Community gathers to celebrate 50 years of ATSICHS Brisbane

On Saturday, 13 May 2023, we hosted our 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Brisbane City Hall, celebrating 50 years of proudly serving our community.

Helping to celebrate the night were several distinguished guests, including the Honorable Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for the Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts and the Premier’s representative for the evening, ATSICHS Brisbane Board Chair Melody Ingra, ATSICHS Brisbane Board Members, Life Member and Co-Founder Uncle Les Collins and also Life Member Aunty Erica Fisher. We were also honoured to have the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) CEO Adrian Carson and the CEOs of our member network and their Board representatives in attendance.

The dinner commenced with an incredible Welcome to Country provided by the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company. They captivated the audience with their powerful and evocative performance. Their performance reflected their deep connection to the land and also the spirit of their Ancestors.

The Wagga Torres Strait Islander Dance Company and Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts continued to impress attendees with their beautiful performances. Their talents showcased the rich diversity and also strength of our culture and people.

During the event, we also took the opportunity to honour the outstanding contributions of several esteemed community members. Seven new Life Members were welcomed into the service, recognising their significant achievements and dedication to our organisation and community. Uncle William (Billy) Gorham, Uncle Mark Moore, Uncle Jeffery Broom, Aunty Glenda Brooks, Aunty Dorothy Buhmann, Dr Aunty Mary Martin, and also Dr Aunty Lilla Watson were acknowledged for their tireless efforts in promoting First Nations health and wellbeing.

Entertainment was also provided by a couple of bands with very strong connections to ATSICHS Brisbane. The Fringe Dwellers and CKNU took their turns on centre stage getting the crowd up and dancing the night away.

We are incredibly grateful to Lewis James Media, Wombat Vision, Black Dog Media, Get a Photobooth and also Booth360 for capturing all the incredible moments of the night.

Photos of the event

Pre-dinner drinks

Red carpet photos

Life Members

Entertainment

General

Thanks to our supporters

The success of the ATSICHS Brisbane Gala Dinner was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors and partners. Key Assets, Struddys, and also SG Fleet, organisations committed to First Nations communities, lent their support to the event. Their sponsorship played a vital role in bringing the evening to life, also ensuring the celebration was a resounding success.