The Closing the Gap on Indigenous Health Conference is a platform uniting First Nations communities, policymakers and healthcare providers to drive health equality and establish an environment in which Australia’s Indigenous population can thrive.   Ten years have passed and over $100 billion has been spent since the federal government released its initial Closing the Gap report in 2006, committed to specific targets for reducing inequalities across Australia’s indigenous populations. To date, only two of the original seven targets to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander livelihood have been met and neither of these reflects key health indicators. Today the reality is that the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations has increased and reverse progress has been made towards improving health and life expectation equality for Australia’s Indigenous peoples.

The 2023 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference will also provide a forum for showcasing innovative approaches to Indigenous healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about new technologies, programs, and initiatives that are being developed to address the health needs of Indigenous communities. This will include discussions on the use of telehealth, culturally appropriate care, and community-led initiatives. The conference will also provide an opportunity for networking, allowing attendees to connect with other professionals and stakeholders who are passionate about improving Indigenous health outcomes. Overall, the 2023 National Closing the Gap Indigenous Health Conference promises to be an important event for advancing the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities across Australia and a conference not to be missed!

The conference themes include:

• 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 NGO`s
• 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

Register here