Kaya and welcome to the 2025 Aboriginal Health Conference.
It is an honour to welcome you all to this year’s conference, my first as CEO of Rural Health West and to stand alongside you in this important work. I acknowledge the wisdom, strength, and leadership of Aboriginal communities, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and collaborate with you over the coming days.
Rural Health West is proud to partner with WA Country Health Service to deliver this annual conference, a vital platform for sharing knowledge, stories, and strategies to improve health outcomes in Aboriginal communities across regional Western Australia. Together, we are committed to fostering culturally safe, community-led healthcare, that prioritises respect, equity, and genuine partnership.
This year’s theme, Writing the Narrative – Telling Our Stories, reminds us of the power of listening. When Aboriginal voices lead the conversation, healthcare becomes more inclusive, effective, and empowering. Rural Health West recognises that the expertise of Aboriginal staff, community leaders, and health professionals is fundamental to shaping a healthier future for all.
I encourage you to connect with one another, share your experiences, and challenge our thinking. Let’s celebrate the progress made in Aboriginal health while recognising the work still ahead.
Thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and for joining us in this shared journey. I look forward to learning from you and working together to create lasting impact.
Catherine Elliott
Chief Executive Officer
Rural Health West