuss positive models of change and initiatives. The event is structured in such a way as to develop a wider methodology towards preventative programs that are culturally appropriate and therefore more likely to succeed. This conference is devoted to showing the positives in addressing chronic diseases in our communities and families. Hence, the event has been developed with the belief that it is time to promote the positives and successes in chronic disease programs whilst still recognising that we still have a long way to go.

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THE VISION

The conference is not politically based. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to access information that is not readily available. Today the world has become smaller with the invention of the internet and jet travel.  As such, we are of the belief that there is nothing more empowering and more effective than people having an opportunity to network and collaborate. The conference vision for this event is to embrace the philosophy of First Nations community controlled and mainstream service providers through promoting an informative forum of research, health education and training of staff for the betterment of Indigenous health.

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CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The most powerful mechanism that First Nations people have is the strength to overcome adversity through the power of sharing knowledge and therefore the conference will attempt to foster all of the issues set out in this conference.

• This conference aims to improve cultural competence of Indigenous health workforce with greater focus on culture within the health care education. Responsible partnerships combined with strong community leadership and advocacy will optimise access, quality and sustainability of culturally safe and appropriate health services to address chronic conditions.

• Facilitate and engage with First Nations in respect to the sharing of information

• Contribute to identify community health needs and develop and implement local responses and services

• Provide an open and frank platform for discussion

• Support First Nations communities health professionals and peak bodies through further networking

• Highlight the positives work being achieved at all levels in respect to the many different chronic disease programs and issues

• To paint a positive approach to management of chronic diseases

• Provide a stimulus for networking in co-operation/partnerships from individuals, community level through to government authorities.

• Portraying the different various lifestyles from inner-city to isolated communities

• Sharing of information in regards to agencies, individuals and programs that may assist in overcoming chronic disease issues

• Bringing together both government and non-government agencies who are working in the field of Indigenous chronic diseases, focusing on Closing the Gap and strengthening the life expectancy of first nation peoples to equal that of non-indigenous people.

• Highlight unique issues that relate specifically to first nations communities in relation their environment and socio-economic status.

 

CALLING FOR PAPERS  

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 percent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations. To further ensure the continuous success of the conference, an Indigenous working group is being established to advice on correct adherence to cultural equilibrium. If you are interested in submitting a paper please, Click here to read more

 

THE CONFERENCE AGENDA  

(PLEASE NOTE:  This draft agenda may change without prior notice and only serves as a guide for those submitting papers). If an issue pertaining to a Chronic Disease project is not listed.  This does not necessarily mean it will not be added at a later date.

DAY 1            

8:00 AM          REGISTRATION

8:30 AM          Master of Ceremony

9:05 AM          Welcome to Country by Elder

9:10 AM          Welcome Address  to Town

9:15 AM          Tribal Performances

9:35 AM          Welcome Address Form Conference Partners 

9:40 AM          KEYNOTE SESSION        Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations Are Leaders

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10:30 AM        MORNING BREAK    

11:00 AM        KEYNOTE  SESSION       Indigenous Health Equality

11:45 AM        KEYNOTE  SESSION       Developing A National Strategic Approach To Chronic Disease Issues

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12:30 PM        LUNCH BREAK         

1:30 PM          KEYNOTE  SESSION       Working In Partnership From A Community Perspective (Paper Open To Community)

2:15 PM          KEYNOTE  SESSION       Developing A Career As A First Nations Health Worker in the Community

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3:00 PM          AFTERNOON TEA    

3:30 PM          Concurrent Session    A:  Culturally Appropriate Information And Interventions to reduce risks

                        Concurrent Session    B:  Care Planning Services

                        Concurrent Session    C:  Cardiovascular From A Medical Perspective

                        Concurrent Session    D:  Developing Community Based Solutions And Policies (Paper Open To Community)

4:15 PM          Concurrent Session    A:  Chronic Disease Program - Dealing With Diabetes

                        Concurrent Session    B:  Chronic Disease Program - Dealing With Kidney Disease

                        Concurrent Session    C:  Chronic Disease Program - Dealing With Cancer       

                        Concurrent Session    D:  Chronic Disease Program - Dealing With Drug & Alcohol Addiction Issues  

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6:30 PM          Conference Networking Dinner  

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DAY 2            

8:.00 AM         SIGN IN

9:00 AM          KEYNOTE SESSION        Dealing With Chronic Disease And Isolation

9:45 AM          KEYNOTE SESSION        Evidence Based Innovative Research Solutions - From A First Nations Perspective

10:30 AM        MORNING TEA

11:00 AM        Concurrent Session    A:  Healing Power Of Culture

                         Concurrent Session   B:  A Consumer Directed Holistic Model Of Care 

                         Concurrent Session   C:  Multidisciplinary Approaches In Chronic Disease Management

                         Concurrent Session   D:  The Care Of Elders With Chronic Disease (Paper Open To Community)

11:45 AM        Concurrent Session    A:  Managing Chronic Disease On A Daily Basis

