As we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week in 2025, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) proudly stands alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in recognising the enduring contributions of First Nations nurses and midwives - past, present and emerging.

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” powerfully resonates with our purpose as the national accrediting authority for nursing and midwifery education. It reminds us that the future of health and healing in Australia is being shaped right now - in classrooms, on Country, in clinics, and through community-led knowledge systems that have been sustained for generations.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives have long held critical roles in the health and wellbeing of their communities. They carry deep cultural knowledge, resilience, and a profound understanding of care that is holistic, relational, and grounded in Country. Their work not only heals individuals - it strengthens communities, advances health equity, and builds a powerful legacy of culturally safe practice.

As educators, regulators, and policy-makers, we must actively honour this legacy by ensuring Indigenous voices lead and shape the future of nursing and midwifery education.

At ANMAC, we are committed to transforming nursing and midwifery education to reflect the lived realities and aspirations of First Nations peoples. This means:

• Embedding First Nations knowledges and realities across curriculum and clinical practice
• Ensuring culturally safe learning environments that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to thrive
• Upholding self-determination and Indigenous leadership in educational policy, governance, and decision-making.

The next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives are not just students, they are future leaders, health advocates, educators, and cultural custodians. Their strength and vision will shape a more inclusive, just, and compassionate health system for all.

As NAIDOC marks its 50-year milestone, we reflect on a movement born from community strength and guided by the wisdom of Elders. In 2025, we celebrate the momentum of a new era, where Indigenous excellence in nursing and midwifery is visible, valued, and supported at every stage of the education and professional journey.

This NAIDOC Week, ANMAC recommits to walking in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support a future where nursing and midwifery education is led by the principles of strength, vision, and legacy.

We acknowledge the First Peoples of these lands, whose knowledges, care practices and custodianship of Country continue to guide us. We pay deep respect to Elders past and present and celebrate the emerging generation of First Nations nurses and midwives who carry their legacy with pride.

Happy NAIDOC Week 2025

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