The CATSINaM Board is excited to announce the appointment of CATSINaM's newest Patron, Professor Rhonda Marriot AM. Professor Marriot is the epitome of care and excellence. A midwife, nurse and research leader, her professional career spans decades of clinical practice, research, leadership and management. Now the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at Murdoch University, she leads an incredible program of research community led Aboriginal health research.
Our planning for the 2026 National Conference in Mparntwe, Alice Springs, is on track. The theme is ‘the power we carry: Protecting and growing our young ones. Anwerne rlterrke atnyenetyeke. Anwerne ampe mape arntarntaretyeke’.
This year we will platform the voice and work of those nurses and midwives who work with our babies, our young people and their families. We will announce our impressive line-up of keynotes shortly and have just opened for registrations and abstract submissions.
A final note on the conference. We are also seeking sponsors and partners to support this year’s event. So, please spread the word.
Our advocacy work is also in full flight. In December we published a joint Position Statement titled “Notifying a woman to child protection services for exercising her right to not attend antenatal care appointments is not acceptable”. This followed several concerning reports to CATSINaM that this was happening in some maternity services. CATSINaM has briefed relevant Federal Ministers about this matter, and welcome any
stories that members wish to share confidentially with us about their experience of this practice.
Each year in January CATSINaM prepares a pre-Budget Treasury submission for government, which sets out our priorities for new funding to strengthen and sustain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery numbers and influence.
We also presented our submission directly to politicians at Parliament House, impressing on the urgency to invest in our workforce and the communities we serve. This advocacy ensures that our voices are heard where decisions are made, and that our members’ experiences and expertise shape policy and funding outcomes.
We’ve continued to mature our approach to diversifying CATSINaM’s income streams that will subsequently strengthen our sustainability.
Recently, we introduced membership fees for members who are not Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. I want to take a moment to thank our paying members who have continued their CATSINaM membership. You are literally investing in CATSINaM through your membership fee, and your continued support has real impact, enhancing our member scholarship and professional development programs, and allowing us to stretch our capabilities further.
We continue to expand our efforts within the philanthropic sector. We are seeking philanthropic partners who want to support self-determination of our communities, through a strong nursing and midwifery workforce and health services. This approach aligns with this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme “All In”, a theme that promotes the need for actioning reconciliation, not just speak about it.
Finally, we are also currently updating our website to include options to donate and support CATSINaM, making it easier for individuals, organisations, and partners to contribute to our work. Every donation, sponsorship, and partnership helps strengthen our ability to support members, grow leadership, and continue delivering programs and advocacy that make real differences across the country.
Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue to build, grow, and advocate together. I hope this new year brings you strength, respite when needed, and renewed connection to the people and places that keep you grounded and your cup full.
Au esoau, many thanks.
Ali
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With the full Board following the first Board meeting for 2026.