IAHA hosted the Annual National Indigenous Allied Health Awards on a virtual platform where members came together online to celebrate the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce during what has been a challenging year. Once again, the Awards recognise current and future leaders who have each had significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities.

IAHA congratulate the following award recipients:

Future Leader in Indigenous Allied Health Award – Shaun Solomon, Social Work

Future Leader in Indigenous Allied Health is awarded to an IAHA full member (student) who is currently enrolled in an entry-level allied health degree, that has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities. The award also recognises the awardees commitment to their studies and a role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Indigenous Allied Health Student Academic Achievement Award – Renee Briggs, Public Health

Allied Health Student Academic Achievement is for a IAHA full member student who has consistently demonstrated high academic progress throughout their allied health course and who has demonstrated a contribution to university life and/or community and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Indigenous Allied Health Inspiration Award – Kirrilaa Johnstone, Public Health

The award for Allied Health Inspiration is for IAHA full members who have demonstrated the ability to inspire others through their positive approach to their personal and professional allied health journeys – overcoming challenges and taking a strengths-based approach to success. The award also recognises the recipient’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Commitment to Indigenous Health Award – Ken Allen, Aboriginal Health Practitioner

The Commitment to Indigenous Allied Health is awarded to an IAHA Associate Member who has demonstrated a commitment and contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through allied health, and, who has demonstrated cultural responsiveness in the delivery of services/programs/initiatives to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Indigenous Allied Health Professional of the Year Award – Gari Watson, Dentistry

The Allied Health Professional of the Year is awarded to an IAHA full member graduate who has worked in a relevant field for at least 5 years. The award recognises the recipients commitment, dedication and contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and/or communities within their profession.

Local Allied Health Champion – Sam Paxton, Occupational Therapy

The Local Allied Health Champion is awarded to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander member who demonstrates commitment to the improvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing at a community level as well as active participation in building an allied health profile in their community. This award recognises a member who is an inspirational role model for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Contribution to Indigenous Research – Professor Sue Green, Social Work

The Contribution to Indigenous Research Award is awarded to a Full or Associate IAHA member who demonstrates inclusive partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. This award recognises a member who has made a significant contribution to the allied health and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing sector and demonstrates research principles that align with knowledge translation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Allied Health Workforce Leadership – Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University

The award for Allied Health Workforce Leadership is for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander member (Individual or Corporate) who demonstrates a significant contribution to the allied health workforce. This award recognises a member who is an inspirational role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and demonstrates leadership in influencing change in the health system.

Innovative Practice – Tahnee Elliot, Occupational Therapy

The Innovative Practice recognises Award is awarded to a member (Individual or Corporate) who demonstrates significant innovation in practice in providing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, culturally responsive action in service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and demonstrates leadership in influencing change across allied health and/or related sectors.