1. National : 2017 NACCHO Members’ Conference abstracts / Expressions of Interest close 21 August
2.1 QLD : Apunipima Cape York Charkil-Om Celebrates first birthday
2.2 QLD : Minister Ken Wyatt launches new wing of ATSICHS Jimbelunga Nursing Centre
3. WA : AHCWA Youth E-newsletter is to promote and share positive youth stories from within the communities
4.1 NSW Awabakal celebrates National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with welcome to 40 babies
4.2 NSW : Expressions of Interest (EOI) are open for the Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network Executive Committee
5. SA : International basketball legend supports the Tackling Tobacco Team at Nunkuwarrin Yunti
6. VIC : VAHS will be offering $1500 sponsorship grants to one team per sports carnival
7. NT : Miwatj Mental Health Program leading the way in remote Australia
8. Clintons Walk announces plans for Canberra September 3 to complete his 5,580 mile from Perth
9. TAS : Video of NAIDOC Week 2017 Our Language Matters
10. View hundreds of ACCHO Deadly Good News Stories over past 5 years
How to submit a NACCHO Affiliate or Members Good News Story ?
Email to Colin Cowell NACCHO Media
Mobile 0401 331 251
Wednesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Thursday
1. National : 2017 NACCHO Members’ Conference abstracts / Expressions of Interest close 21 August
NACCHO is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Member Services for speakers, case studies and table top presentations for the 2017 NACCHO Members’ Conference. This is an opportunity to show case grass roots best practice at the Aboriginal Community Controlled service delivery level.
In doing so honouring the theme of this year’s NACCHO Members’ Conference ‘Our Health Counts: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.
How to submit an EOI
Please provide the following information and submit via email to
mailto:NACCHO-AGM@naccho.org.au
by COB Monday 21st August 2017.
- Name of Member Service
- Name of presenter(s)
- Name of program
- Name of session
- Contact details: Phone | Mobile | Email
Provide the key points you want to cover – in no more than 500 words outline the program/ project/ topic you would like to present on.
Describe how your presentation/case study supports the 2017 NACCHO Members’ Conference theme ‘Our Health Counts: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.
2.1 QLD : Apunipima Cape York Charkil-Om Celebrates first birthday
One of NACCHO’s latest ACCHO clinics Apunipima’s Charkil-Om Primary Health Care Centre on Cape York celebrates its first anniversary in August!
Charkil-Om, which means bone fish in local Thanakwith language, provides comprehensive primary health care to the remote community of Napranum which is about nine kilometres south of Weipa.
Opening picture above : R: Tackling Smoking Health Worker Ernest Madua, Receptionist Marissa Sabatino, Casual Receptionist Christine Hall (past employee), Cleaner Melissa Clermont, Medical Officer Dr Lauren Finlay, Indigenous Health Practitioner Regina Coleman, Registered Nurse Alison Boyd, Midwife and Child Health Nurse Noelene Weightman.
Napranum community member, Traditional Owner and Tackling Indigenous Smoking Health Worker Ernest Madua Jnr explained what Charkil- Om means to him.
‘We now have a service that meets the needs of Napranum community members,’ he said.
‘The key to living longer healthier lives (Closing the Gap) is early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and curable conditions. Too long our mob die too early, my people, my community deserves better, big thank you to Apunipima Charkil-Om for providing this opportunity.’
Charkil-Om Primary Health Care Centre manager Kelvin Coleman echoed Ernest’s sentiments, expressing pride in the professionalism and dedication of the Napranum and wider – Apunipima team.
‘I would like to acknowledge and thank the staff (too many to name) for their commitment and hard work that made Charkil-Om what it is today. THANK YOU ALL!’
‘This commitment to community has seen the Charkil – Om team get involved in a number of community events and initiatives – these include:
- Participation in the local NAIDOC celebrations – we created a float and held a community barbeque BBQ;
- Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do It! (MEND) Program (a healthy lifestyles program for families);
- Need for Feed Programs (a cooking and healthy eating education program for young people);
- Tackling Smoking video
- Supporting Napranum Mokwi Men’s Group;
- Preschool screening (providing preventative health checks for four year olds);
- Tackling Indigenous Smoking program;
- Membership of the Napranum Disaster Management Committee;
- Successful ISO accreditation; and
- Reestablishment of the Napranum Health Action Team (a community committee which communicates community health priorities to providers).’
Apunipima Chairperson Thomas Hudson said Charkil-Om’s achievements are in line with the Board’s vision.
‘On my last visit to Napranum, I received overwhelmingly positive feedback from community regarding Apunipima staff engagement and participation at sporting events and other local events within the community. These demonstrate the commitment the team shows to the community engagement, education, health promotion and prevention.’
‘On behalf of the Apunipima Board and team, I wish Charkil-Om a happy first birthday.’
