1.1 National : NACCHO Acting Chair, Ms Donnella Mills welcomes announcement of a $125 million Indigenous Health Research Fund over the next ten years
1.2 National : The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (HealthInfoNet) is a leading online source of knowledge and information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
2.1. VIC : Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) ACCHO see red for a good cause
2.2 Vic: Victorian Aboriginal Health (VAHS) promotes health services to Melbourne Uni Indigenous Students
2.3 Vic : Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op Week 1 of #iDareYa with Spark Health discussing health and goal setting.
3.1 QLD : Congratulations to the Apunipima ACCHO team in Aurukun NFQ who completed Mental Health First Aid training in community last week.
3.2 QLD : Gidgee Healing ACCHO Allied Health Exercise Physiologist runs WIO (Work it Out) program
3.3 QLD : Wuchopperen Health Service Limited (Wuchopperen) Diabetes Education Program on the Rise in Cairns
3.4 QLD : St.George Queensland Reds today announces a partnership with Deadly Choices, the preventative health program of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.
4.1 WA: Wangkatjungka community in the remote Kimberley are now able to access important health services in a $3.66 million brand new clinic
4.2 WA : AHCWA and Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service run men’s and women’s sexual health workshops at remote Wiluna
5.1 NT : AMSANT : Central Australia Academic Health Science Network [CAASHN], John Paterson praises the Commonwealth funding announcement $125 million over 10 years
5.2 NT Danila Dilba/Deadly Choices ACCHO hosted a game of (EDOR) at Casuarina Senior College with participants from STARS Foundation and Army Regiment 1 CSR.
5.3 NT : Team Congress ACCHO at the ASR&WC run
6. NSW : Katungul’s ACCHO : ‘Strong Women’s Program’ is an inclusive, holistic health program that brings together women from our local community aged 45+ on a weekly basis to improve physical, social and emotional well being.
7. ACT : Another step forward – signing of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement
8. TAS: palawa kani to run a stall and workshops at Hobart Language Day / International year of Indigenous Languages
How to submit in 2019 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 Thursday /Friday
1.1 National : NACCHO Acting Chair, Ms Donnella Mills welcomes announcement of a $125 million Indigenous Health Research Fund over the next ten years
“ NACCHO has always supported Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands, and we have always included health research in that call.
This is a first step in recognising that evidence-based research in the hands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers is a real game changer in investment in the health of our people and our communities.
NACCHO looks forward to working in partnership to achieve practical benefits in research, and the translation of that research into real action on the ground.”
Yesterdays announcement of a $125 million Indigenous Health Research Fund over the next ten years has been welcomed by NACCHO Acting Chair, Ms Donnella Mills.
Read or download the full NACCHO Press Release
NACCHO Press Release Indigenous Futures Health Announcement
1.2 National : The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (HealthInfoNet) is a leading online source of knowledge and information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
The nationally used web resource has been acknowledged as an essential element of infrastructure contributing to Australia’s efforts to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
The HealthInfoNet is the first resource of its kind in the world and is guided by strong commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
The HealthInfoNet publishes a number of newsletters to keep health professionals up to date with reports, health promotion and health practice resources along with tools to help staff carry out their roles.
Follow this link to see the latest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers newsletter or sign up to our other health topic newsletters.
NACCHO is a HealthInfoNet Advisory Board member and would welcome your feedback about how our ACCHO’s can be better supported by this site :
2.1. VIC : Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) ACCHO see red for a good cause
There was a distinct shade of red at Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) on last week – and not just because it was Valentine’s Day.
It was also Wear Red Day with staff at MDAS getting into the spirit of the Heart Research Australia awareness day.
“Heart Disease is still the leading cause of death in Australia- but is also a disease that is largely affected by lifestyle,” MDAS allied health co-ordinator Crystal Kirby said.
“We’ve got some fantastic programs getting under way that focus on lifestyle change, so we thought it was a great opportunity to raise some awareness and get the community on board.”
Ms Kirby said MDAS had two eight-week programs starting to target heart health a “Kicking Butts” quit smoking program and a “Road to Deadly Health” program for people living the chronic disease.
MDAS is also restarting its weekly Heart Foundation walking group.
“By improving your lifestyle, including your diet and level of fitness, you can minimise your risk of getting cardiovascular disease,” Ms Kirby said.
Heart disease kills one Australian every 28 minutes and Heart Foundation research shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 70 per cent more likely to die from circulatory diseases.
