On 7 August, we're celebrating the health workers changing lives in community, and the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors coming up behind them.
On 7 August 2026, the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) invites the health sector, and all Australians, to celebrate the National Day of Recognition. It's a day to reflect on the achievements and evolution of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner workforce, a group whose work sits at the heart of community wellbeing right across the country.
NAATSIHWP is encouraging organisations and communities to get involved on social media by sharing stories, quotes, appreciation posts or short videos that spotlight the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners making a difference where they work. Tag @NAATSIHWP and use the hashtags #NDoR2026, #ManyPathsManyWays and #OneWorkforceOnePurpose. Resources to help you take part are available on the NAATSIHWP website.
Why this day is important to us
At Wavelength, we see the impact of this workforce every day, in placements, on the wards, and in the trust that regional and remote communities place in health workers who understand them. It's part of why supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors has always been close to our hearts.
Since 2011, Wavelength has partnered with UNSW to provide a scholarship supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students, initially covering travel costs so students could return home to family during semester breaks. This evolved into the Wavelength International Indigenous Medical Accommodation Scholarship, providing up to $25,000 a year to cover a student's accommodation costs for the duration of their degree.
Since 2011, the scholarship has supported 12 medical students, helping them pursue their studies while staying connected to home. The most recent recipient is Liam Grant, now in his second year of medical school at UNSW. We're honoured to be part of his journey and excited to see the impact he will have across medicine, and in the communities he goes on to serve.
None of this would be possible without our ongoing partnership with UNSW Medicine & Health, particularly Marina Oliveira for her coordination and support over the years, and the vision of Wavelength founders Claire Ponsford and Dr John Bethell, who launched this initiative more than a decade ago and have helped it support 12 doctors so far.
Get involved this National Day of Recognition
This 7 August, we're joining NAATSIHWP in celebrating the incredible people strengthening healthcare in every corner of Australia. Whether you're a health worker or practitioner ready for your next opportunity, or an employer looking to build a stronger, more culturally connected team, Wavelength is here to help.
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