Set for June 23-24, the 2021 NSW Aboriginal Youth Symposium will see young people from around NSW gather in a culturally safe space at Doltone House, Pyrmont and listen to inspiring keynote speakers, participate in focus groups and yarn about key issues and challenges that they experience. A celebratory dinner will also be held for all attendees with special performances by renowned Aboriginal artists Barkaa, who’s song ‘Our Lives Matter’ has been heralded by GQ as the ‘unofficial soundtrack to Australia’s Black Lives Matter movement, and Gamilaroi artist Kobie Dee.
Youths attending will also have the opportunity to collaborate on a piece of artwork alongside talented artist Shane Kooka, with the final design used for AH&MRC’s youth initiatives in the future.
The Youth Symposium has been co-designed in partnership with the Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committee. Community control is key to the event, with AH&MRC aiming to ensure that young people are given the opportunity for their voices to inform future Aboriginal health programs and initiatives.
“The NSW Aboriginal Youth Symposium has been designed by Aboriginal young people, for Aboriginal young people. AH&MRC’s goal is for Aboriginal young people to achieve self-determination – to be in control of their own health and wellbeing. We need to listen to Aboriginal young people, understand their barriers to accessing healthcare and work out a way forward. We are thrilled to be hosting what we hope, are our future leaders, and give them a platform for their voices to be heard,” stated Shana Quayle, AH&MRC’s Sector Support and Public Health Intelligence Unit Manager.
The event’s itinerary is jam-packed with activities and focus groups to encourage young people to get involved. This will provide a platform to discuss health topics and issues that are important to Aboriginal youth – with a focus on Closing the Gap initiatives.
The 2021 NSW Aboriginal Youth Symposium will be a place of unity, connecting Aboriginal youth from different backgrounds and parts of NSW.
Interested in attending the event?
AH&MRC is covering the cost of attending the event, accommodation, travel (if required), as well as the celebratory dinner for attendees. Register now as places are filling up fast.
The AH&MRC would like to thank the Mental Health Commission for their contributions to the event, and the Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committee for their consultation and guidance in organising the event.
For more information about the Aboriginal Youth Symposium contact Kezia Blackledge & Shana Quayle via email at AYS@ahrmc.org.au or phone (02) 9212 4777.
For all media enquiries, please contact AH&MRC Communications Team on (02) 9212 4777 or via email at comms@ahmrc.org.au.
About Us:
The AH&MRC is the peak body for Aboriginal health in NSW. Our membership is comprised of 47 Members—Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in NSW.
