CEO and CE Welcome
Catherine Elliott, Chief Executive Officer, Rural Health West
Kaya
It is my great pleasure to invite you to the Aboriginal Health Conference 2026.
This year’s theme – Healing Ourselves, Healing Country, Healing Community – recognises the deep and enduring connections between individual wellbeing, community strength and the health of Country.
When we are supported to nurture our social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, all of us are better able to care for our families, contribute to community and sustain the Country that sustains us all. In this way, healing becomes a shared journey – one that strengthens the whole circle of life for current and future generations.
At the Aboriginal Health Conference, you will hear from inspiring speakers and practitioners who are working in and alongside Aboriginal peoples and communities to create meaningful change. We will yarn about innovative programs, celebrate community leadership and ways to strengthen culturally safe, community-led approaches to health.
Just as in previous years, this conference will also be about connection – bringing Aboriginal peoples, health professionals, community leaders, researchers and advocates together to share knowledge, build relationships and learn from one another.
I hope that you can join us for this opportunity to listen deeply, reflect, and be inspired by the collective wisdom and experience in the room.
Thank you for being part of this important conversation. I look forward to welcoming you.
Catherine Elliott
Chief Executive Officer
Rural Health West
Jeff Moffet, Chief Executive, WA Country Health Service
WA Country Health Service is proud to once again partner with Rural
Health West to deliver the 2026 Aboriginal Health Conference.
This year’s theme, Healing Ourselves, Healing Country, Healing Community acknowledges that the pathway to healing begins with ourselves.
Grounded in Aboriginal knowledge, culture and connection, the theme
recognises the full circle of healing, where healthy people strengthen families
and communities, strong communities care for Country, and a thriving Country sustains us all.
Ultimately our shared goal is to deliver programs, services and learning
opportunities that support Aboriginal health and wellbeing now, and for future generations.
The conference is an excellent opportunity to challenge ourselves – to
listen, to learn and to ask questions.
This year’s conference will deliver a comprehensive program of workshops,
presentations and outstanding guest speakers covering essential themes such as chronic disease prevention and management, building trust and collaborating with communities.
We look forward to having you join us – to strengthen connections and build
upon the outstanding work you continue to do in Aboriginal health.
Jeff Moffet
Chief Executive
WA Country Health Service
