National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners
On 7 August 2025 , NAATSIHWP invited the health sector and all Australians to help celebrate the achievements and evolution of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner workforce.
Within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community this workforce is renowned as a vital and reliable resource critical to improved health and wellbeing outcomes. Yet, across mainstream Australia few people know, understand or recognise Health Workers and Health Practitioners as stand-alone professions or, more significantly, that together they comprise one of the only culturally based health workforces underpinned by national training and registration in the world.
The theme for 2025, ‘ Partnering for a Purpose’ , focused on how genuine collaboration drives meaningful change. When done well, partnerships have the power to strengthen the healthcare system and support the delivery of culturally safe, high-quality care. Including the expertise of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners is pivotal in a partnership between the health sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as their leadership and knowledge is critical to achieving better health outcomes with and for our people.
As part of this year’s events, NAATSIHWP formally launched a significant partnership with the Australian Medical Council (AMC). This agreement signalled a shared commitment to:
- Embedding cultural safety as a foundational principle in medical education and practice
- Supporting medical professionals to deliver continuous, respectful care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Strengthening the recognition and integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners within the broader healthcare workforce and
- Enhancing medical education and assessment through the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and cultural knowledge.
We welcomed the AMC’s commitment and valued their leadership in driving reform in medical education and standards, and invited health organisations, professionals, and community members across the country to join us on this day — to celebrate, acknowledge, and partner with a purpose.
Media Release
Media Release - National Day of Recognition 2025
Media Release - National Day of Recognition 2025 - How to Celebrate
