Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Medical Women
AFMW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Project
About The Project
The AFMW Fabric Square entitled “Purple Bush Medicine Leaves”, was painted by emerging indigenous artist, Louise Numina Napanangka. The colours of the motif on the square reflect those of the AFMW logo, including the purple of the suffragette movement from around the time MWIA was established.
Louise has painted the Bush Medicine motif, as taught and pioneered by her auntie, Gloria Petyarre, renowned Aboriginal artist from Utopia, Central Australia.
Make a contribution
This project’s aims are to:
- Achieve parity in the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical professionals, particularly Medical Women
- Foster leadership development in First Nation Medical Women through attendance at National and International Medical Women’s events, with support from allocations by the Project.
About The AFMW Bursary Program
The Australian Federation of Medical Women, as part of their commitment to reconciliation and the Makarrata Commission would like to encourage and empower a female medical graduate who identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, to further their medical career and/or leadership aspirations. This bursary is one step in a broader goal of the AFMW – to advance the parity of representation of First Nations Peoples in the Australian medical workforce, and in its leadership.
About The State Bursary Program
AFMW state affiliate, the QMWS (Queensland Medical Women’s Society) are pleased to announce that in 2022, there will be three NCWQ (National Council of Women of Queensland) Bursaries to award in conjunction with the Queensland Medical Women’s Society. Applications were launched this week, and close on the 23 May 2022.
Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursary - NEWS & UPDATES
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Resources and links
Media articles
- Melissa Lucashenko. (2020). ‘It’s no accident that Blak Australia has survived the pandemic so well. Survival is what we do.’ The Guardian Australian Edition’. 23/07/20. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/23/its-no-accident-that-blak-australia-has-survived-the-pandemic-so-well-survival-is-what-we-do?CMP=share_btn_tw. Accessed: 11/11/20.
- Finlay, S.M. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allies start with the basics; correct terminology. Intouch Public Health, 10/11/20. Accessed 11/11/20. https://intouchpublichealth.net.au/2020/11/10/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-allies-start-with-the-basics-correct-terminology/
AFMW NAIDOC News & Events
AFMW Uluru Statement from the Heart

AFMW supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart
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AFMW Reconciliation Action Plan

AFMW Reconciliation Action Plan
Information coming soon
AFMW Membership

Applying for AFMW Membership as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Graduate or Student
Information coming soon

AFMW is a member of Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association
Information coming soon