Climate and Health Alliance

Today, CAHA CEO Michelle Isles presented alongside Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), Dr Kate Wylie and Dr Katherine Barraclough at the senate inquiry into the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct The climate crisis is a health crisis, and allowing the expansion of fossil fuel developments puts the health of people living in the Northern Territory, and all of Australia at risk. #ClimateHealth

We’re celebrating #NAIDOCWeek by amplifying the work of First Nations organisations who are doing incredible work in the area of climate and health. Gudanji For Country are based on Gudanji country and are dedicated to protecting Country from overgrazing, mining, and fracking. Gudanji For Country keep the fire burning through their commitment to preserving the environment and supporting sustainable solutions. In their own words, Gudanji For Country “understand the need to create greater community awareness of our struggle and draw upon their support: For we understand that our fight to protect our Country affects not only our Nation and adjoining Nations, but also the environment and health of all Australians and the global community.” One way they do this is through Gudanji Bush Trips, where participants have the opportunity to witness the environmental impacts of climate change and extractive industries firsthand, and discuss sustainable solutions. This #NAIDOCWeek make a donation to support their work and learn more at 👉 gudanjiforcountry.com 

We’re celebrating #NAIDOCWeek by amplifying the work of First Nations organisations who are doing incredible work in the area of climate and health. We Al-li are based on Goolmangar country (Lismore) and provide culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Healing Approach (CITIHA) training for individuals, families, communities and organisations. Founded by Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson AM, a Jiman / Bundjalung woman, We Al-li’s work of healing people and sharing culture is crucial to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of communities in the face of collective trauma as a result of the ongoing effects of climate change and disasters. In the Woppaburra language, ‘We’ signifies fire, the spirit of cleansing that is essential to healing, re-creation and regeneration. ‘Al-li’ means water, the source of all life. “Moving through fire-anger – to water-grief. Both are essential for Healing.” We Al-li demonstrated critical leadership on climate and health in the wake of the 2022 Lismore floods. To delve deeper, watch the presentation “In the Eye of the Storm: Community Led Indigenous Informed Healing Responses to Nature Disasters” by CEO Associate Professor Caroline (Carlie) Atkinson, a Bundjalung and Yiman woman 👇 https://lnkd.in/gKfaCPye To learn more about We Al-li and how they keep the fire burning for justice and healing, visit their website 👉 wealli.com.au

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us with a gift this end of financial year. Together we raised $23,455 in June! These funds will support our crucial work to embed health at the heart of decision-making in this critical decade for climate action. If you would like to contribute to our Advocacy Appeal it’s not too late! Make a gift at 👉 caha.org.au/advocacyappeal #ClimateHealth

Today marks the beginning of #PlasticFreeJuly. Throughout this month, we will be celebrating the efforts of hospitals and health systems worldwide to combat plastic pollution and reduce plastic use. Stay tuned to our X account for fascinating insights and updates: https://x.com/HCWHGlobal

On Friday, I had the pleasure of spending time in Brisbane/Meanjin, diving into the incredible work being done at the intersection of climate and health. From research to health systems governance to policy and healthcare, there is inspiring leadership happening across Queensland. It was wonderful to meet Climate and Health Alliance board director Francis Nona and our CEO Michelle Isles (pictured here) over lunch, where we had some good yarns about climate, health, and the crucial importance of First Nations leadership in addressing these challenges.

AIDR, in partnership with National Indigenous Disaster Resilience and Natural Hazards Research Australia, is proud to be hosting the NAIDOC Week online panel 'Fires, Floods, Pandemics: Exploring Indigenous leadership in disaster response.' Register or learn more here: https://bit.ly/3xGwmK0 In this special NAIDOC Week panel, our guest speakers will discuss their experiences leading public health responses to major disasters such as fires, floods, and pandemics.

The 2024 theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will—and must—continue. At IAHA, we are driven by a vision of a future where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people not only survive but thrive in a deep and enduring connection to self, spirit, and place. This inspires us to embrace transformational change and cultivate genuine partnerships as we work tirelessly to make this vision a reality. We keep the fire burning by being committed to promoting cultural safety among individuals and organisations. Our market-leading training program, founded on our evidence-based Cultural Responsiveness Framework, can help bring about a positive change. Our unique approach focuses on action-oriented and strength-based outcomes and encourages critical self-reflective practice that empowers participants to understand the impact they have on others. We know that culturally responsive leadership is crucial, and our program provides an instrument for transformation that enables individuals to better understand and act upon culturally responsive ways of knowing, being, and doing. #IAHA #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek #BlakLoudProud

This NAIDOC Week we’ll be highlighting the impact of strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices that are keeping the fire burning in health research. Lowitja Institute, in collaboration with the Medical Journal of Australia, has overseen an Indigenous issue of the publication that features 12 articles spanning a wide range of research topics related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Read the issue: https://hubs.li/Q02FpHR90 #NAIDOC2024 #BlakLoudProud #NAIDOCWeek

Happy #NAIDOC week! The 2024 theme ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture. We celebrate Indigenous cultural knowledge, ways of being, doing and knowing that protects Country and therefore the health of communities. This week we reflect on the invitation to listen, learn and engage in meaningful dialogue on First Nations perspectives on climate and health justice and equity. Get involved and find a local NAIDOC week event near you 👉 naidoc.org.au