Heart Health Australia’s Wear Red Day raises funds for research and everyone dressing in red at MDAS this week made a gold coin donation to the cause.
2.2 Vic: Victorian Aboriginal Health (VAHS) promotes health services to Melbourne Uni Indigenous Students
Bonnie and Lena are at their old stomping ground this morning at Melbourne Uni sharing what services VAHS has to offer to all the new Indigenous students!
#StaySmokeFree #DeadlyChoices #BePositive
2.3 Vic : Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op Week 1 of #iDareYa with Spark Health discussing health and goal setting.
They also checked in with Wathaurong Health Team in the clinic and did our fitness testing.
Keeping in mind the whole time we are measuring change not results over the 6 weeks.
3.1 QLD : Congratulations to the Apunipima ACCHO team in Aurukun NFQ who completed Mental Health First Aid training in community last week.
This week, Apunimpima’s Aurukun facility was the venue for a three day training course on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid. The course provides skills and techniques for assisting and supporting people who are developing a mental health problem, experiecing worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis.
This nationally accredited course was co-facilitated by Bernard David, Apunipima’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program Community Implementation Manager and Theresa Elliot from National Employment Services Association.
As well as Apunipima staff, the course was also open to community members and staff from local community organisations.
Further Mental Health First Aid training courses are already planned in Coen, Hope Vale, Napranum and Mapoon.
3.2 QLD : Gidgee Healing ACCHO Allied Health Exercise Physiologist runs WIO (Work it Out) program
The photo below is from the WIO (Work it Out) program that our Gidgee Healing Allied Health Exercise Physiologist – Asher Pomerenke and Tayla West Chong – AHA runs weekly.
If people don’t know what the Work It Out program supports, is for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people who have been diagnosed or are at risk of having a Chronic Disease.
The program is delivered by Allied Health professionals, working together to support each client’s health journey through chronic disease self-management and rehabilitation.
By coming to Work It Out, our clients have seen improvements in their
– confidence in managing their health and wellness
cardiovascular fitness
– balance and movement in day to day tasks
– mental health and well being
If you think you would like to be apart of this program please, make an appointment to see one of our doctors, to get a referral to the Work It Out program.
3.3 QLD : Wuchopperen Health Service Limited (Wuchopperen) Diabetes Education Program on the Rise in Cairns
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Cairns region seeking diabetes education at Wuchopperen Health Service Limited (Wuchopperen) has increased by 36% in 2018 according to data from the Cairns based Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
Wuchopperen is home to a number of Allied Health professionals including a diabetes educator, dietician, podiatrist, optometrist and exercise physiologist who work in partnership to create plans with our clients who are currently living with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes Educator for Wuchopperen, Tony Pappas says it is encouraging to see clients find value in attending the Allied Health education sessions increasing in the community.
“Diabetes is such an enormous issue for people in Cairns and it is really important to manage the risk early. The Wuchopperen Diabetes Education Sessions aren’t just for people who are already living with diabetes, they can be a great tool for those at risk of developing diabetes too. Understanding how to reduce your risk of diabetes is essential if we are going to see a reduction in our trend towards unhealthy lifestyles and the detrimental impacts this can have on our overall wellbeing.
Taking simple steps like reducing our intake of sugary drinks, adding exercise to your daily life and making healthy food choices can have a huge impact on your likelihood of developing diabetes.
Having less sugary drinks and food also supports healthy teeth, healthy skin and healthy weight,” says Tony.
During the Diabetes Education Sessions, clients are able to discuss any issues they might be having managing their diabetes or changing their habits. The ultimate goal of these sessions is to work with clients on preventing diabetes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, effect your vision and increase your risk of amputation, stroke, kidney damage and puts you at a greater risk of heart attack.
“Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic illness in the world and a variety of studies have shown it effects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people more acutely, specifically in regard to type 2 diabetes.
3.4 QLD : St.George Queensland Reds today announces a partnership with Deadly Choices, the preventative health program of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.
The Reds and the Queensland Rugby Union will help deliver the program throughout the State. For the past eight years the QRU has run a successful mentoring program for Indigenous students in the communities of Cherbourg, Woorabindah and Yarrabah.
Reds players Moses Sorovi, from Yam Island in the Torres Strait, and Duncan Paia’aua will be ambassadors for Deadly Choices.
