On 28 August 2025, we joined leaders from across the country at Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia’s National Conference in Garramilla (Darwin) on Larrakia Country. The theme ‘Proud Futures’ set a strong tone for two days focused on identity, self-determination and legacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing.
As a sector peak, we were there to listen, learn and celebrate. Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) CEO Kerry Hawkins and CMHA Chair Cathy O’Toole attended the gala awards on the Thursday evening, where milestones were marked:
- 10 years since the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration
- Five years since Gayaa Dhuwi’s establishment as the national peak
- Gayaa Dhuwi Day on 27 August 2025
Community Impact Award: Congratulations to Michelle Gissara
We were proud to sponsor the Community Impact Award and to present it to Michelle Gissara, recognised for community-driven work that is making a tangible difference to social and emotional wellbeing outcomes. Sponsoring this award aligns with our commitment to elevating community-led solutions that reflect cultural strength and local leadership.
“Community leadership is where enduring change begins,” said Kerry Hawkins, CEO of Community Mental Health Australia.
“The Community Impact Award celebrates people who are strengthening social and emotional wellbeing at the grassroots, guided by culture, accountability, and a deep commitment to Country and community.”
Lived Experience leadership: Acknowledging Aunty Vicki McKenna
It was also wonderful to see Aunty Vicki McKenna recognised with the Lived Experience Award. Vicki’s national leadership through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre (ILEC) continues to elevate First Nations lived and living experience at the heart of policy, programs and practice.
“Lived experience must not just be heard, it must lead,” Kerry added.
“Aunty Vicki’s work shows what co-production and self-determination look like in action. We congratulate her and everyone advancing culturally informed, trauma-aware approaches across the system.”
Why this conference matters
Hosted in one of the most culturally rich parts of Australia, the conference brought together Elders, youth, clinicians, advocates, policymakers and community organisations to focus on SEWB, mental health and suicide prevention, grounded in culture and Country. The Proud Futures theme and the proud milestones remind us that progress is strongest when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples set the agenda and lead the solutions.
“As allies in the community-managed sector, our job is to back First Nations leadership practically and consistently,” Kerry said.
“That means investing in community-managed organisations, embedding lived experience leadership, and ensuring mainstream systems make space for First Nations voices to decide, design and deliver.”
We thank Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia for an inspiring event and for the opportunity to support and celebrate these outstanding contributions. Congratulations to all finalists and award recipients, your work is shaping the Proud Futures we all want to see.