                         Concurrent Session   B:  Innovative Approach To Distant Care

                         Concurrent Session   C:  The Social Impact Of Chronic Disease Within The Community (Paper Open To Community)

                         Concurrent Session   D:  Dealing With Grief And Loss

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12:30 PM        LUNCH BREAK      

1:30 PM           Concurrent Session   A: A Unique Approach To Dealing With Kidney Disease

                         Concurrent Session   B: Culture - The Importance Of Maintaining Our Identity (Paper Open To Community)

                         Concurrent Session   C: Traditional Diets And Foods - The Role It Plays In Our Lifestyles (Paper Open To Community)

                         Concurrent Session   D: The Role Of Sporting Programs Plays Within Our Communities (Paper Open To Community)

2:15 PM           Concurrent Session   A: A Unique Approach To Dealing With Cancers

                         Concurrent Session   B: Mainstream Health Services  Needs To Understand And Respect The Cultural Values Of First Nations People

                         Concurrent Session   C:  Specific Chronic Disease Issues For Men (Paper Open To Community)

                         Concurrent Session   D:  Women's Specific Chronic Disease Issues

 

3:00 PM          AFTERNOON TEA    

3:30 PM          KEYNOTE SESSION        The Impact Of Research Without Community Consolation (Paper Open To Community)

4:15pm           KEYNOTE SESSION        Technology & Innovation In Tackling Chronic Disease Management In Remote Communities

5:00 PM          END of CONFERENCE - CULMINATION Distribution of Certificates 

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DAY 3

For 2020, we offer new and exciting innovation for our conferences. Day 3 is devoted to professional development workshop or masterclass. As such, we have introduced several exciting networking and professional development innovations which is an extra cost for your chosen masterclass. Day Three is optional so please make sure you complete your registration form with the masterclass included if you intend to attend. 

 

CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS (INTERNATIONAL PRESENTER)- The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide

 

​Worrying about how your team, family and community effectively assist and manage clients experiencing intergenerational trauma? Indigenous peoples around the world endured several generations of trauma and other neurological effects and compromised behavioural immunity which leads to behavioural indicators such as substance-abuse and suicide.  Our current generation is impacted by structural violence, poverty, racism, governmental neglect and ongoing hostilities, and unfortunately our mob have learned our lessons in traumatiSation as well where in many situations, we have internalized the trauma imposed on ourselves and turned onto our own families, communities, and selves.   

 

This workshop will teach you:

• The strong benefits of recapturing and revitalizing our languages, cultures and spirituality

• How to become an interventionist to suicide in your communities

• Understand and utilise trauma-informed care to heal ourselves, our clients, and our communities.

 

• Strategies in managing clients and families affected by inter-generational trauma and break the cycle of suicide in our communities.

• In Just One Day You Can Learn Strategies how to become an interventionist to suicide and work effectively with your clients who are experiencing inter-generational trauma and their families.

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THE PRESENTER:

Dr. Joseph B. Stone, PhD, an Anasaki-pikuni ceremonialist and traditionalist and member of the OKKAN (Sundance), the Last Star Thunder Medicine Pipe and Beaver Lodge.  He is a clinical psychologist and with his associate. Dr. Stone works at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga – a Kaupapa Maori Health Provider; Awhina Whanu Family Services, and the Napier Family Centre all located in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.  He has clinical experience with adult prisoners and corrections and juvenile justice in both New Zealand and USA.  He is affiliated with the National Centre on Trauma and Project Making Medicine – Indian Health Service Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse at Oklahoma State University. He has presented too and served as consultant to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs of Native Youth Suicide.  Dr. Stone’s publications include articles on trauma, suicide, and other cultural / behavioural issues. 

 

This Masterclass is strictly limited to 30 people only. Cost is $330 per person.

Call or email us to register for this workshop or CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION. ​

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Speakers Information coming soon 

 

 

REGISTRATION

Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS of from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered.  To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form or you can also request a conference brochure and the registration form to be sent to you by email at adminics@iinet.net.au  

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CONFERENCE VENUE

Cairns is truly a destination to impress every one. From the moment you fly in over lush tropical green rainforest and aqua blue reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, you know you are truly in a special part of the world.  Pullman Cairns International (formerly The Sebel Cairns) is the most prestigious 4.5 star hotel and is perfectly located in the heart of Cairns, just moments from the city’s best shopping, dining and cafes. Within a few minutes’ walk is Cairns Esplanade and swimming lagoon, Pier Shopping Plaza, Cairns Central Shopping Centre and train station and an excellent selection of shops and restaurants. Pullman Cairns International is an upscale hotel, perfectly located in tropical Cairns, Australia. Overlooking Cairns Harbour and lush mountain hinterland, this 321 room hotel is spectacularly positioned to take advantage of all the city has to offer. You can choose from a range of accommodation and suites in the Pullman Cairns International. Pullman Cairns International is proud to be the flagship hotel of the area, renowned for holding memorable indoor and outdoor events of any size.  Dine in Coco’s Restaurant or even unwind in the Day Spa. With the latest wireless technology, Pullman Cairns International Hotel Australia will keep you perfectly connected during your holiday accommodation in Cairns.​

 

CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER CRUISE

As they say, all work and no play makes for a dull conference. To overcome this, the secretariat has organised a conference dinner to be held on the first night of the event. This dinner will give delegates the opportunity to further network while letting your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will cost $150 per person and is additional to the conference fees. Bookings must be made with our office prior to the event. 

