What makes the Gathering unique is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, carers, and Community members will sit and speak alongside non-Indigenous nephrologists, heads of renal units, and health system leaders. Together, they will discuss how to create better pathways to transplantation and equitable care - ensuring that decisions about kidney health are shaped by the people most affected.

The Gathering is organised by the National Indigenous Kidney Transplantation Taskforce (NIKTT). NIKTT National Community Engagement Coordinator Kelli Owen, herself a kidney transplant recipient, says the event will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, storytelling and collaborative action.

"This is about making sure people with lived experience of kidney disease are at the centre of the conversation, not just as voices in the room, but as equal contributors in shaping solutions," she said.

"When we come together, we share experiences, we share solutions, and we share a vision for going forward. We’re connecting strong links across the country so that we’re a united voice in addressing the government and showing what we’re living with every day in our lives."

More than 120 people from across Australia are at SAHMRI for the three day event, starting today. More than half of the attendees are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, carers, and clinicians - bringing lived experience and leadership to the forefront of discussions on kidney health and transplantation equity.

Doubling in size since its first iteration, the Gathering has evolved to include a dedicated "mob-only" day, providing a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander attendees to connect, share, and lead discussions.

For the second time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dialysis patients from remote and regional communities will be supported to attend, with dialysis provided throughout the event using the Rural Support Service (RSS) mobile dialysis truck which will be parked at Kanggawodli, a culturally safe accommodation and support service for Aboriginal patients. The RSS truck will ensure that those undergoing treatment can participate fully in the Gathering while continuing their care.

Kidney disease disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are far more likely to experience end-stage kidney disease yet face significant barriers to transplantation.

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