The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Awards
The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Awards recognise achievements and contributions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. These sector awards, formerly known as the Leaky Pipe Awards, have been handed out to champions and unsung heroes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care annually as part of the sector’s national conferences since 2018.
The awards are aligned with the Conference theme - Our Vision in Action – and a small subcommittee of the Conference Leadership Group (CLG) and Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) determined four awards from 12 nominations in 2024.
The 2024 awards categories were:
- Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health by Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHO)
- Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health (Individual)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in eye health
- Allyship in contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health
The 2024 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Awards were presented during the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Conference 2024 in nipaluna (Hobart, Tasmania) at the Conference Gala Dinner on 23 May 2024. Award presenters were Lesley Martin from IEHU and Nick Wilson from IAHA – both members of the CLG.
Image: Lesley Martin and Nick Wilson presenting the awards
Before presenting the 2024 awards, a special presentation was made to Aunty Janet Richardson who was the winner of the 2023 Outstanding leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health award but was unable to accept her award personally last year.
Image: Lose Fonua (CEO FNEHA) with Aunty Janet Richardson
The 2024 award for ‘Exceptional contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health by an ACCHO’ was made to Geraldton Region Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS). The award was accepted on behalf of GRAMS by Eric Dalgety.
From the nomination statement: GRAMS has distinguished itself as a trailblazer in the field of eye care, leveraging innovative partnerships and programs to enhance access to eye health services for Aboriginal people across its region. The organisation’s collaboration with the University of Western Australia (UWA) exemplifies their commitment to innovation and leadership. Through this partnership, GRAMS has established a comprehensive eye care program in Geraldton that is Aboriginal-led and facilitates access to culturally safe optometry and ophthalmology services for their community. This initiative not only addresses the immediate eye health care needs of Aboriginal community members, but it also contributes to the development of a culturally safe eye care workforce for the future by delivering a unique learning experience for students of UWA’s Doctor of Optometry.
GRAMS' leadership has the potential to drive systemic change in optometry education and healthcare delivery. By demonstrating the effectiveness of Aboriginal-led eye care models and fostering partnerships between academic institutions and Aboriginal Medical Services, GRAMS is paving the way for improved health outcomes and better cultural understanding among future healthcare professionals.
Congratulations to Geraldton Region Aboriginal Medical Service
Image: Eric Dalgety accepting the award on behalf of GRAMS
The 2024 award for ‘Outstanding leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health’ was made to Bobby-Ray Milne.
From the nomination statement: Bobby-Ray Milne is an exemplary Aboriginal Health Practitioner whose dedication and commitment to improving the health and well-being of his community are truly commendable. Bobby-Ray has been an integral member of the Yadu Health team in Ceduna since 2017, where he has tirelessly worked to address health challenges, with a particular focus on diabetes management. His passion for community health and his deep-rooted commitment to uplifting his people make him a standout candidate for this prestigious award. Bobby-Ray's leadership in the realm of eye health is evident through his proactive approach to learning and embracing new technologies. Despite the challenges faced by remote communities, Bobby-Ray has eagerly undertaken training to operate the digital retinal imaging camera and the OCT machine. His willingness to expand his knowledge and skills underscores his dedication to providing the highest quality of care to his community. Moreover, Bobby-Ray's collaboration with outreach Optometrists and Ophthalmologists exemplifies his commitment to holistic and community-controlled healthcare services. He goes above and beyond to support these specialists, ensuring that community members receive comprehensive eye care services. Bobby-Ray's efforts have had a profound impact on the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in Ceduna and beyond. By advocating for greater First Nations leadership and promoting community-controlled health services, he has helped foster a sense of empowerment within his community. His unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of his community make him an exemplary role model and deserving recipient of this honour.
Congratulations to Bobby-Ray Milne
Image: Bobby-Ray receiving his award
The 2024 award for ‘Emerging leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health’ was made to Sara Carrison.
From the nomination statement: Sara Carrison is a strong young Aboriginal woman, who in her relatively short career has shown her power, resilience and leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. Sara is one of the nicest people, and is also incredibly considered and thoughtful. Her demonstrated thoughtful contribution has catapulted her to being a leader in the eye care community. Sarah splits her time between traditional practice, and providing visiting eye care in regional and remote communities. Her leadership has been identified by the Optometry Board of Australia, with her being on the Policy and Education committee. She is also to soon join the team at Flinders University. She works collaboratively and engages genuinely, while also being forceful when required. She has also demonstrated bravery and persistence in leading her own profession to understand it’s responsibility contribute positively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Sara’s contribution has been significant, and we look forward to her leadership continuing and her influence growing to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health.
Congratulations to Sara Carrison
Image: Sara Carrison accepting her award
The final award of the evening was for ‘Deadly Allyship in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health’ and was presented to Fiona Lange.
From the nomination statement: Fiona Lange has over 20 years’ experience in health promotion, social marketing and community education. She has spent the last 13+ years of her career working to eliminate blinding trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.
Over this time Fiona has trained and supported hundreds of primary health care workers and Aboriginal community members in the use of health promotion resources and strengths-based approaches to encourage improved hygiene behaviours and practices. She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the campaign to eliminate blinding trachoma in Australia and is constantly seeking opportunities to support communities and their leaders to improve their health and wellbeing. Her passion to see Aboriginal people lead community education and engagement is admirable. Fiona is always willing to share her experience and her wisdom, and is willing to step back and support her Aboriginal colleagues to deliver activities in their own way, offering advice and guidance where requested and when needed.
Fiona is a strong advocate for her Aboriginal colleagues and the key partners that her organisation works with. This has led to a deep respect for Fiona, her approach and what she brings to the collaborations that she is involved in. It would be hard to find anyone that would talk shit about Fiona. She is well respected, works hard for the cause, and is a true ally in the eyes of the mob she works with.
Congratulations to Fiona Lange
Image: Fiona Lange receiving her award
Thank you to all those who submitted nominations and congratulations to the 2024 NATSIEHC award winners - GRAMS, Bobby-Ray Milne, Sara Carrison and Fiona Lange.