News and announcements
Keep up to date with news and events for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the Gold Coast.
Have your say over your Data. An invitation to participate in a research study. Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Community-Controlled Healthcare
Who can participate?
- We’re looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members (aged 16+)
- Those who use our Health Service at Kalwun.
What is the research about?
This research project will explore our community’s perceptions, priorities, and preferences for health-related consent and data sharing in our pursuit to improve the lives of community and ensure mob are living long, healthy, prosperous and happy lives.
Why do we need to do this research?
Knowledge sharing can help improve healthcare delivery, continuity of care between services, health research, and clinical quality improvement. Community have the right to know and decide how their private and sensitive health information is being shared and used, and by whom (and for what purpose). We need to understand our mob’s expectations about consent, data use, and health service data sharing practices so we can action this knowledge in a proper way.
What will you do?
- Provide your thoughts, feelings and ideas on healthcare data-sharing and what consent looks like by joining a focus group of 10 people (approx. 1 hour)
- You will be invited to attend a second session of the same duration with your same group, to reflect on the findings of the first yarn
When and where:
- Yarns will not be until late January and February.
- At a Kalwun site (transportation can be provided if needed).
- Location, dates and times to be provided with those interested.
What do you get?
- Compensation of a $100 gift card will be provided.
- Catering will be provided, and transport can be provided for the focus groups.
If interested, please contact us by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or by phone: 07 5514 7100. For any questions, please contact us.
Each year, we have the honour of recognising our seniors and Elders at Seniors Fest, a celebration of legacy, wisdom and strength. We remember on this day, and every day, that their strength and impact allow us to be loud and proud in our cultural identity.
On November 12, under the springtime sun, our local Elders and seniors gathered to connect with culture and each other. Stories were shared over bush tucker and a cuppa, with live music from Barry Fletcher drifting across the yard of Kalwun’s Wellness Centre at Bonogin. As an homage to our traditions, Locky Brown cooked kangaroo tail over the fire, and Naseli Tamwoy brought a Torres Strait Islander touch with frypan damper and syrup. Our very own Deadly Choices team hosted a BBQ, Kalwun’s Senior Services served fairy floss, and attendees sat together on hay bales, sharing stories and connection in a yarning circle led by our Community Liaison Officers.
Our community showed up in full force, with stalls from Relationships Australia, the Liver Foundation, LiveUp, Balance Mobility, Vision Australia, Gold Coast Health, ADA Australia, Old MacDonald’s Farm, Arcadia College and Bunnings Warehouse. Funds were raised through the Community Markets to bring new art supplies to the Wellness Centres, nurturing creativity and expression.
Kalwun’s Seniors Fest is all about creating a space where our community’s trailblazers can feel valued and respected for all they’ve contributed. While we strive to cultivate this kind of environment all year long at Kalwun, Seniors Month is a chance to walk together as an entire community, hand in hand in connection and recognition.
As we reflect on Seniors Month, we’re reminded that our seniors and Elders are the centrepiece of our culture, holding more than 60,000 years of knowledge, tradition and stories. Our gratitude never fades, as their strength and sacrifice are woven into the paths we walk today because of them.
Mabo Day Gathering – Connect, Reflect, Celebrate
Tuesday 3 June
10am – 11.30am
Country Paradise Parklands, 231 Beaudesert Nerang Road, Nerang
Join us in honouring Mabo Day and the 33rd anniversary of the historic Mabo Decision – a moment that changed the course of history by recognising Native Title and the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
Come together for a morning of culture and community, featuring a Torres Strait Islander dance performance and morning tea.
All are welcome – we’d love to see you there.
Day 1, April 6-7 Lead Forward Camp: https://events.humanitix.com/kalwun-lead-forward-camp
Day 2, April 8 Country Connection: https://events.humanitix.com/kalwun-youth-week-country-connection
Day 3, April 9 Performance Lab: https://events.humanitix.com/kalwun-youth-week-performance-lab
Day 4, April 10 Mind & Arts: https://events.humanitix.com/kalwun-youth-week-mind-and-arts
Day 5, April 11 Knowledge Quest: https://events.humanitix.com/kalwun-youth-week-knowledge-quest
🌿 Community Embracing Culture – Kalwun’s Next Big Event!
Kalwun’s next community event is just around the corner and will help launch National Reconciliation Week 2025.
Join us for Community Embracing Culture, a family-friendly afternoon of cultural connection, celebration, and learning. The event will take place on:
📍 Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
📅 Sunday 25 May
🕒 3pm–7pm
This special day will include:
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Powerful cultural performances
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Hands-on activities and workshops
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Tasty food vans
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And some deadly prizes to be won!
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is “Bridging Now to Next” — a call for all Australians to reflect on our shared history and build a better, more united future. The week runs from 27 May to 3 June.
The 2025 theme artwork, by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, features native plants that thrive after fire — a powerful symbol of strength, renewal, and collective growth. It’s a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, and we each have a role to play.
🖼 Posters featuring the 2025 NRW artwork will be available at Officeworks stores next week.
To learn more about National Reconciliation Week, visit:
Let’s walk together – from now to next. 💛🖤❤️
