Changing Systems from the Inside: An Indigenous Rights Perspective
Tracks
Bilby Room: In-Person Only
| Tuesday, October 21, 2025 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM |
| Bilby Room (M1&2) |
Overview
Mena Waller, Cancer Council QLD
Presenter
Ms Mena Waller
Chief Operating Officer
Cancer Council QLD
Changing Systems from the Inside: An Indigenous Rights Perspective
Presentation Overview
This presentation explores how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are using systems thinking to transform the health sector applying a Theory of Change framework to realise the rights outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Historically marginalised, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have long been excluded from the design and governance of systems, therefore designing systems that aren’t broken but in fact work perfectly to discriminate. In response, First Nations people around the world are engaging directly within these systems to reshape structures that better reflect their cultural values and needs.
Systems thinking, which views health as a dynamic, interconnected system, has been crucial in identifying opportunities within organisations and systems (including our own at Cancer Council), to create meaningful change. By understanding the systemic barriers to health equity, there are some good examples of strategically intervening to influence policy, shift institutional practices, and redesign service delivery. Some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in Australia serve as an example of this approach, where locally governed services integrate cultural values, traditional healing practices, and community leadership into healthcare delivery. These organisations show how Indigenous-led models can improve health outcomes, including in areas like chronic disease management and mental health, which often remain neglected in mainstream systems. Similar international examples demonstrate the practical application of this framework by integrating Indigenous governance within health service management, asserting the rights of Indigenous peoples to govern and control their own health and community services.
While challenges such as limited resources and institutional resistance remain, these efforts represent a strategic Theory of Change: reshaping systems to prioritise Indigenous sovereignty and cultural integrity. Through systems thinking and practical application, these approaches can address immediate health needs but also building sustainable frameworks for long-term systemic change that will benefit future generations.
Systems thinking, which views health as a dynamic, interconnected system, has been crucial in identifying opportunities within organisations and systems (including our own at Cancer Council), to create meaningful change. By understanding the systemic barriers to health equity, there are some good examples of strategically intervening to influence policy, shift institutional practices, and redesign service delivery. Some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in Australia serve as an example of this approach, where locally governed services integrate cultural values, traditional healing practices, and community leadership into healthcare delivery. These organisations show how Indigenous-led models can improve health outcomes, including in areas like chronic disease management and mental health, which often remain neglected in mainstream systems. Similar international examples demonstrate the practical application of this framework by integrating Indigenous governance within health service management, asserting the rights of Indigenous peoples to govern and control their own health and community services.
While challenges such as limited resources and institutional resistance remain, these efforts represent a strategic Theory of Change: reshaping systems to prioritise Indigenous sovereignty and cultural integrity. Through systems thinking and practical application, these approaches can address immediate health needs but also building sustainable frameworks for long-term systemic change that will benefit future generations.
Biography
Mena comes with a diverse background in health policy reform, human resource management, executive operational leadership, and community initiatives. Her career spans client-facing roles, in clinical settings, government, not for profit and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations across health, education, and community sectors.
Mena brings expertise in cultural capability and reconciliation agendas, strategic partnership development, and system advocacy for rights-based approaches to social justice. She is currently serving on several advisory and board director positions focusing on influencing and responding to strategic, operational and policy driven agendas.
Growing up in Central Queensland and having lived and worked in remote communities across the country, Mena has first-hand experience of the disparities and challenges in health service effectiveness, access, and preventative care. She is dedicated to achieving health equity for all Queenslanders, and systems that serve regional and remote communities, and First Nations people.
As a descendant of the Walman Yawuru people in Kimberley, Western Australia and family ties across Northern Australia, Mena’s values are deeply grounded in global Indigenous principles of rights, respect, reciprocity, relationships, and responsibility.
