News

July 25, 2025

Listening, Learning and Connecting at Lowitja 2025

The NBPU Tackling Indigenous Smoking team were proud to attend the 2025 Lowitja Conference, held on Kaurna Country. It proved to be a deeply engaging and rewarding experience, one that brought together communities, researchers and changemakers from across the country and around the world.

It was a privilege to be part of the conversations not only with our own communities, but also with our international colleagues from Aotearoa, Canada and Japan. The exchange of perspectives was both enriching and thought-provoking. While each place brings its own context, it was clear that our shared challenges and our shared strengths are powerful grounds for connection.

The lineup of speakers was outstanding. From Associate Professor Ray Lovett sharing the power of data to drive community-led action, to Professor Megan Williams’ reflections on social justice and health equity, each presentation reinforced the importance of both evidence and lived experience. The opening keynote from Professor Chelsea Watego set the tone for the conference, reminding us that truth-telling and systemic change are not optional they are essential.

For the NBPU TIS team, being at Lowitja was a reminder of why this work matters. Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to lead the way in improving health outcomes means listening, walking alongside and elevating strengths. From preventative health care to cultural renewal and caring for Country. Every conversation we had strengthened our commitment to this.

Bringing mob together in spaces like Lowitja is powerful. It gives us the chance to reflect, recharge and reimagine how we do this work together.