Supporting Indigenous health staff
Published on 12 September, 2012
Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement was guest speaker at the CQ Hospital and Health Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Forum, held recently at Dreamtime Cultural Centre.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hospital and health service staff from Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Mount Morgan, Woorabinda, Emerald, Biloela and Blackwater attended.
Awardee Elaine Williams and Prof Bronwyn Fredericks
Over the two days, they heard a range of speakers on topics of relevance to their work and were able to discuss important issues.
Prof Fredericks previously worked in Public Health, Queensland Health and was also a member of the previous Rockhampton Health Service District Health Council.
She spoke on the need for "deep systemic, procedural and policy change if we were going to bring about real transformation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health".
Prof Fredericks drew on examples of the past and the present to show "if this doesn't happen, then equity in health outcomes will not be achieved between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people".
Some of the nominees for the Achievement in Professional Career Development
Awards were also given out for work in the sector. Elaine Williams was awarded the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Member of the Year Award. Elaine has worked in health for some 28 years in a range of roles. Prof Fredericks has also worked with her off and on over the years.
"Elaine and the other Award recipients should be extremely proud of their awards. The Awards stand in testament to the work they do in endeavouring to improve Indigenous health outcomes," Prof Fredericks said.
After the formalities, the Forum guests enjoyed music by the band ‘Not Even Steven' and spoke casually with Prof Fredericks and the other guests.
