Planning for the Future: Advance Care Planning for Our Mob

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is becoming an increasingly important part of keeping our communities healthy, strong and empowered. It helps ensure that every person’s wishes, values and cultural beliefs guide their care – especially during times when they may be too unwell to speak for themselves. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this process is deeply connected to family, culture, identity and Country.

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance Care Planning is a voluntary process where individuals talk about and document their preferences for future health care. It involves having a yarn with family, trusted friends, health workers and clinicians to make sure everyone understands what kind of care you want if you become seriously ill or unable to communicate. ACP can include creating documents like Advance Health Directives and Enduring Powers of Attorney. These steps can help maintain your voice and autonomy in situations where important health decisions need to be made.

Planning ahead helps ensure you “get the care you want,” and the Queensland government provides tools and information packs to support people through the process. These resources help you learn about the forms involved, how to complete them and who can support you along the way.

Why Advance Care Planning Matters for First Nations Peoples

Culturally appropriate care is essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly at the end of life. Historically, relationships between communities and institutional health systems have been shaped by mistreatment, mistrust and miscommunication. Research highlights that discussions about end‑of‑life planning can be sensitive and are often a “no‑go” area in many communities due to past experiences and cultural protocols.

ACP provides a way for individuals and families to ensure their cultural needs and preferences are clearly communicated. Whether it’s wanting particular family members involved, incorporating cultural practices, or ensuring care takes place on or near Country, an advance care plan helps document these wishes.

The Role of Family, Community and Health Workers

Advance Care Planning is not something that needs to be done alone. It’s a shared process that can include people you trust, such as:

• Family and kin
• Community Elders
• Primary health care clinicians
• Other trusted supporters

For many people, the first step is simply having a yarn – sharing what matters most, talking about worries, and making sure loved ones know your choices. These conversations help families feel more prepared if a medical emergency arises and reduce uncertainty during stressful times.

Supporting Our Community to Plan Ahead

IUIH’s commitment to culturally safe, community‑led health care aligns strongly with the aims of Advance Care Planning. Across our network, we support families to make informed, empowered decisions grounded in cultural identity and personal values. While ACP is voluntary, it is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure we receive the care we want – and to lighten the responsibility on our loved ones during difficult times.

For those wanting to get started, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, including those within the IUIH network, can provide guidance, resources and support in a culturally respectful way.

Take the First Step Today

• Have a yarn with your family about what matters most to you.
• Reach out to your health care provider.
• Explore the culturally tailored resources available for our Mob.

Planning ahead is an act of love – for ourselves, for our families and for future generations. It ensures that our voices are heard, our values respected, and our journey honoured in the way that feels right for us.