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Contents

This newsletter issue covers:

Our next Field Day
Our new Committee Member Renata Buziak
National Symposium on Australian Traditional Medicine report
News from Woodfordia
IPHA Queensland Field Day Report
Engaging with First Nations People About Indigenous Plants
2025 IPHA funded project update

What’s inside?

A couple of excerpts to tempt you…

National Symposium on Australian Traditional Medicine

The inaugural National Symposium on Australian Traditional Medicine took place on November 11-12, 2024, at Western Sydney University. This pivotal gathering marked a significant step forward in recognising and advancing the rich heritage of Australia’s Indigenous healing practices.

The symposium brought together a diverse array of attendees, including allied health clinicians, industry representatives from bodies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), researchers, and First Nations people. This eclectic mix of participants underscored the symposium’s commitment to fostering a holistic and inclusive approach to traditional medicine.

The symposium explored the opportunities and challenges facing this emerging sector. Central to these discussions was the proposal for a new way forward that ensures First Nations People’s involvement at every stage, respecting cultural traditions, practices, and economic opportunities.

Download the newsletter for the full report.

Engaging with First Nations People about indigenous plants

Dick Copeman – founder of Northey Street City Farm in Brisbane – talked about his experience running bush food workshops.

While he had observed on-going interest amongst both indigenous and non-indigenous people in learning about and growing bush foods, he was puzzled by the fact that non-indigenous people who came to his workshops rarely made a connection between bush foods and indigenous Australians.

As a younger group of Northey Street City Farm staff and volunteers initiated a proactive approach to decolonising their activities and engaging with FNs. They set up a Decolonisation Action Group (DAG) that started reflecting on how individuals, and NSCF as an organisation, could address the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the colonial mindset, and engage meaningfully with FNs people.

They started by inviting some FNs people to join them for yarns and food around an open fire at dusk and this became a First Nations Advisory Group (FNAG). As a result of their efforts over the past six years or so, the Farm’s strategic plan now includes FNs support and engagement as key objectives.

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