Thursday, December 11, 2025
By Michael Warren
The Gurriny Yealamucka RHD team took centre stage delivering their Strong Hearts, Deadly Futures presentation on day three of the NACCHO Aboriginal Health Australia Members’ conference in Sydney yesterday.
Dr Oscar Whitehead, Jai-Lee Titasey and Katie Barron outlined how Yarrabah’s young people have been stepping up as RHD ambassadors — using peer leadership, cultural connection and school-based engagement to improve early detection and empower youth living with, or at risk of, RHD.
The presentation drew strong interest, sparking discussion among ACCHOs about youth-led models and what’s working in community.
Meantime, the conference wrapped up with a strong sense of momentum late yesterday — a reminder of how community leadership, cultural foundations and locally driven solutions continue to shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
The event brought together delegates from 146 ACCHOs and eight affiliate organisations, united under the theme “Strength Comes from Community Control.”
Hundreds of attendees participated from across Australia over the three days.
