National Closing The Gap Indigenous Health Conference

22 - 24 July, 2024

Hilton Hotel, Gold Coast

Conference Aboriginal Art
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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 Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.

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 Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.

THE CONFERENCE

The 2024 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference is scheduled to be held at the Hilton Hotel in the Gold Coast on July 22-24, 2024. It is the only conference that has been continuously running since the establishment of the Closing the Gap concept and is the largest gathering of delegates from all sectors outside of Indigenous national associations. The conference is held annually and over the past ten years has attracted thousands of attendees bringing together representatives from all states and territories governments, First Nations medical services and mainstream health sectors, First Nations communities, allied health professionals, ACCHOs, NGOs, researchers and interested individuals.

CONFERENCE THEME

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 First Nations Health. 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 First Nations Health in our communities and families today. Hence, the event has been developed with the belief that it is time to promote the positives and successes in Closing the gap programs whilst still recognising that we still have a long way to go. The conference focus includes the following:

  • Primary health and the whole of body wellness

  • First Nations women’s health

  • First Nations men’s health

  • Successful community partnerships between First Nations peoples, governments and NGOs

  • Innovative projects which promote leadership and self-determination

  • Community/ grassroots-based initiatives towards health

  • Culture and its importance to creating better mental health for First Nations people

  • Protecting mob against COVID-19 in remote Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander communities​

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The 2024 National First Nations Closing the Gap Health Conference is ideal for those responsible for designing and delivering primary health care, improving the responsiveness of the health care system to First Nations people fostering good health & wellbeing such as: 

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinicians

  • PHNs & Researchers

  • Social & Emotional Wellbeing workers

  • Aboriginal health professionals and practitioners  

  • Elders & Community representatives 

  • Program managers and Policymakers 

  • Governments - State / Territory and Commonwealth

  • University Lecturers ​

  • GPs & Medical Specialists

  • Psychologist & Social workers

  • Care finders, health connectors, aged care workers and disability support workers

  • NGOs & philanthropists

  • Aboriginal Medical Services

  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations

  • Mental Health Practitioners

  • Community Services organisations

  • Interested Individuals

Why Attend

This conference presents a unique opportunity for delegates to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend. In our everyday working environment the day to day stresses of our positions tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. Whether you work at a community level or at governmental level the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside of your local region tend to be limited, this is why this conference will be so valuable to participants. Hence, all Indigenous people and non-indigenous people whether professional or community-based, who have a vested interest in juvenile justice are invited.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER

As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance: Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees. An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.

  • Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long-term employees.
  • An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
  • Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training.
  • Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
  • The opportunity for saving organisations money because of the short duration of the event.
  • Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
  • May provide organisations with new ideas.
  • Gives organisations a showcase and voice at a national level.
  • Provide an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
  • Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal number of days.

CALLING FOR PAPER

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent 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.

Guidelines in Submitting Paper:

  • Papers should not contain offensive language and take into account cultural sensitivities of Australian first nation people.
  • Papers must treat the themes in a manner that contributes to further discussion of conference aims.
  • Conference papers must be presented in the finished format not less than 60 days prior to the event.
  • Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted in the second round.
  • Papers MUST be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Papers in other formats will NOT be considered.
  • Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance in writing.
  • A registration fee of $750 will apply to all persons submitting papers, payable within 7 days upon notification of acceptance.
  • Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.
  • All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light.
  • To submit a paper, please complete the online form at this link: SUBMIT A PAPER HERE.
  • Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provide the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
  • Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
  • May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.
  • Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
  • Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The event is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.

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 from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE

Flexible sponsorship packages are available. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprises, not individuals. To showcase your organisation to all conference delegates, ICS has developed hassle-free promotional opportunities and sponsorship packages according to your budget and tailored to your organisation’s needs.

  • Gold Sponsorship ($10,000) includes: Keynote session or Break-out sessions, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
  • Silver Sponsorship ($7,000) includes: Keynote session, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
  • Bronze Sponsorship ($5,000) includes: Break-out Session, Waived registration fee for your selected staff, Complimentary Display Table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.

To sponsor the conference, please contact us. 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 to admin@icsconferences.org.

CONTACT US

For more information or inquiries, please reach out to us at the following contact details:

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