On Thursday, June 3rd, 2005, the University of Sydney chapter of Golden Key held the 2005 Indigenous Health Forum to raise public awareness of a health crisis in Australia's remote communities. The forum was the second of its kind at the University of Sydney (the first IHF was held in May 2004), and it followed similar initiatives organised by students at La Trobe, ANU and Wollongong Universities.

The forum coincided with the annual celebration of Aboriginal culture, which took place during Indigenous Awareness Week (27 May - 4 June), and the "Sea of Hands" on the front lawns of the university's Main Quadrangle provided the perfect backdrop to an event that brought together almost two hundred students, academics, health professionals, and members of the public. Chaired by Phoebe Poon (Secretary, GK@Usyd) and Mr. Jeff McMullen, Director of Ian Thorpe's Fountain of Youth, who has been a wonderful supporter of Golden Key events, the forum featured a panel of five speakers:

• Dr. Kelvin Kong - Indigenous surgeon at the Sydney Children's Hospital (Randwick), and former Eastern Regional Director of the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association
  
  
• Mr. Tony Kickett - Aboriginal Health Education Officer, Department of Rural Health, Broken Hill
  
  
• Mr. Ian Thorpe - Founder, Ian Thorpe's Fountain for Youth
  
  
• Dr. Jenny Reath - GP Projects Manager, National Rural Faculty, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
  
  
• Mr. Ken Wyatt - Director, NSW Aboriginal Health Branch, NSW Department of Health

Each speaker spoke from their particular area of experience or expertise, but a common theme was: How can the average person make a positive difference in such daunting circumstances? The majority of attendees were Medical and Health Science students, who were undoubtedly challenged to go out into rural communities, where their skills would be most valued, though the conditions are harsher and the problems of alcohol and chronic illness are rife. However, Jeff McMullen also suggested that not only doctors, but teachers, nurses, engineers and builders were in short supply in remote areas. Whilst the lack of government response is disheartening, according to Ken Wyatt, who has submitted innumerable reports to both State and Federal Governments on the Aboriginal health crisis, the work of organisations such as Golden Key in raising awareness is just one way in which we can institute change at a grassroots level.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the event was seeing Indigenous speakers, Kelvin Kong, Ken Wyatt and Tony Kickett (the latter flew all the way on a pro bono basis from Adelaide to speak to us!) come together with non-Indigenous people - Jeff McMullen, Ian Thorpe, and Jenny Reath - to share their passion and belief that Australia's most serious health emergency can be alleviated, and to encourage others to adopt the same attitude. In addition to hearing from these speakers, attendees were also given opportunities to ask questions in two plenary sessions. To any Golden Key chapters out there, wondering how to put on a good forum, do give plenty of time for dialogue between audience and speakers! The most fruitful and lively discussion happened during the informal plenary sessions, when everyone was invited to participate.

After the success of the 2005 Indigenous Health Forum, which GK@Usyd co-hosted with the support of Sydney University medical students from MedSoc and MIRAGE, and pharmacy students from SUPA, it seems like another milestone has been passed, but there is still a long road ahead, and so much we can do. Bring on the 2006 IHF!!!

Phoebe Poon
Secretary
Convenor, 2004 and 2005 Indigenous Health Forum