Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 32 Funded by: Federal Dept of Social Services – National Indigenous Australians Agency NSW Health – Rural Doctors Network – Western NSW Primary Health Network Celebrating over 39 years of Service since 1986 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT JULY 2024 TO JUNE 2025 Introduction Culture continues to be the forefront of our businesses. Language, identity and conversations of Walgett’s Aboriginal history, has been a productive experience. Commemorating the Freedom Ride milestone of sixty years is significant to those who were part of the protest, for the local people who were active in 1965, and for their families. Personnel were invited to attend several events held in Sydney. Such an historical and emotional time. Affirming Aboriginal history, acknowledging our leaders, our colleagues, who stood with dignity and strength at a time when Aboriginal people were not citizens in their own country. To add to the significance of 1965, Walgett were proud to receive a Blue Plaque, honouring the arrival of the students in our town and the impact of the social changes at this time. Visitors to WAMS WAMS are privileged for people who wish to spend time at our organisation. We like to believe that by opening our doors, we invite people in to see what we offer, the daily working mechanisms and the results of dedication and commitment that we bring for our clients. From Ministers, to members of parliament, federal and state funding authorities, WAMS offers the hospitality and goodwill to all. We gave recognition and thanks to Hon Mark Coulton MP. Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, who retired prior to the 2025 Elections after serving eighteen years in public office. WAMS Chairperson and the author presented Mark and Robyn with a local art piece as memories of their times in the Parkes region. Mr Roy Butler, MP. the Member for Barwon, is a constant advocate and loyal supporter for the people living in his electorate. WAMS also recognise both Mr John Clements and Mel Manchee, members of his team for their collegiate advice in ensuring our representation to both Mr Butler is clear and concise. Partners of WAMS Memorandums of Understanding or a Service Level Agreements, offer direction and guidance for our own businesses, as well as the agencies that we work with. Our collective philosophes of providing client care and supporting families, offer the opportunity to deliver holistic services at a local level. We extend our gratitude to both government and on government entities who have formally committed to work at our organisation. The partnerships between Dharriwa Elders Group (DEG), WAMS and the George Institute of Global Health UNSW are an integral element of our local advocacy for food security, water management and Environmental health. The lack of emotional nurturing in early years of life has a detrimental affecting on the adult growth of an individual. Both DEG and WAMS have a tri-partite commitment to focus on the academic and wellbeing of our young people, advocating for disadvantaged families and raising concerns of the high incarceration rates of our younger generation. WAMS continue to have an ongoing dialogue with University of Newcastle for the design of a local based, local training and education facility that allows local people to be employed, to be trained, to be qualified. This unique proposal will reduce students time away from families while allowing studies to be conducted closer to their home towns.
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