Gracelyn Smallwood talks remote health gaps, youth crime ‘myths’ at Bush Summit

After 40 years on the frontline in remote Indigenous communities, retired nurse and midwife Gracelyn Smallwood is ready to take the stage at the Bush Summit and talk about the shocking healthcare gaps in the bush that city folk wouldn’t believe.

Indigenous leader Gracelyn Smallwood will share her 40+ years of experience working in remote Indigenous communities at Friday's Bush Summit. Picture: Evan Morgan

After 40 years on the frontline in remote Indigenous communities, Gracelyn Smallwood is ready to speak out.

The outspoken North Queensland nurse and midwife knows the massive healthcare gaps people in the bush face – gaps city dwellers wouldn’t imagine.

As she takes the stage at Friday’s Bush Summit in Townsville, she’s challenging people to rethink their views on health and crime in Indigenous communities.

Ms Smallwood points to two major crises that highlighted the need for Indigenous control over their own health.

“In my lifetime, we’ve faced two existential challenges – AIDS, which we survived thanks to a program rooted in Indigenous autonomy, and Covid, which we overcame by coming together and looking after one another. These challenges proved the enduring need for Indigenous people to take charge of their health and wellbeing.”

But health isn’t her only focus. Being in Townsville, Ms Smallwood is also tackling the controversial issue of youth crime.

“People have been convinced that Indigenous youth are a threat — it’s all over the news, making people think our kids are born criminals. But nothing could be further from the truth,” she said.

She stressed that the vast majority of Indigenous families and kids have no negative contact with the law.

“We need to stop treating them like a dangerous alien species,” she said.

“When we embrace our youth, give them hope, and show them the love they deserve, the so-called ‘crime wave’ will fade away.”

Ms Smallwood believes the key is showing young people that they matter.

“The problem will lessen, if not disappear, when we older folks show the young that we love them and that they are precious to us all,” she said.

Originally published as Gracelyn Smallwood talks remote health gaps, youth crime ‘myths’ at Bush Summit