 

Conference Networking Dinner Cruise - Waterside Dining

A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to end a perfect day in paradise. Boarding our sailing catamaran at the Marlin Marina, you’ll enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounding mangroves as they transition from day to night. Every journey begins with bubbles, as all good dinner cruises should. With your glasses charged, stroll the interior or exterior decks and admire the view as the sky transforms from blue to red to orange and finally a silky black, filled with thousands of sparkling stars.Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade. The water is calm, the weather mild and the night is yours to enjoy, with entertainment and a delicious 3 Course Buffet Dinner featuring some of the region’s best produce, including seafood. The luxurious Spirit of Cairns sailing catamaran is fully licensed, selling a range of beverages, including tropical cocktails. This is the ultimate in waterside dining.

 

When Do We Go

The Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise departs from the Marlin Marina at 6.30pm and returns at 9pm. Check-in and boarding is at the boat, moored at Marlin Marina, between 6pm-6.15pm. A complimentary drink is served on arrival and the bar is open for you to relax on board prior to departure. The dinner cruise operates every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

 

What Will You See / Do

Enjoy a fantastic evening of calm water cruising with entertainment, delicious 3 course buffet meal and fabulous views, including sunset over the rainforest-clad mountains (depending on the time of year). Starting at Marlin Marina, Spirit of Cairns takes you on a journey deep into the interior of Trinity Inlet and its winding tributaries. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even see a crocodile. The cruise passes along Cairns’ waterfront and Esplanade precinct, delivering panoramic views of the twinkling night lights of this port city.

 

TRAVEL  

One of the prohibitive factors in attending a conference is the airfare component. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages. All of our booking is made through First Nations Travel, a new 100% indigenous owned travel agency here to make booking your flights stress free and relaxing for an enquiry please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest by email:  adminics@iinet.net.au

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MONEY SAVING IDEAS 

The event secretary has come up with some great ideas on how to save money for you and your organisation.

 

​ACCOMMODATION: We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates at the Pullmans Hyde Park Sydney, please click this link to avail yourself of the special discount

 

TRAVEL: We have engaged First Nations Travel Agency to negotiate with all the relevant airlines for discounted airfare & hotel rates.

 

CONCESSION: A special registration rate for university students is being offered for a flat rate of $650

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TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

One of the prohibitive factors in attending a conference is the airfare component. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) also recognises that some NGO’s or other agencies will need to seek additional funding to attend, therefore First Nations Travel Agency quotation can be made out to either pay ASAP or to consider the time that is required to obtain funding. For the best possible airfares and seat availability, please confirm your attendance ASAP.

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FIRST NATIONS TRAVEL AGENCY

Contact:  Phone 07 41945168

 Email.     adminics@iinet.net.au

To request a quote: https://www.evotravelagent.com/quote

 

Further advantage to using First Nations Travel Agency for your airfares is that if something goes wrong, you have greater access to your travel agent if required. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages.

 

To book your accommodation and avail yourself of the special delegate discount rates, please note that included in your registration is 3 nights twin or double room. Indigenous Conference Services has negotiated special rates for delegates and speakers attending the conference, when you complete your registration form you will see a sector highlighted accommodation need. It is possible to stay outside the venue however this may lead to a higher cost to your organisation. Please note that when registering you have 7 days from the issue of the conference secretariat to make payment this is so your accommodation is locked in.

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VISA TO AUSTRALIA due to covid-19 please follow travel advisory from Australian embassy near you. 

If you are an international guest or speaker, please note that citizens of some countries require visas before entering Australia. To obtain an Australian Visa, you may require a letter of invite from the conference secretariat.  To obtain the letter of invitation, the guest must have registered for the conference and paid the required conference cost. This is refundable if visas are not approved, you should allow a minimum of 60 days for visa processing at the nearest Australian Embassy.  Please note, processing visa documents in some countries may take longer, depending on your country of origin. Visas can be obtained online from the Australian Federal Government's Department of Home Affairs website at this link  https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit#

 

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE

ICS Conferences have developed flexible sponsorship packages to sponsor the conference either in part or in full. Sponsorship is a great way of promoting your organisation/ company/ department to all delegates attending the conference. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprise, not individuals. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest by email:  adminics@iinet.net.au

 

contact us

ICS-MEES Pty Lt

Indigenous Conference Services (Australia)

Postal Address: 8 Kiwi Court, Pt Vernon QLD 4655 Australia

Web: www.icsconferences.org 

Email:  adminics@iinet.net.au

Phone: 07 4194 2803, +61 4557 76 668

 

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Please note this website is continually being updated.

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