Webinar

Impact of climate change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities: a health perspective

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Details

Type: Webinar
6 Aug, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (AEST)

Contact

For more information:
Email: RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Call: 1800 000 251

Price

RACGP Members: Free
Non-Members: Free

Free registration

Impact of climate change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities: a health perspective

Webinar 6 Aug, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (AEST)

This webinar brings together RACGP’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Faculty, Climate and Environmental Medicine Specific Interest Group and the Lowitja Institute to explore the intersection of climate change and Indigenous health.

Climate change is a major public health challenge, disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Centred on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lived experience, rights and leadership, the session will highlight the unique cultural, environmental and health impacts of a changing climate.

GPs and other primary healthcare professionals play a vital role in climate mitigation, adaptation, disaster recovery and building resilience. Through culturally responsive, climate-informed clinical care, trusted relationships and advocacy, general practice can support and strengthen the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This strengths-based approach recognises the knowledge and resilience of communities, and the critical role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in the climate health space.

Learning outcomes

Describe the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities to inform patient care in general practice.
Recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, self-determination and cross-sector collaboration in informing climate-resilient, culturally responsive approaches in general practice.
Explain how social, cultural and environmental determinants of health influence climate-related health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to support clinical understanding and decision-making.
Apply culturally responsive, climate-informed approaches in general practice to support prevention, preparedness and advocacy, and contribute to equitable and coordinated climate-health responses.

Educational Activities

1.5

hours

Facilitator

Dr Nicole Sleeman
Chair, RACGP Specific Interests Climate and Environmental Medicine

Dr Nicole Sleeman is a passionate about the connection between human health, equity, and the health of planetary ecosystems. Nicole has been involved for almost a decade with Doctors for the Environment Australia and the broader climate and health movement, contributing to advocacy, education, and policy initiatives that advance healthier communities and sustainability within healthcare. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Public and Environmentally Sustainable Health and is currently undertaking further studies in Climate Change and Health

Speakers

Dr Karen Nicholls

I am a Torres Strait Islander woman descended from Boigu Island in the Torres Strait. My professional work is predominantly based across the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation sector and academia. I am passionate about health equity and growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce. I also serve on the RACGP Board and am Chair of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.

Rosemary Smith
Executive Manager, Policy and Consulting Lowitja Institute

Rosemary is a proud Ngarabul woman from New South Wales, deeply connected to her culture and committed to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With almost two decades of experience across government, consulting, not-for-profit and community-controlled sectors, Rosemary brings experience in senior leadership in policy, program design, and evaluation. Currently serving as Executive Manager, Policy and Consulting at the Lowitja Institute, Rosemary leads a multidisciplinary work program, delivering strategic policy advice, research, and reform initiatives. Her expertise spans Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-design, intergovernmental relations, and the evaluation of complex health and social policies, with a strong focus on culturally safe, community-led approaches. Rosemary is a strategic and analytical leader, experienced in navigating complex systems, influencing across sectors, and providing clear, evidence-informed advice to senior decision-makers. Grounded in community and driven by a strong sense of responsibility to her mob, Rosemary is committed to strengthening systems so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are prioritised and communities thrive.

In collaboration with

Disclaimer

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Change the date, location, format, timing and/or any other aspect of an event;
Postpone Events in full or any part of those Events; and/or
Cancel an Event in full or any part. Should this occur, RACGP will issue a notification of change via our website, social media and/or electronic communications. Unless specifically permitted by RACGP’s Delegate Terms and Conditions, RACGP will not be liable for any damages, costs, losses or expenses of any kind incurred or suffered in connection with the RACGP modifying, postponing or cancelling an Event or any part. Please refer to our Delegate Terms and Conditions for further information

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