Hon Amanda Stoker MP, Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training launching the QAIHC Workforce Strategy with former QAIHC Chairman Mr Matthew Cooke. Image: QAIHC

Sector leaders from across Queensland gathered to discuss the importance of strengthening the ACCHO workforce and preparing for the future at the inaugural QAIHC Workforce Symposium, held at The Pullman Brisbane on 2 June 2025.

With the theme Bringing our workforce back together: health workers first, stronger communities, the event marked the official launch of the QAIHC Workforce Strategy and elevated the voices, leadership, and aspirations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.

The Strategy was formally launched by outgoing QAIHC Chairman Matthew Cooke, following a keynote address by the Hon Amanda Stoker MP, Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training.

QAIHC Acting CEO Paula Arnol shared the journey behind the Strategy, which outlines a roadmap to grow a skilled and culturally safe workforce, support sector growth, and meet the evolving health needs of communities.

Ms Arnol described the Strategy as a “call to action” — a shared commitment to strengthen the workforce, protect cultural knowledge, and create leadership pathways to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to thrive.

Key speakers included:

  • Marcy Holdsworth, Regional Manager (Qld), Joint Colleges Training Services — on training the next generation of ACCHO doctors
  • Greg Richards, General Manager, Sector Development, QAIHC — on the long-term workforce vision
  • Adam Stephen, Workforce Development and Jurisdiction Manager, QAIHC — on building a future-ready workforce.

Two thought-provoking panels explored elevating health worker voices and growing place-based workforce strategies, with contributions from Palm Island Community Company, Queensland Health, Sunshine Coast HHS and QAIHC.

The day concluded with a storytelling-on- calico art collaboration led by Casey Coolwell and QAIHC’s Jaymie Lynch, symbolising the shared journey ahead.

Thank you to Angela Young, Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement at Children’s Health Queensland, for agreeing to be the Master of Ceremonies and to the more than 65 delegates from over 40 organisations who attended, including ACCHOs, training providers, HHSs, government departments and advocacy bodies.