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To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are highlighting the contributions of women from across Albury Wodonga Health. This year’s theme is March Forward: For All Women and Girls. It is an opportunity to champion change, advocate for women’s rights, equality and empowerment, and celebrate the many ways in which women make a difference to our community and our world.   

Meet Michelle Williams 

I am a proud Wiradjuri woman. I work as an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer at Albury Wodonga Health. My role is to make contact with patients who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and advocate for their needs. I help patients to understand their doctor's advice, the medical terminology being used, and their treatment options.  

I’m part of a multi-disciplinary team, working with doctors, allied health staff and other medical professionals to ensure the patient receives the care they need and understands their choices every step of the way. 

Part of my role is also to provide cultural awareness training for staff. 

I’m the longest serving AHLO at Albury Wodonga Health. I enjoy coming to work and bouncing ideas off people while working toward the best possible outcome for patients.  

It is really satisfying to see a patient grow in confidence, ask questions, take ownership of their treatment and empower them with the tools to address their own health needs. It’s a great example of self-determination. 

Reflections on women’s equality and representation . . .   

Women in our culture are strong matriarchs. We are holding the mob together and getting stronger day by day. Our kids are getting stronger too.  

Education is the key. Our kids are seeing the older generation of women standing up for themselves, pursuing education and other opportunities, and they want to do it too, at a younger age. 

Our voices are stronger. Our spirit is stronger. Our young ones are stronger. 

More and more Aboriginal women are taking up leadership roles and they are setting a great example for the next generation. 

On International Women’s Day . . .   

I will take a moment to reflect on my Elders and all that they have done. I’ll be surrounded by my family and kids. 

This year’s theme is March Forward: For All Women and Girls. Rights, equality, and empowerment – they are all themes that Aboriginal people feel strongly about. It is great to bring them into focus on International Women’s Day. 

For us, education is key. You can achieve anything you want to achieve.