We recently gathered for the Culture Care Connect Summit on the lands of Gimuy (Cairns), an event that brought together key stakeholders and leaders dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities. As the jurisdictional coordinators, the AH&MRC, in collaboration with the teams from Waminda and Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, played a central role in facilitating this important gathering.
The summit was an invaluable opportunity for us to meet and engage in critical discussions around suicide prevention in our states and territories. At the summit, we shared insights, strategies, and best practices, drawing on the collective wisdom of our communities and the expertise of those working on the front lines of mental health and wellbeing.
Our discussions were grounded in a deep respect for the cultural context and the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal people across different regions. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aimed to develop more effective, culturally safe approaches to suicide prevention that truly meet the needs of our communities.
The Culture Care Connect Summit was not just about exchanging ideas; it was also about strengthening our connections, reaffirming our commitment to each other, and building a united front in the fight against suicide. Together, we are working to create a future where every Aboriginal person has the support and care they need to thrive, and where no one has to face the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.
This summit marks an important step forward, but it’s only the beginning. We will continue to work together, across states and territories, to ensure that the strategies and solutions we discussed are implemented effectively and that they make a real difference in the lives of our people.
