Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and IAHA NT Workforce Development proudly congratulate Board Director Dr Stephen Corporal on receiving the 2026 University of Queensland (UQ) Indigenous Community Impact Award

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and IAHA NT Workforce Development proudly congratulate Board Director Dr Stephen Corporal on receiving the 2026 University of Queensland (UQ) Indigenous Community Impact Award.

The award recognises a UQ alumnus whose outstanding contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has improved outcomes for Indigenous people and contributed to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

For Uncle Stephen, this recognition reflects more than three decades of commitment to community-led change across health, education, research and governance. Beginning his career as an Aboriginal health worker, he has continued to champion opportunities that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to learn, lead and thrive.

Following his graduation from UQ with a Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in 2003, Uncle Stephen helped develop pathways into higher education and the health professions, supporting the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and contributing to the growth of the Indigenous health workforce. His leadership has also extended to Indigenous data sovereignty and data literacy, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities are better positioned to shape the use of data about them.

His contribution to community governance includes serving as Chair of Gallang Place and as a Board Director of IAHA and IAHA NT Workforce Development.

While this award celebrates Uncle Stephen’s significant professional and community achievements, those of us at IAHA and IAHA NT Workforce Development know his contribution extends well beyond his formal responsibilities.

Uncle Stephen is a valued friend of our organisations and a deeply appreciated part of the IAHA family. He generously gives his time, knowledge and experience to support our work, always bringing a strong commitment to community, a belief in the potential of our people, and a desire to see future generations succeed.

Speaking about the impact of his education and career, Uncle Stephen said:

“What I love about what I do is that I am giving back to the community who have supported me and my family. I like to see people thrive and succeed and reach their full potential.”

This commitment to giving back and creating opportunities for others is at the heart of Uncle Stephen’s contribution. His work demonstrates the importance of culturally safe and appropriate opportunities, community-led approaches and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in building a stronger health workforce.

He also reminds us why this work remains so important. Despite the progress made, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain underrepresented in the health professions, including in the communities where their skills and knowledge are needed. Supporting people to access education, pursue their aspirations and become health professionals is essential to improving health outcomes for our communities.

His own family has also followed pathways to UQ, demonstrating how opportunities can inspire others across generations.

IAHA and IAHA NT Workforce Development are incredibly proud to see Uncle Stephen’s contribution recognised through this award. We are grateful for his ongoing commitment, the generosity with which he shares his time and wisdom, and the friendship he brings to our organisations.

Uncle Stephen, thank you for all that you give to IAHA, IAHA NT Workforce Development and our communities. We are incredibly proud to work alongside you, grateful for your leadership, and we’re so happy to see your contributions recognised in this way.

Read more on the UQ website: https://stories.uq.edu.au/alumni/2026/alumni-awards-2026/index.html#section-5eaXoQAjzM