Minjil dancers during the October 2025 QAIHC State Members Conference Welcome to Country in Gimuy/Cairns. Image: QAIHC

QAIHC Chairperson Dorothy Smith speaking at a podium during the October 2025 QAIHC State Members Conference at the Cairns Convention Centre. She is wearing a white button-up blouse and rust-colored trousers, addressing the audience with a headset microphone. The branded podium features the Cairns Convention Centre logo in blue and white.
QAIHC Chairperson Dorothy Smith welcomes guests to the conference. Image: QAIHC
QAIHC’s first Member conference in Far North Queensland was an informative and engaging two days, packed with community and connection.

The QAIHC Members Conference 2025: Led by Culture, Driven by Purpose in Gimuy/Cairns from 21-22 October attracted over 90 delegates from across Queensland.

Emceed by ACT 2018 Australian of the Year Dion Devow, the event featured two intense days of presentations and panels.

From insights about state and federal government priorities and NACCHO’s program of investment, to talks about the lessons learned from the Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Forum and engaging with young leaders for generational growth, the presentations and panel sessions covered a range of topics.

The event culminated with a Members’ dinner, featuring popular Cairns cover band, The Nightshift; and an entertaining Murrioke competition.

MC Dion Devow speaking at the podium during the QAIHC State Members Conference, held at the Cairns Convention Centre. He is dressed in a pink blazer over a black shirt and pants, wearing a gold necklace, and appears engaged with the audience while smiling. The lectern features conference branding with the slogan “Led by Culture, Driven by Purpose,” alongside Indigenous artwork elements. Behind him, a large presentation screen displays a dot painting-inspired design, and to the side are glass water jugs and the Australian and Torres Strait Islander flags.
MC Dion Devow. Image: QAIHC

QAIHC Acting CEO Paula Arnol said the conference had been a great success, with many thought-provoking and insightful conversations.

“The presentations and panels proved the future is bright for the sector if we walk towards it in unity and with strength of culture and purpose,” she said.

“It was great to see delegates collaborating and sharing ideas with one another, as we are united in our commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Queensland.”

QAIHC thanked presenters for sharing their time, expertise and insights in guiding the sector’s discussions of the future. QAIHC thanks:

  • Dr Kathy Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS), Our future workforce — TAIHS showcase
  • Dr Paul Burgess, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Health, The Northern Territory Forum, and funding
  • Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, NACCHO’s priorities for 2026, including its advocacy and investment approach
  • Rob McPhee, Chief Executive Officer, Danila Dilba Health Service, The Northern Territory Forum, and funding
  • Daniel Rosendale, board member, Wuchopperen Health Service, Now to next
  • Melinda Turner, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, The Department’s priorities for 2026, including its investment approach
  • Natalie Wilde, Director-General, Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, Queensland’s Closing the Gap reform
  • Adam Stephen, Workforce and Development Jurisdiction Manager, QAIHC, Workforce analytics; Our future workforce — TAIHS showcase
  • Scott Brown, Senior Manager, Health Data and Analytics, QAIHC, QAIHC’s Data Strategy
  • David Harmer, Acting Deputy CEO, QAIHC, Building a stronger sector through reform and partnership.
Wuchopperen board member Daniel Rosendale speaking into a microphone during a panel session at the QAIHC State Members Conference. He is wearing a pink and white striped button-up shirt with the Ralph Lauren logo and is seated among fellow panelists. Daniel is engaged with the audience, looking confidently toward the camera. The setting appears to be a formal discussion or Q&A session, with a white panel wall backdrop.
Wuchopperen board member Daniel Rosendale in a panel session. Image: QAIHC