Exploring the Past, Present & Future
The third International Lowitja Institute Health and Wellbeing Conference celebrated record delegate numbers, delivering one of the most extensive programs on offer featuring a strong representation of local and international speakers and a rich cultural and social program showcasing local venues, produce and a swathe of outstanding indigenous performers.
Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute working for the health and wellbeing of First Nations people, the event brought together a global audience of leaders, researchers, professionals, decision makers and community leaders to Cairns to connect and share knowledge.
With a rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, stunning weather, lush surroundings, an abundance of natural assets, and an opportunity to holiday postconference, Cairns was a natural choice to hold this incredible, culture lead and community-focused event.
Celebrating Connection, Community-Led Initiatives and Outcomes
A strong line-up of international and local Indigenous leaders including Professor Marcia Langdon and AFL football legend, Adam Goodes together with over 250 community-led research presentations from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA was a big highlight for delegates. The mix of light-filled indoor and sundrenched outdoor spaces at the Cairns Convention Centre provided opportunities for Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous colleagues to connect, share knowledge, and explore past, present and future health research, policy and practice that uphold and value Indigenous-led initiatives whilst being conscious of the overall well-being of our planet.
Organisers were particularly keen to ensure the participation and acknowledgement of the traditional owners and local Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander businesses, creating innovative gathering and yarning spaces with bright, comfortable furnishings by NQ Exhibitions and a local artisan pop-up market filled with jewellery, weaving, art and relaxing massage to inspire and encourage more significant interaction.
Getting Social in Unique Venues with Local and International Talent
Utilising the natural and historic assets of the region, the social program included a welcome reception immersed in the beauty of the botanic gardens and Tanks event space styled by Two Tribes. Drawing on the opportunity to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions, the event featured a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by traditional owners, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Elders, and performances by the Yidinji Dance Group and Torres Strait Boigu Island Dance Group, culminating in a heartfelt set by Brisbane singer-songwriter Thelma Plum.
A wide range of finger food was provided by Ochre Catering, whilst Sash KaiKai brought the cultural flavours, serving a selection of Torres Strait Islander cuisine and rounding out an evening filled with culture and tradition.
Not to be outdone, the additional two social evenings at stunning, heritage-listed waterfront brewery Hemingway’s and the refurbished Cairns Convention Centre, surprised and delighted with a mix of renowned indigenous performers, including singer-songwriter Dan Sultan, Torres Strait soul singer Rochelle Pitt, Aboriginal electronic music duo Electric Fields, rapper BARKAA and locally grown talent Nightshift.
Fast Facts
Destination: Cairns | Professional Conference Organiser: Encanta Event Management
Dates: 14-16 June 2023 | Number of Delegates: 1,230 | Event Type: Association Conference