The organisers of the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference (OTCC 2024) on Australia’s Gold Coast, 23-25 October, are highlighting First Nation involvement across the event, with the priority goal of assisting in better health outcomes for Indigenous people in Australia and the Oceanic region.
According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, smoking causes 37% of all First Nations deaths and 50% of deaths of First Nations people over the age of 45. While tobacco smoking is declining in Australia it remains disproportionately high among First Nations people.
In recognition of this, PCO ICMS Australasia and the Organising Committee has heightened Indigenous participation and focus through appointment of an Aboriginal Cultural Conference Partner and creation of a programme that includes First Nation-specific content. This includes a Pre-Conference Workshop with content specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Māori, Pacific and Indigenous delegates who are working in tobacco control and smoking cessation – from community programmes, policy roles, researchers and advocates.
ICMS Australasia CEO, Emma Bowyer (pictured), said OTCC 2024’s First Nations focus stretches far beyond any tokenistic representation or participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. “Half of the keynote speakers have a First Nations background, with presenters from Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and the Cook Islands providing invaluable lived experience to the audience,” she said.
“A priority area of the Australian Government’s National Tobacco Strategy is to prevent and reduce tobacco use among First Nations people and we commend them for supporting this Conference.”
Traditional First Nations cultural elements are also being featured in OTCC 2024, including a commissioned artwork from First Nations artist and designer, Lisa Sorbie Martin, who has created a remarkable art piece titled ‘Woven Together’ which captures the spirit of the conference, the Gold Coast host destination, and reflects Lisa’s cultural story and heritage. First Nations conference elements will include a Welcome to Country and an Aboriginal cultural dance performance from the Biren Cultural Group at the first networking event.
OTCC 2024 is being held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on the lands of the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh Language Region from 23-25 October. Approximately 500 delegates will be attending with the majority of attendees from Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island nations. The Oceania Tobacco Control Conference is held bi-annually.
