Heroes: Dr Mark Wenitong, Indigenous Health

The former Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association president Dr Mark Wenitong says the mere presence of an Indigenous person in the highest ranks of healthcare stewardship gives a crucial reminder that the issues at stake affect people.

“There has to be a black face at the table,” says Dr Wenitong, who sits on more than half a dozen national Indigenous health committees as well as juggling several senior medical officer roles in Cairns.

“That makes people think about ensuring that the Aboriginal