Empowering Indigenous leadership in allied health: IAHA conference reflections

In late November, several members of the ADC team were fortunate to attend the 2025 Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference, which was held on the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi people on the Sunshine Coast. The theme, Tradition to Transformation: Leading in Allied Health, highlighted the vital role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in shaping culturally responsive health practices. The event aimed to strengthen holistic, strengths-based approaches to health and wellbeing, fostering health equity for Indigenous communities through collaboration and innovation.

ADC team members reflected on our roles as allies in a cultural responsiveness workshop on the first day, which was followed by a dynamic two-day program of presentations, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities within a culturally safe environment. Delegates engaged in workshops and presentations focused on building culturally responsive connections, embedding cultural determinants of health, and advancing Community-led research. As always, a key highlight was the Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge (USLC), which showcased emerging Indigenous leaders in the allied health sector.

Celebrating excellence was central to the event, culminating in a Gala Awards Ceremony that honoured outstanding contributions to Indigenous allied health. The ADC sponsored the award for the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Allied health student of the year. We extend our congratulations to winner Shi-Anne Wallace, a pharmacy student at James Cook University, for her commitment to culturally responsive care and contributions to her profession.

In addition to making important new connections, we were also fortunate to catch up with some of our colleagues from the ADC’s First People and Allies Reference Group, and our Accreditation and Assessment Committees.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, to be held in Boorloo (Perth) from 30 November to 2 December 2026. For education providers, the conference presents an excellent opportunity to assist Indigenous students in attending and participating in the USLC through the various available sponsorship options.

The ADC team at the IAHA Gala Awards Ceremony