2.2 QLD : Minister Ken Wyatt launches new wing of ATSICHS Jimbelunga Nursing Centre
It was an honour to have Ken Wyatt Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health launch the new wings of Jimbelunga Nursing Centre today. Also joining us was Aunty Pam Mam the first Indigenous nurse to be employed by ATSICHS. She continued to work in the organisation for the majority of her working life, sixteen years of it at Jimbelunga.
Jimbelunga Nursing Centre has been providing an extensive range of aged health care and support services in the community since November 1994.
Located in Eagleby in the outer suburbs of Brisbane it provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with residential aged care and support, including, meals, laundry and medical and allied health services.
ATSICHS Brisbane received $12.5m in funding from the Federal Government to redevelop the Jimblelunga aged care facility. This enabled much needed upgrades to the existing facilities and the ability to expand, with an increase of 19 new beds for residents, taking the number from 55 to 74.
Stage one of new build and expansion project was completed in 2016 with residents moving in to this building in August. Stage 2 included the re-furbishment of the existing nursing home building known as Casuarinam, which saw the rooms turned into large sized single rooms with shared ensuites and a brand new 7 bed secure unit (formerly known as dementia units).
The final stages were completed recently with residents moving in.
3. WA : AHCWA Youth E-newsletter is to promote and share positive youth stories from within the communities
AHCWA Youth have just released the first edition of the AHCWA Youth E-Newsletter!
The purpose of the AHCWA Youth E-newsletter is to promote and share positive youth stories from within the communities, a brief update on what AHCWA Youth have been up to and also to share any Youth related projects run through the WA Aboriginal Medical Services.
Edition 1 is an introduction to the AHCWA Youth Program, and a new edition will be distributed every 3 months to the sector and wider …community.
The new Youth E-Newsletter can be download or viewed here:
If you would like more information on the Youth Program at AHCWA or if you would like to subscribe to the E-Newsletters, please contact Hayley, our Aboriginal Youth Program Coordinator on Hayley.Thompson@ahcwa.org
AHCWA youth were so excited to run a health workshop with the Deadly Sista Girlz at St Mary’s College in Broome August 7
August 4 was National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day and to celebrate Awabakal thought they would share with you some of the photos from the Baby Welcoming Ceremony .
It was a great event with almost 40 babies welcomed into our community.
A big thank you to our Elders and the Mums and Bubs members and team for putting everything together
This newly formed Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network (ACCN) will work to improve the experience and delivery of healthcare for Aboriginal people with chronic conditions in NSW.
To achieve this, the ACCN will guide and support the process of evidence-based reform in health services by developing, promoting and implementing new initiatives, frameworks and Models of Care. It will do this by enhancing and supporting the integration of care for Aboriginal communities accessing chronic care services in NSW in accordance with ACI values.
Purpose
This newly formed Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network (ACCN) will work to improve the experience and delivery of healthcare for Aboriginal people with chronic conditions in NSW. To achieve this, the ACCN will guide and support the process of evidence-based reform in health services by developing, promoting and implementing new initiatives, frameworks and Models of Care. It will do this by enhancing and supporting the integration of care for Aboriginal communities accessing chronic care services in NSW in accordance with ACI values.
The ACCN will collaborate with key stakeholders including, other ACI Networks, Local Health Districts/Speciality Health Networks, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, NSW Ministry of Health, Primary Health Networks, Consumers and other Non-Government Organisations.
The ACCN will provide advice and strategic direction to the ACC Network staff and oversee the development and implementation of local and state-wide initiatives as prioritised by the Network. All decision making around the priorities and project work of the Network will be determined by its members through the Network Executive.
As a proud sponsor of the Aboriginal Basketball Academy we got to hear the legendary Patrick Mills speak at a fundraising lunch, aimed at getting more of our young mob out on the courts and gaining opportunities to make the world stage, just like Patty.
Patty’s message was a simple one – believe in yourself, stay true to your dreams and commit to them 100%. Our team agreed he could not have been more humble and genuine.
Whatever your dream is, quitting the smokes is a sure path to helping achieve it through a healthier and longer life!
Great partnering with Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia and Woodville District Basketball Club Warriors for such a deadly event. #DontLetYourDreamsGoUpInSmoke
6. VIC : VAHS will be offering $1500 sponsorship grants to one team per sports carnival.
This year VAHS will be offering $1500 sponsorship grants to one team per sports carnival. To apply for these sponsorships one team representative from each team must complete this survey which asks the following questions:
This is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VAHSCarnivals…
1. Tell us about your club, including the team name, number of players, where you are all from etc.
2. VAHS will provide $1500 in total, what does your team intend to spend this money on?
E.g. uniforms, travel, accommodation, catering, registration fees etc.
3. VAHS values the importance of the following health promoting behaviours. Please tell us how your team will demonstrate these values throughout the carnival.
