QAIHC has been on an incredible journey over the past two months, engaging with 20 Members across Queensland as part of its Member Engagement Roadshow.

This initiative will help shape QAIHC’s Operational Plan for QAIHC’s Ten-Year Blueprint 2024–2034 — a 10-year vision for the future of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health organisation (ACCHO) sector.

So far, QAIHC has conducted face-to-face workshops and regional forums in Far North Queensland, Central Queensland and the Southern and South West regions. These gatherings have been an opportunity for Members to come together, share insights, and collaborate on the future of the sector.

QAIHC Acting Chief Executive Officer Paula Arnol said each workshop sparked important conversations and ensured the voices of QAIHC’s Members were front and centre in shaping policy.

“The Blueprint is basically our roadmap for planning for the next 10 years, so it’s really, really important that we strengthen our engagement through consultation with our Member Services, to identify what is their priority at a local level,” Ms Arnol said.

“The most important part in the consultation and engagement with our Members is to make sure we are relevant and meeting their priorities.

A diverse group of 21 individuals stands together in a well-lit indoor space, smiling at the camera. Several participants wear uniforms featuring vibrant Indigenous designs, while others are dressed casually or semi-formally. The image captures a community gathering or organisational meeting.
QAIHC team and QAIHC’s Central Queensland region Members at the CQ Regional Forum held in Gladstone. Photograph by QAIHC.

“We have different sizes of Members at different stages of their growth and it’s really important to customise and localise their needs and provide the right wrap-around services, not only from QAIHC but from sister organisations as part of a broader family in what we do.”

QAIHC has experienced a few hiccups along the way, including a motor vehicle break-down on the road between Charleville and Cunnamulla; negotiating detours from traffic accidents in Central Queensland; and a COVID-19 outbreak within the team — resulting in the unfortunate delay of our consultation in the North & North West region.

The team has also been fortunate enough to witness some amazing scenery, from the vast grassland plains of Cunnamulla to the tropical rainforests of Gimuy/Cairns.

QAIHC plans to head to the North & North West region, including visits to Townsville and Mackay, in the New Year to continue this work. As with the previous regions, this engagement will feature local workshops followed by a regional forum, bringing everyone together to reflect on shared challenges and opportunities.

The roadshow has been a rewarding experience, and QAIHC is grateful for the dedication and contributions of its Members.

A group of 15 individuals stands on a staircase indoors, smiling warmly at the camera in a professional environment. Several participants wear uniforms featuring company logos, while others are dressed in business or casual clothing. The background includes greenery and modern architecture, suggesting an organised event or meeting.
QAIHC Team and Members from the Southern & South West region gather in Giabal/Jarowair Country/Toowoomba. Photograph by QAIHC.

Many thanks to the following Members:

Southern and South West: CRAICCHS (Cherbourg Regional Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service), CWAATSICH (Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Limited), Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health, Goondir Health Services and Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement.

Central Queensland: North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health, Galangoor Duwalami Primary Health Service, Bidgerdii Community Health Service, Yoonthalla Services Woorabinda and Nhulundu Health Service.

Far North Queensland: Torres Health, NPA Family and Community Services, Mamu Health Services, Northern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Alliance (NATSIHA), Apunipima Cape York Health Council, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation, Wuchopperen Health Service Ltd and Mulungu Health Service.