For more than four decades Dr Michael John Adams, affectionately known as Uncle Mick, has dedicated his life to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

His contribution was recognised nationally this week with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) appointment for significant service to Indigenous health and education.

For Uncle Mick, the recognition came as a complete surprise.

"I really did not expect it, it was overwhelming to receive such an award," he said.

"I do what I do in the health arena especially working with the men to improve their health for a positive future, because I like what I am doing."

Throughout his career, Uncle Mick has worked to challenge deficit-based narratives surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

"All reports on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males are usually negative and in the deficit," he said. "Men like me try to overcome the negativity and get males to celebrate being an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male."

Uncle Mick's passion for Indigenous men's health is deeply rooted in his own upbringing in Darwin.

"I grew up in Parap Camp Darwin, now Stuart Park, in old, discarded army huts where I was surrounded by strongminded men who ensured that their families were safe and looked after," he said.

As he grew older, Uncle Mick began to witness the impact of chronic disease and poor health outcomes among Aboriginal men.

"I noticed the changes in the males (chronic disease, cardiovascular disease, Tuberculosis) this made me realise that something needs to be done," he said.

"So, when the opportunity came my way I took it with both hands hoping, I could do something to provide a better pathway for men to follow, to live a long, positive and productive life."

While progress has been made over the years, Uncle Mick believes significant challenges remain.

"There are many challenges that still need urgent attention to improve the health status of Aboriginal peoples," he said.

"The Government policy makers and representatives need to work with, sit down listen to what needs are important to provide better services and programs for improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male."

Alongside his work in health, Uncle Mick has been a strong advocate for education and Indigenous leadership.

Reflecting on his own pathway, he admits school was not always where he wanted to be.

"Funny thing is that I hated school and wagged it whenever I could - spending more time do Dinah Deach. One Mile Dam or Mindil Beach, they were our cultural playgrounds," he said.

An opportunity to enrol in the Aboriginal Task Force at the South Australian Institute of Technology would ultimately change the course of his life.

"I got an opportunity to enrol in a course called The Aboriginal Task Force graduating with an Associate Diploma in Social Work within South Australian Institute of Technology in Adelaide, recruited by MaryAnn Bin Sallik, RIP, it was a nurturing ground many of us from Parap Camp and Darwin," he said.

"This provided me with the opportunity to travel through the Academic Mist to pursue higher degrees in education."

The experience inspired him to support others pursuing similar opportunities and helped shape a career spanning health services, research and community leadership.

For Uncle Mick, Indigenous leadership remains critical to creating better futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"Aboriginal leadership is so important because it helps to pave the way for those who follow," he said.

"Positive Leadership ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can have a voice and are in a position to be at the centre of health, education, employment and community engagement."

Over the years, he has served on and chaired numerous committees and advisory bodies, helping ensure community voices are represented in decision-making.

When asked about the people who inspired and guided him throughout his journey, Uncle Mick said there had been many influences throughout his life.

"There are many Elders and community members who inspired and guided me through my journey, First and foremost are my parents and siblings, my partners and close friends," he said.

Uncle Mick said one of the lessons he regularly shares with younger generations is understanding the difference between leadership and being a role model.

"I often tell the young ones that they have to know the differences between Leaders and role models, they are not the same," he said. "I mean role models are someone who you admire and want to be like, but Leaders are expected to take charge and demand the right to be leaders."

Looking to the future, Uncle Mick hopes the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, researchers and community leaders will forge their own paths.

"I really don't want people to follow in my footsteps," he said. "I would rather they have a look and take snippets of what I've done to accomplish what I have achieved and develop their own recipe for success."

"I often bill my notion on Self...be yourself make sure that you are responsible for your behaviour. You should not and cannot blame someone else for your wrongdoing...you done it you take the responsibility."

While the honour recognises his individual contribution, Uncle Mick was quick to acknowledge the many people who have travelled alongside him throughout his life and career.

"Like my parents, my wife/partners, children, extended families, mentors, supervisors, community representatives, acquaintance all had a role in paving the way towards my success," he said.

He also paid tribute to the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that welcomed him throughout decades of work across the country.

"I lived, worked and visited many communities (rural, remote, urban) throughout my working life," he said.

"Wherever I went people welcomed me, made me feel comfortable and respected me of who I was, without them I would not have gotten to where I am today."

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Uncle Mick's appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia is recognition of a lifetime spent improving health outcomes, advocating for Aboriginal leadership and creating opportunities for future generations.

His story is one of service, resilience and an enduring commitment to community.