KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Tyson Mpetyane Carmody
Managing Director | Kings Narrative
Tyson Carmody is a trusted narrative therapist, community leader, proud Arrernte man, father, and the founder and managing director of Kings Narrative. His vision at Kings Narrative is to support Aboriginal men to be the authors of their own story and build a proud future for his sons to inherit.
Anyone who has worked with Tyson knows the patience, generosity, and knowledge he brings to everything he does. Tyson has that rare ability to walk in many worlds at once, bringing together people from all backgrounds and levels of experience, with respect and care to navigate complex realities with strength and humility.
Tyson is the walking blood memory of his ancestors and carries with him a dignity and ability to communicate that is very rare. Because of this ability Aboriginal men of all ages seek his counsel, mentoring, and support. Tyson creates culturally safe environments where men can connect, unpack trauma, and build self-belief.
Tyson’s work at Kings Narrative is firmly grounded in systems change, strong communities and nurturing black excellence every day. He is highly sought after as a speaker, facilitator, and mediator. Most recently he was a finalist for 2023 Northern Territory Australian of the Year.
Tyson has held many lead positions throughout Mparntwe (Alice Springs) across youth and community development including roles as Coordinator – Reconnect Program at The Gap Youth and Community Centre, Head of Wellbeing – St Josephs’s Catholic Flexible Learning Centre, Director – Centralian Senior College Clontarf Academy, and Head of Health and Wellbeing – Children’s Ground Central Australia.
Dr Kelvin Kong
Paediatric & Adult Otorhinolaryngology,
Head & Neck Surgeon
Kelvin considers himself incredibly fortunate to lead a fulfilling life surrounded by his loved ones. He is a highly skilled Surgeon with a diverse background in the healthcare industry. His expertise spans various fields, including clinical research, medical education, surgery, paediatrics, health policy, and Indigenous education. Kelvin completed his studies at the University of NSW in 1999 and earned his fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in 2007. He is proud to be the first identified Aboriginal surgeon within RACS and is a member of the Australian Society of Head and Neck Surgeons (ASOHNS).
Kelvin's current practice is located in Newcastle, situated on Awabakal and Worimi Country. He specializes in Paediatric & Adult Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head & Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery). He has a diverse range of adult and paediatric patients, with a interests in Paediatric Airway, Cochlear Implantation, as well as Voice and Swallow disorders.
Deeply committed to his community, Kelvin actively serves on multiple advisory boards and committees with goal to improve health outcomes for our patients. He is passionate about innovation in healthcare to improve patient access and pathways.
Kelvin's connection to the Worimi people of Port Stephens, NSW, Australia, influences his passion for improving health and education. He remains grounded by the support and inspiration of his family, who continue to play a significant role in his life. Kelvin's involvement in various projects and committees reflects his commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Lucinda Hyde
Project Manager, Coordination of Care | Cancer Institute NSW
Proud Wiradjuri woman from Forbes NSW. Registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner working in Western NSW Local Health District since 2013 to improve health outcomes for my Aboriginal community which is where I got involved in the Ngangkari world.
Currently working with Cancer Institute NSW as Project Manager for Coordination of Care for Aboriginal People in Cancer Services.
In 2017 I embarked on a journey after taking one of my Elders to visit the Ngangkari in Bathurst. After this appointment I called the contact on the flyer that was supporting the experience who was our Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Clayton Spencer.
I offered Dr Clayton Spencer any support necessary to have the Ngangkari come to my community also with the blessing and support of my Elder. The first visit consisted of a one week visit across four health services and their communities where the response was overwhelmingly positive. This became a huge demand from all Aboriginal communities across the District. The last visit I organised in WNSWLHD was almost 8 weeks in total with the inclusion of the Justice Health system taking the Ngangkari to Wellington Corrections Centre to provide a traditional healing experience to Aboriginal inmates.
As part of this project we visited: Forbes, Parkes, Peak Hill, Wellington, Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst, Condobolin, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Goodooga, Cobar, Nyngan, Narromine, Coonamble to name a few.
