Earlier this month, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Mental Health Committee hosted our first annual cultural immersion event in Melbourne. This is a College commitment under our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in their role in the College. The session brought together 20 people from three partnership committees to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture and how the community feels College work can best support it.

The conversations were diverse and engaging, providing committee members with the opportunity to contribute to ongoing College initiatives, and experience traditional activities such as a cultural walk and yarning circles. Committee member, Matt Brittain, has since penned his inspiring reflections on the experience.

Many thanks to the members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Mental Health Committee who developed the program with the support of College staff. The 2025 immersion event will be hosted by Te Kaunihera in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland).