GOLD COAST, Australia - Feb. 21, 2021 - In the wake of COVID-19, the tourism, events and conferencing industry had been one of the hardest-hit. Australia's leading Indigenous conference organizer, ICS Executive Officer, Thomas Callaghan says that 'Because of Australia's extraordinary effort to control the spread of COVID-19 and the imminent release of vaccines, we are now on full steam ahead to host and stage several face-to-face conferences this year. People do not need to worry as conferences are one of the best sectors to reopen. We know who is coming to our events. Contact tracing is already in place. We may get some walk-ins, but 99% of people who come to our conferences are pre-registered.'

The upcoming 2021 Indigenous Conferences will explore the great strives in Indigenous communities in closing the gap in Indigenous health and wellbeing. When it comes to our First Nations' health, the fact remains that Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander health is not equal in comparison to the whole Australian community. First Nations Australian's health has always been based on the premise of a holistic approach. For First Nations peoples, this is seen with the whole-life-view wherein health and wellbeing includes much broader issues like social justice, equity, and rights, as well as traditional knowledge, traditional healing, and connection to country.

With this in mind, ICS invites governments, NGOs, grassroots community-controlled organisations, researchers and all interested individuals to submit a paper to be included in the conference proceedings. At least 50% of the conference agenda items are allocated for papers submitted from community organisations. To submit your entry, please complete the submit-a-paper form online at www.indigenoushealth.net

Media Contact
Liza Callaghan