Over the years I have built a strong relationship with many of the Ngangkari and am now asked to attend the visits for their cultural safety and someone they can trust to look after them.
Clinic appointments have always had been booked out weeks in advance and without the need to use social media etc.
In my almost ten years working in Health, this piece of work has by far been the most rewarding and meaningful. Seeing the results and talking to the participants and hearing their stories and feedback is nothing less than amazing. Being able to give our Aboriginal communities something they have asked for, not what we as a health system tell them they need.
Dr Mirna Hunter
Deputy Director | Medical Services / Medical Administrator
Surfers Paradise born, Dr. Mirna Hunter graduated from UNSW Medicine, clowned alongside Dr. Patch Adams in Morocco, studied aerospace medicine with NASA in Houston and travelled to over 23 different remote Western Australian communities as an ophthalmology registrar with the Lions Outback Vision Van before realising that all she really wanted to do, was stop people getting sick in the first place. She’s currently studying a Masters of Lifestyle Medicine at James Cook University and serves on the Board of the Iyoria Aboriginal Elders Belonging Estate, located on Wangal Homeland in Eora Country; it’s a revolutionary carbon-neutral aged care entity dedicated to healing Country, clients, and the community. This year, she successfully completed her Royal Australasian College of Medical Administration fellowship exams and co-led the largest Ngangkari Aboriginal Traditional Healers Clinic event to take place in a Sydney hospital.
Prof Ian Anderson
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic
Professor Ian Anderson is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Tasmania. As an academic and public servant he has made significant contributions to Indigenous health and education. His extensive background in research, including public health and the social and cultural determinants of health, has enabled him to provide invaluable insights into program and policy development in these fields.
A palawa man, Professor Anderson was born in Devonport and is deeply connected to his traditional culture and community through his ties to Tebrakunna country in northeast Tasmania. He has an unwavering dedication to preserving and honouring his heritage. His non-Aboriginal family are largely of convict descent from across lutruwita/Tasmania.
Professor Anderson graduated from the University of Melbourne as a medical doctor in 1989 and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Medicine. He was also awarded his PhD in Sociology and Anthropology in 2006. He is currently a public health physician and member of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine in the Royal Australian College of Physicians.
Professor Anderson has been a national policy leader in Indigenous affairs, and higher education policy and programs. During his more than 20 years of working in higher education, he has promoted access to higher education for Indigenous Australians and for Australians from regional areas and educationally disadvantaged communities.
Through his exceptional leadership skills, extensive research contributions, and dedication, Professor Anderson has made significant contributions to Indigenous education and health in Australia.
Todd Fernando
Commissioner, Academic and Advocate
Todd is a strong advocate for the rights and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer Victorians. He is an accomplished diversity and inclusion consultant with extensive experience working with First Nations and LGBTIQ+ communities. He has helped reform social policy and cultural safety frameworks in the public and private sectors.
Todd's background in academic research has particularly focused on the social and cultural experiences of LGBTIQ+ Indigenous Australians. In 2018, along with other members of the Aboriginal rainbow community, he co-founded Koorie Pride Victoria, an advocacy organisation that campaigns for the social inclusion and advancement of Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Aboriginal community.
Victoria became the first state in Australia to have a Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities, previously known as the Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality, when Ro Allen was appointed to the role in 2015.
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDING PARTNER
www.aida.org.au
FOLLOW US
@Indigenousdoctors
𝕏 @aidaaustralia
@AIDA Ltd
#AIDAconference23
CONTACT US
Leishman Associates
227 Collins Street, Hobart
brittany@laevents.com.au
03 6234 7844
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the muwinina people, the traditional owners of the Land upon which we work, and we pay our respect to Aboriginal Elders; past and present. We respect all Tasmanian Aboriginal people, their culture and their rights as the first peoples of lutruwita.
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We support equity and inclusion for all. We embrace diversity and condemn any kind of discrimination, be it on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.