Queensland Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services, The Hon. Dr Steven Miles MP launched the partnership last night, the first time a rugby union team has been part of the ground-breaking initiative.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s $16 million expansion of the Deadly Choices Healthy Lifestyle Program is a commitment to positive change among Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” confirmed Minister Miles.
“It’s about closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Queenslanders and we commend the Queensland Reds for adding Deadly Choices to its existing Indigenous engagement portfolio.
“The rollout of Deadly Choices has the potential to reach approximately 165,000 individuals, which speaks volumes for the outstanding possibilities of the Queensland Reds-Deadly Choices partnership.”
Queensland Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer David Hanham said: “This is a natural extension of the great work the QRU has been doing in Indigenous communities for almost a decade.
“Deadly Choices is an inspiring program and we look forward to being part of that inspiration.”
Moses Sorovi said: “I feel very proud playing in our Indigenous jersey and it’s going to be really inspiring for us as layers to see kids wearing that jersey as part of the Deadly Choices program.”
IUIH CEO Adrian Carson said: “This partnership will bring life-changing benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples right across Queensland.
“Moses, Duncan and the entire Reds squad will assist in educating youth about the importance of taking a preventative approach to their health, and living healthy lifestyles. This includes reducing the negative impacts of smoking and drinking alcohol, and advocating consistent attendance at school.
“It provides the kids a chance to make positive decisions around being a deadly student. It’s about our young ones looking at the opportunities available, with education being the passport towards achieving their dreams.”
4.1 WA: Wangkatjungka community in the remote Kimberley are now able to access important health services in a $3.66 million brand new clinic
Residents of the Wangkatjungka community in the remote Kimberley are now able to access important health services in a brand new clinic.
The $3.66 million expanded Wangkatjungka Health Centre is a fit-for-purpose and culturally secure clinic that will transform the way patients access hospital treatment and clinic appointments.
New clinic offers culturally appropriate and secure care for Aboriginal patients
Additions include private consult rooms, a resuscitation bay and pathology services
Clinic includes family room with area set aside for elders to prepare bush medicines
It includes a separate emergency resuscitation bay with its own pathology space, three consult rooms, a family group room and separate waiting areas for men and women. There is also a purpose-built ambulance bay and ramp at the front of the building, plus future capacity in the design for home dialysis treatment.
The family group room will enable families to come together to discuss healthcare treatment, and includes a sink and bench to allow for the preparation of bush medicine by elders and family members.
The layout has been carefully planned so that men and women can be seen and treated in completely separate spaces, if required, for cultural security.
The clinic is open Monday to Thursday from 10am-2pm, with registered nurses providing acute and emergency treatment along with regular appointments for maternal and child health, immunisations, sexual and reproductive health, chronic conditions and other services.
Visiting community health nurses and GPs provide weekly and fortnightly clinics for a range of important services including mental health, child health and midwifery. Wangkatjungka’s regular visiting dental, paediatric, renal and ear, nose and throat clinics will also be held at the new centre.
The Wangkatjungka Health Centre is part of a $22.2 million project to upgrade eight Aboriginal clinics in some of the most remote communities in Western Australia. Clinics have already been completed in Bayulu, Noonkanbah, Mulan and Billiluna in the Kimberley and Yandeyarra in the Pilbara. The Jigalong and Looma clinic upgrades are expected to be completed in 2019.
As noted by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The new clinic is a modern and welcoming place for the local Aboriginal community to receive healthcare, and I am pleased to hear that the first patients have already been through the doors.
“We know that providing healthcare that offers appropriate cultural security to Aboriginal patients encourages people to seek treatment when they otherwise might not. This results in short and long-term health benefits.”
As noted by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
“The local WA Country Health Service team has worked closely with the Wangkatjungka community on every aspect of the design and fit-out of this new health centre to ensure the community will feel safe, secure, respected and welcome.
“I am pleased the residents in this remote community have a new fit-for-purpose and culturally secure clinic, it will transform the way they access healthcare close to home.”
4.2 WA : AHCWA and Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service run men’s and women’s sexual health workshops at remote Wiluna
Luke and Meagan have been out and about again, this time heading back to Wiluna to support three Young Deadly Free (YDF) Educators to run men’s and women’s sexual health workshops at Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service.
The program is gaining momentum with 22 community members attending the workshops. Fantastic work by the YDF Educators, one of the biggest turnouts ever!
