Working together to advance First Nations Health Equity across South East Queensland

The 2026 South East Queensland First Nations Health Equity in Action Conference on 22 and 23 October brough together partners from across South East Queensland, reaffirming a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the two-day conference provided an opportunity to celebrate progress, share learnings and identify practical actions to advance health equity across the region.

The conference opened with an address from Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Hon Tim Nicholls MP, who highlighted the importance of working in partnership with the Community Controlled sector to close the gap in health outcomes.

Following a Welcome to Country and a deadly performance by the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company, attendees explored a range of priority health issues through workshops and showcases. Sessions on the first day focused on building a shared workforce, strengthening lung cancer screening pathways, improving paediatric access for Mob and supporting mental health and wellbeing through Staying Deadly services.

Day two continued the focus on collaboration and future action, with addresses from SEQ First Nations Health Equity Partnership Chair Renée Blackman and Queensland Chief Health Officer Marianne Gale. Day two workshops explored opportunities to strengthen leadership development for Mob, support families and young people, coordinate responses to sexual health priorities, and advance community-controlled health research.

Together, these discussions highlighted the importance of culturally safe, community-informed approaches that respond to the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Across the two days, the conference showcased the progress made by partners over the past 12 months, demonstrating what can be achieved through a coordinated, whole-of-health-system approach. From strengthening referral pathways and expanding workforce opportunities to improving access to specialist care, the discussions highlighted the value of partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations, Hospital and Health Services, Primary Health Networks, Mater Health Services and Queensland Ambulance Service.

Importantly, the conference was not only an opportunity to reflect on achievements, but to look ahead. Through workshops and shared discussions, partners identified priority areas and actions to progress over the next 12 months, aligned with the SEQ First Nations Health Equity Strategy. The focus remains on translating shared learnings into meaningful change, strengthening relationships across the health system and ensuring services are better connected, culturally responsive and accessible to Community.

The 2026 conference reinforced the strength of the SEQ First Nations Health Equity Partnership and the collective commitment to achieving health equity by 2031. A heartfelt thank you to all partners, presenters, facilitators and attendees for their ongoing dedication and contribution. By continuing to work together, listen to Community and build on what is working, partners are helping create a stronger, more equitable health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across South East Queensland.

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