INTRODUCTION To underscore this commitment, this report explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in forging effective partnerships to transform health and wellbeing policies and programs, and provide strengths-based, community-driven solutions. Mainstream government organisations must genuinely commit to each of the transformation elements to truly facilitate change and break down these systems of control. Since 2009 the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee has delivered an annual report. Initially this report was focused as a ‘shadow’ report to the Australian Government Report on Closing the Gap, which provided an analysis of policy and program commitments under the Closing the Gap Strategy. In 2019 a decision was made to shift the Close the Gap Campaign Report to a strengths-based analysis of good health through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander narrative. That approach has seen recent reports focused on the following priority areas: • 2020 Report – We Nurture our Culture for our Future, and our Culture Nurtures Us, examining the themes of culture through self-determination and leadership, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander beliefs and knowledge, cultural expression and continuity, and connection to Country. • 2021 Report – Leadership and Legacy through Crises: Keeping Our Mob Safe, examining the themes of culturally empowered solutions to protecting communities from COVID-19, asset-based and holistic approaches for addressing climate change, and resilience and protective factors for social and emotional wellbeing. The Close the Gap Campaign continues to adopt a strengths-based approach in our 2022 annual report, telling stories of transformation and success through the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The collective advocacy, strength and resilience of our communities has transformed the Close the Gap Campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderled solutions are recognised as the most effective way to improve health outcomes for our people. 10 Transforming Power: Voices for Generational Change This report focuses on three key themes: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led transformation, gender justice: equality and equity, and allyship. Three key themes of this report: Transformation Gender justice: equality and equity Allyship It features nine case studies that demonstrate the essential role of Aboriginal and Torres Islander-led decision-making and self-determination, and the need for reflection and accountability from governments and mainstream services. We believe each one is an exemplar of cultural strength and should lift expectations of what can be achieved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing through innovative, culturally safe, community-driven solutions.

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