Gala Dinner
Join us for our 2025 Gala Dinner on Thursday, 11 September.
Enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner complemented by a selection of premium beverages in a relaxed and elegant setting. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate with fellow attendees.
The evening will feature entertainment and inspiring keynote speakers, making it a memorable highlight of the conference.
A variety of non-alcoholic options will be available throughout the night to ensure everyone can enjoy the evening comfortably.
Gala Dinner Presentations – Indigenous Voices in Paramedicine
Michelle Crilly Yorta Yorta woman, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Lead and Advance Life Support (ALS) Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria.
Cam Rota, Manager, Hato Hone St John New Zealand.
This special Gala Dinner session will feature two keynote presentations, one by an Yorta Yorta woman and one by a Māori speaker, highlighting the vital role of Indigenous voices in shaping the future of paramedicine in Australia and New Zealand.
Each speaker will share their personal journey, including its trials, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. Their stories will explore the opportunities ahead for future Indigenous paramedics and EMTs, and the importance of culturally safe care and representation in improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
This session aims to spark meaningful conversation and inspire collective action to support and grow strong, empowered Indigenous workforces across the paramedicine sector.
The role we all play in providing culturally safe ambulance care. Presented by Michelle Crilly
Hear Michelle Crilly, a proud Aboriginal paramedic, shares her personal journey in the ambulance service— including its challenges and triumphs — highlighting the opportunities for future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander paramedics and emphasising the vital role we all play in providing culturally safe care to improve health outcomes within Indigenous communities.
Foundations of the Future | Te Ara Whakamua. Presented by Cam Rota
Cameron is a passionate advocate for indigenous health equity and cultural transformation within emergency healthcare. With a strong commitment from HHStJ, he supports the Kaupapa Māori Mana Motuhake initiative in Kaikohe, promoting self-determination and community-led solutions for Māori wellbeing. His work delivering cultural competency education across Aotearoa aims to build lasting cultural confidence and safety among healthcare professionals. With a profound understanding of purpose and identity, Cameron helps bridge the gap between clinical practice and indigenous worldviews. His leadership contributes significantly to reshaping paramedicine to be more inclusive, respectful, and effective for all communities across Aotearoa and beyond.
