Reconciliation Action

ASHM is committed to continuing our reconciliation journey with an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which will outline actions that work towards achieving our unique vision for reconciliation.

Acknowledgement of Country

ASHM acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country across the various lands on which we live and work.

We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to land, water, and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

ASHM acknowledges Sovereignty in this country has never been ceded.

It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Quarterly spotlight

The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year, to celebrate & recognise the history, culture & achievements of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Partners in Reconciliation

We are proud to walk alongside a growing network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, leaders, and allies. These partnerships shape ASHM’s work, challenge us to do better, and help guide our journey towards equity in health and beyond.

Priority Action Reforms How ASHM is Taking Action

ASHM is actively contributing to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, focusing on priority reforms that align with our role as a health educator and collaborator in the sector.

We’re committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, listening deeply, and embedding change that is measurable, meaningful, and sustained.

These actions reflect where we are – and where we’re heading.

1
Formal partnerships and shared Decision-making
What we’re doing:

We co-design training, resources, and projects with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and peak bodies. These partnerships are not one-off collaborations – they are grounded in mutual respect, ongoing engagement and shared outcomes.

2
Build the Community-controlled Sector
What we’re doing:

We prioritise collaboration with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), ensuring our work supports – not duplicates or replaces – their leadership in delivering culturally safe and community-driven healthcare.

3
Transforming government organisations
What we’re doing:

We are transforming our internal systems, policies, and culture to embed cultural safety, education, and accountability. All ASHM educational programs include a cultural safety content review, and we regularly review this content in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander advisors.

4
Shared access to data & information at the regional level
What we’re doing:

We are improving how we manage and share our data, with respect for community ownership, context, and consent. Our aim is to use data in ways that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led decision-making and drive local impact. We support data sovereignty by adopting ethical data practices, ensuring community-governed information remains in the hands of those it represents. We work to improve how we collect, share, and interpret data in ways that empower-not exploit-communities.

Priority Action Reforms How ASHM is Taking Action

ASHM is actively contributing to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, focusing on priority reforms that align with our role as a health educator and collaborator in the sector.

We’re committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, listening deeply, and embedding change that is measurable, meaningful, and sustained.

These actions reflect where we are – and where we’re heading.

Image of Aboriginal art

“Wiyunggir” Cleverman, by Bianca Monaghan

Bundjalung Cultural Experience

Mobile: 0403933845 | Email: [email protected]

The artwork I have created for ASHM represents our old ways, our Lore and our traditional medicine, embedded into the modern life of today’s Lore (law) and medicine. The middle circles represent our old traditional ways of Life passed down through the generations, the surrounding circles are the adaptions of the modern ways of our families living in today’s society. We will always be connected to the new and old ways no matter what we are doing or where we are.

The white berries represent our traditional medicines, and the “Wiyunggir” the cleverman that holds the lore of this medicine. The white dots represent the modern medicine that lives alongside our traditional ways of today. The bronze circles represent our sacred places hidden from society, blending into our way of life yet standing close to us.

The background flow and colours represent our cultural way of life, hunting, gathering, fishing, song-lines and waterholes. The colours of the sand and ocean represent our connection to the Torres Strait Islander people and their culture a connection that has been long-standing. Booglebeh (thank you).

Artist: Bianca Monaghan, Bundjalung, Family from Baryulgil.

Do you have something you’d like featured on this page? Please let us know by emailing [email protected]

Reconciliation updates

The ASHM Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan has been published!

We are immensely proud to announce the launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – the second in our reconciliation journey. This plan outlines the steps we will take in our reconciliation journey.

ASHM statement supporting the Voice to Parliament

Later this year a referendum on a Voice for First Nations People will be put to the Australian people. The referendum will ask Australians if they support a change to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament

Landscape Review on STIs in the Western Pacific Region

In collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), ASHM conducted a comprehensive landscape review of sexually transmitted infections in the Western Pacific Region for the purpose of gaining a greater understanding of the magnitude and nature of STIs across the region.

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Sector Event

Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada) National Conference 2025

1 Jun 2025
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Sector Event

27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health

16 - 19 Jun 2025
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Meanjin (Brisbane), QLD, Australia
ASHM Event

The 2nd Asia Pacific Conference on Point of Care Testing for Infectious Diseases

19 - 21 Jun 2025
Samyan Mitrtown Hall, Bangkok, Thailand

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, voices, or names of people who have passed away.

We acknowledge the deep cultural significance of these representations and extend our respect to Elders past and present, and to all First Nations peoples accessing this site.