Healthcare professionals from general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), and community representatives will gather in Orange on Friday as part of a national initiative to strengthen preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The workshop marks the halfway point of a nationwide series of 13 face-to-face workshops being delivered by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) partnership to support implementation of the National Guide to preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The National Guide is a leading resource supporting evidence-based, culturally safe preventive healthcare. Developed through collaboration between NACCHO, the RACGP and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health experts across the country, it provides practical guidance across 21 health topics, including child health, preconception and pregnancy care, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cancer prevention.
The latest edition also includes new chapters examining the health impacts of racism and climate change, reflecting challenges acutely affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said preventive healthcare plays a vital role in improving health outcomes and reducing avoidable illness.
"The National Guide is an invaluable resource that helps GPs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners and broader healthcare teams provide culturally safe, high-quality preventive care," he said.
"By bringing healthcare professionals together to share knowledge and learn from each other, these workshops will help ensure communities across Australia benefit from the latest evidence and best practice."
Chair of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Dr Karen Nicholls said the workshops demonstrate the value of partnership and community-led approaches to healthcare.
"The National Guide supports healthcare services to deliver prevention and early intervention that is culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," she said.
"These workshops are helping strengthen the health workforce and improve access to care that supports healthier lives and healthier communities."
The Orange workshop is one of 13 events being delivered across Australia over a six-month period, supporting healthcare professionals to implement the National Guide in local settings and improve preventive healthcare outcomes.
Event details
National Guide to Preventive Healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Workshop
Date: Friday, 18 September 2026
Time: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Location: The Remington, Orange
Media opportunities:
- Interviews with RACGP and NACCHO representatives
- Vision and photography of workshop sessions
- Interviews with participating healthcare professionals (subject to consent)
About the National Guide
The National guide to preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is a practical resource supporting healthcare professionals to deliver culturally safe, evidence-based preventive healthcare. It promotes early intervention, disease prevention and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a life-course approach to care.
