2019 Welcome Event
Monday 23 September 2019
Venue: Darwin Convention Centre
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Proudly sponsored by the NSW Ministry of Health, the Welcome Event kicks off the 2019 IAHA National Conference, 10 years of Making a Difference, providing delegates with an opportunity to connect and network with each other in a friendly and relaxed environment. An important function of the Welcome event is to receive a Welcome to Country from the Traditional Owners of the land we are meeting on, the Larrakia people.
The night will begin with a Welcome to Country by Larrakia Elder and Dance Group. Entertainment will be provided by amazing local Indigenous talent so relax and enjoy views over Darwin Harbour while catching up with old friends and meet new ones.
Conference Gala Dinner and Awards
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Venue: Ballroom – Hall 4
Time: 6:45pm – 11:30pm
A night of celebrating excellence and action – the Gala Dinner is the premier national networking event in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health. It will feature the annual National Indigenous Allied Health Awards, which recognises the contribution of IAHA members in improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The night will begin with a Welcome to Country by Larrakia Elder Richard Fijo, and the Darwin Larrakia/Belyuen Dancers. Entertainment will be provided by the fabulous Rochelle Pitt. So put on your dancing shoes and dress deadly in your best evening outfit!
Note: Tickets are not available at the door on the night as there are limited seats. Only pre-purchased ticket holders are able to attend.
Rochelle Pitt is a Butchulla/Kalkadoon and traditional owner of Quandamooka Nation who started singing and performing at a young age in the churches and choirs of Far North Queensland.
Her long journey has forged a powerful voice that celebrates the strength, beauty and love within all of us. In her early twenties, Rochelle had breakout success with her original tracks “Too Deadly My Sister” and “Black to Reality” from her seminal EP Black to Reality, an uplifting and inspirational ode to her First Nation people. The conviction of her live performances leaves audiences breathless, and in recent years Rochelle has found mainstream success as she went from nurse and mother, to star on Australia’s The X factor.
Rochelle’s newest EP, Soul Mumma was released in December 2017, and today she continues to enjoy performances across Australia at music festivals, community events and across the corporate sector. She is also proud ambassador for APRA AMCOS advocating for the rights of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander singer/songwriters, and passionately supports organisations such as Kidney Health Australia.
Learn more about Award Nomination Categories here.
Closing Ceremony
proudly sponsored by NSW Rural Doctors Network
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Venue: Hall 1
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Relax and celebrate the end of the 2019 IAHA National Conference – 10 years making a difference, at the Closing Ceremony and be entertained by one of the NT’s premier entertainers Constantina Bush.
Constantina Bush is the alter ego of Kamahi Djordon King. She was created in 2008 for the annual OUTBLACK performance at the Glasshouse in Melbourne. The Bushettes joined for the 2009 VIPAA Awards in the Speigeltent in southbank which then led to more performances around town and then major festivals. Kamahi got Constantina’s name after an embarrassing moment when he met Condoleeza Rice and called her Constantina Bush. She lends herself to the Burlesque, Cabaret scene where she is most comfortable. A native Kriol speaker, she uses comedy and humour throughout her performances.
Since 2008 Constantina Bush has been touring around Australia and other parts of the world spreading her hope for a better world for her people. She has been referred to as Australia’s premiere Indigenous showgirl and lives up to that title. A darling on the festival circuit she will be making an appearance at the 2019 IAHA National Conference Closing Ceremony!! Constantina uses comedy and song to get across quite serious issues to an audience that haven’t had much knowledge or exposure to Indigenous issues relevant today.