Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) is strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce in the NT through a whole-of-pipeline approach that supports people from school through to professional practice.

Responding to ongoing workforce shortages and the need for culturally responsive primary healthcare, IAHA delivers initiatives including the High School 2 Deadly Careers program, the Youth Engagement in Allied Health (YEAH) project, the National Academy school-based traineeship, mentoring, scholarships, professional development, and leadership programs. Together, these initiatives increase awareness of allied health careers, improve access to education and employment pathways, and strengthen workforce participation, retention, and resilience.

This presentation demonstrates how culturally safe, community-informed workforce development contributes to sustainable primary health care by building leadership, cultural connection, and practical career pathways. It highlights the importance of long-term investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce development as a key strategy for improving culturally responsive care and health outcomes across the NT.