The Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership (AHWP) Forum came together on 25-26 March at the Aborigines Advancement League in Thornbury for its first gathering of the year.

Over the two-day Forum, participants heard from key stakeholders from the Aboriginal health, social and emotional wellbeing sectors, mainstream health services, as well as Victorian Government representatives.

Forum members engaged in various discussions about fostering strategic collaboration and partnerships which aim to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria.

VACCHO Chair and CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) Michael Graham officially opened the Forum by delivering a warm opening address.

Executive Director of VACCHO’s Balit Durn Durn Centre and Centre for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing, Sheree Lowe, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking keynote address which highlighted the need for stronger accountability mechanisms.

Ms Lowe emphasised that the actions of today, shape a future where accountability is not just a burden, but a bridge.

“True accountability helps to connect cultures, empower Communities and genuinely closing the gap where our Communities can not only survive, but thrive,” she said.

Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt responded to the keynote speech by highlighting the urgent need for sustainable accountability. Minister Stitt joined Sheree Lowe in an open discussion on the Alcohol and Other Drugs sector and its impact on Communities.

The Acting Deputy Secretary of the Mental Health and Wellbeing division in the Department of Health, Pam Anders provided an update on the progress of the Royal Commission recommendations that aligned with one of the 15 priorities that were agreed upon for the current Action Plan of the Forum.

The Hon, Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health was the first speaker on day two and provided an update on the Yoorrook Justice Commission and Victoria’s five-year anti-racism strategy.

She acknowledged that racism directly impacts on not just the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal people, but also their physical health, recognising that so much more still needs to be done.

The Acting Deputy Secretary of the Mental Health and Wellbeing division in the Department of Health, Pam Anders provided an update on the progress of the Mental Health Royal Commission recommendations and the particular ones that focus on Community.

The Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum continues to serve as a platform for collaboration and progress in the Aboriginal health and wellbeing sector.

It highlights the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders involved to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.

The next Forum convenes again on 3-4 September 2025.