• Staying Smoke Free
• Choosing water over sugary drinks
• Eating healthy, nutritious foods
• Drinking alcohol responsibly
• Being aware of the dangers of gambling
Here are the carnival dates and closing dates for applications:
Vic Junior Carnival (Horsham)
Wednesday 27th-Thurs 28th September
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 2nd August
Winner announced: Friday 4th August
(1 netball team and 1 football team)
Statewide Koorie Football & Netball Carnival (Ballarat)
14th 15th October
Closing date for applications: Sunday 13th August
Winner announced: Friday 18th August
(1 netball team and one football team)
Women’s Football Carnival AFL Victoria Statewide Koorie Women’s Football Carnival
25th 26th November
Closing date for applications: Sunday 24th September
Winner announced: Friday 30th September
(1 football team)
Looking forward to another great year of carnivals!
#BePositive #BeBrave #BeFocused #BeStrong #StaySmokeFree
Mental Health professionals gathered at the Garma Festival in East Arnhem Land yesterday to discuss social and emotional wellbeing and mental health, with a particular focus on the success of the Miwatj Mental Health Program.
The Miwatj Mental Health Program is a Yolŋu-led program based in Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island and is administered by the Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, a Yolŋu community controlled Health Organisation.
The Program is leading in the treatment and management of Indigenous mental health. The Mental Health Team works collaboratively with families and the community to provide tailored care to individuals suffering from mental illness.
The Program is an integral part of the community in Galiwin’ku, and the team’s outreach program allows people to be treated in their homes where they feel most connected and at ease.
The concept of health in the Yolŋu culture involves not only the body, mind and spirit being in balance, but also a sense of equilibrium with family and community.
Chief Health Officer of the Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation Dr Lucas de Toca says the program operates on three streams, but the most important aspect is that it is managed and controlled by Yolŋu peoples.
“It is a community based program operating over a continuum of stepped care for all levels of mental illness. We operate three streams, including a therapeutic stream with counselling, a social and cultural stream with traditional approaches to care including family involvement, and a medical stream to deal with acute care and ensure patients with mental health issues receive the appropriate medical care,” said Dr de Toca.
“The three streams function in a coordinated fashion, interlinked through the work of aboriginal health practitioners who are extremely competent both in the medical as well as in the social and cultural aspects of providing care for patients.”
“We are in one of the most remote locations in Australia, but are still able to deliver a high quality and best practice model, following the recommendations of the Mental Health Commission as well as using traditional methods of healing and care.”
Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan, who has been visiting the Miwatj Mental Health Program for a number of years, was joined by Rarrtjiwuy Herdman and Djamaḻaka Dhamarraṉdji to discuss the success of the program and broader issues of social and emotional wellbeing at the Garma Festival.
“The Miwatj Mental Health Program is a huge success and we can all learn from its strengths – local people making local decisions about the care, services and needs of the people in their community,” said Mr Quinlan.
“This is remote country, and to see a service go from strength-to-strength in recent years, with tangible results, is a real success story for community mental health. Certainly a program that could be adapted and used elsewhere in remote and rural Australia.”
To find out more about the Miwatj Mental Health Program http://miwatj.com.au/what-we-do/clinical-services/
8. Clintons Walk announces plans for Canberra September 3 to complete his 5,580 mile from Perth
Clinton’s Walk For Justice calls for support rallies and events to be held all across the country on September 3, as Clinton’s big Canberra arrival event is held.
We’ll be calling on the Governor General to meet with Clinton and begin discussions about treaty – sovereign to sovereign.
We encourage all people – from the cities all the way out to the remote communities – to take part in a national day of action to push for treaty and address issues of injustice faced by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
9. TAS : Video of NAIDOC Week 2017 Our Language Matters
NAIDOC Week 2017 Our Language Matters
As part of NAIDOC week, families and programs took part in a variety of activities celebrating the theme Our Language Matters.
Here are videos and photos of some of the celebrations:
Scarlett Spotswood & Stella Hall giving Welcome to Country, Launceston Mall, NAIDOC 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSno71b0L-I&feature=youtu.be
kanaplila-ripana (Youth Dance), perform nawama papiti (thunder & lightning) and warruwa (evil spirit) dances for NAIDOC Week, Launceston Mall, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDgAQVxrdSI&feature=youtu.be
pakana kitina (little Tassie Blackfellas) group singing in palawa kani, Launceston TAC, NAIDOC 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOnYaobNP28&feature=youtu.be
Cooper Marshall, giving Welcome to Country, Campbell Street Primary School Assembly, Hobart, NAIDOC 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi0Kqze6XIk&feature=youtu.be
takariliya (families) palawa kani water writing, wura (duck) & kanamaluka (Tamar River), Launceston TAC, NAIDOC 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F0diargmfE&feature=youtu.be
Youth singing in palawa kani, Song Workshop, Launceston TAC, NAIDOC 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bv2mCPvswU&feature=youtu.be