For more than a decade, the Aspen Medical Foundation has proudly supported initiatives that improve health outcomes and create opportunities for First Nations communities across Australia. One of the Foundation's longest-standing partnerships is with Malpa, an organisation that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to become health leaders in their communities.

Founded by Don Palmer, Malpa was established on a simple but powerful belief: when young people are equipped with knowledge, confidence and strong cultural connections, they can become agents of change. Through its Young Doctors program, Malpa combines health education with cultural learning, helping children develop practical health knowledge while strengthening their connection to culture, community and Country.

Since the program began, more than 5,000 children have graduated as Young Doctors, creating a growing network of young leaders who are helping to improve health literacy and wellbeing in some of Australia's most remote communities.

Over the past year, with support from the Aspen Medical Foundation and other partners, Malpa expanded the Young Doctors program into Western Australia, enabling even more children and communities to benefit from this proven approach.

Reflecting on the impact of the program, Malpa founder Don Palmer said one early experience reinforced the importance of community-led solutions.

"A real highlight was going to remote Utopia about 250 kilometers from Alice Springs. Out there very few kids ever bother to go to school. I expected a graduation for 15 Young Doctors. Turns out that the Young Doctors didn't turn up once a week for fifteen weeks as planned. They came every weekday for fifteen weeks and there were thirty-nine of them! It showed me that everything that many Elders told me was true - respect the old ways and bring in the new, let the locals design and deliver the project and our wildest expectations will be exceeded."

As Malpa enters its next chapter, the organisation has welcomed Tracey Thompson as Chief Executive Officer. Tracey succeeds Don Palmer, who will continue to support the organisation with a focus on communications and strategic engagement.

Aspen Medical Foundation Chair Ms Sian Keys welcomed Tracey's appointment and acknowledged Don's contribution to Malpa's success.

"On behalf of the Aspen Medical Foundation, I warmly welcome Tracey Thompson as Chief Executive Officer of Malpa. We are excited to work alongside Tracey as Malpa continues to grow its remarkable program and create opportunities for even more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Australia.

"I also want to acknowledge and thank Don Palmer for his vision, leadership and dedication since founding Malpa. Don's commitment has helped build a program that has now supported more than 5,000 young people to graduate, creating lasting benefits for communities and future generations.

"We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with Malpa and supporting Tracey and the team as they build on this strong foundation and expand their impact."

The Aspen Medical Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes, strengthen communities and create lasting positive change. Our partnership with Malpa reflects a shared commitment to empowering First Nations children and communities through practical health education, local leadership and culturally informed solutions.

Together, we look forward to helping Malpa reach even more young people in the years ahead.