The Power We Carry, Protecting and Growing Our Young Ones

Anwerne rlterrke atnyenetyeke

Anwerne ampe mape arntarntareyeke

We see this in our child and maternal health programs in both Community Controlled and mainstream services, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives work holistically with children and families, using social and emotional wellbeing models to support their growth. We see this as our children grow into adolescence and young people, seeking services that are grounded in connection and culturally safe spaces which promote self-determination. 

As a nurse practitioner working with young ones, I witness every day the power we carry as nurses and midwives. Walking alongside our young ones, they are a reminder of strength, intelligence and determination despite the challenges they may be facing. But our young ones are not just people we work with, they are our kin and our future, which comes with great privilege as well as great responsibility. 

To our partners and sponsors who have already come on board to support this event, thank you. These events cannot happen without investment, promotion, and collaboration.  

To our members and delegates, thank you for your support of these events. These national events are important opportunities to unite and relationally deepen our own understanding. They strengthen us, grow us, uplift us and empower us as nurses and midwives to continue to work with our communities. 

To our young ones, you are the future of our peoples and our nursing and midwifery professions.

This year’s conference is a call to unite for our young ones and how our ways can protect and grow our generations for the next 60,000 years and beyond. 

Yours in solidarity,

Vanessa Browne
CATSINaM President