5.1 NT : AMSANT : Central Australia Academic Health Science Network [CAASHN], John Paterson praises the Commonwealth funding announcement $125 million over 10 years
The Chairperson of the Central Australia Academic Health Science Network [CAASHN], John Paterson, has praised the Commonwealth announcement today of a $125 million over 10 years boost to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.
“Minister Hunt’s announcement today puts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research into our hands—into the hands of community controlled health research and delivery,” said Mr Paterson.
“In years to come, this will be acknowledged as a major shift in the way in which research is governed, and will set benchmarks in how research is initiated, how it is developed, how it is carried out and how research results are implemented.
“This new decade-long approach will set best practice for the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research across the nation—and as a national program we will truly see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research without borders.
“For the first time, as well, Minister Hunt cited tackling the social determinants of health as a key issue in Closing the Gap in health outcomes—a profound acknowledgement of the root causes of so much that faces our people.
“For years so much of research into the health of our people has been carried out by major research institutes and universities. While these groups have increasingly recognised the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander input, this Indigenous Health Research Fund now sets best practice in putting our people at the forefront.”
The $25 million fund will be directed by an Aboriginal task force led by Dr Alex Brown from SAHMRI in Adelaide and Professor Misty Jenkins from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne with representation from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled sector.
5.2 NT Danila Dilba/Deadly Choices ACCHO hosted a game of (EDOR) at Casuarina Senior College with participants from STARS Foundation and Army Regiment 1 CSR.
This gave both organisations exposure towards Traditional Indigenous games which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Danila Dilba/Deadly Choices are working with the STARS Foundation and Army Regiment 1 CSR to support and enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to make healthy and active choices towards realising their full potential in all aspects of their development and wellbeing. #deadlychoices
5.3 NT : Team Congress ACCHO at the ASR&WC run
6. NSW : Katungul’s ACCHO : ‘Strong Women’s Program’ is an inclusive, holistic health program that brings together women from our local community aged 45+ on a weekly basis to improve physical, social and emotional well being.
Elements of the program include weekly sessions at the gym with qualified trainers through to catered lunches, arts and crafts and everything in between.
This program is kicking off in March so if you or someone you know might be interested, give Christine a call on 0455 100 650 or 02 4476 2155.
7. ACT : Another step forward – signing of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement
| The partnership between Canberra’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the ACT Government continues to strengthen with the formal signing of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028.
The Agreement, signed today, builds on the strength of the previous Agreement (2015-2018) and sets the long term direction in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs in the ACT. It outlines how the ACT Government, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and our non-government partners will work together to meet the social, cultural and economic needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Chief Minister, Andrew Barr; Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith; Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, Katrina Fanning; and Head of the ACT Public Service, Kathy Leigh signed the Agreement in the presence of Government and community members. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the new Agreement reinforces the ACT Government’s commitment to selfdetermination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, and to recognising and responding to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT. “Over the course of the ten-year Agreement we will make significant progress in improving lives and outcomes for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. This Agreement also pays respect to the special place of Australia’s first people in our inclusive community, and commits us to doing more to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the ACT and to celebrate the world’s oldest living cultures.” Katrina Fanning, Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body said, “We have theopportunity in the ACT to lead the nation in closing the gap in life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and collectively we are committed to this. This Agreement reflects what our community knows to be true, that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led decision making is the key to closing the gap.” |
| Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith thanked the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body for its deep engagement with the community over the last year in workshops and consultations to set the priorities in this Agreement.
“The community and government are working in partnership, and these priorities will drive initiatives across government to bring about change. Over the life of the Agreement we will be reporting regularly on progress and working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on new programs and challenges.” Ms Stephen-Smith said. The Agreement commits the ACT Government and community partners to self-determination as the guiding principle in the delivery of programs and services and are working in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to address matters that are important to them. Its four core focus areas are Children and Young People, Cultural Integrity, Inclusive Community and Community Leadership. Further significant focus areas of the agreement cover Connecting the Community, Life Long Learning, Economic Participation, Health and Wellbeing, Housing, and Justice. The Agreement artwork, ‘Strength in Community,’ was commissioned from Canberra artist Leah Brideson and was on display for the first time at the signing event. The Agreement is available on the Strong Families portal here: https://www.strongfamilies.act.gov.au/home |
8. TAS: palawa kani to run a stall and workshops at Hobart Language Day / International year of Indigenous Languages
We will have a bigger presence this year in the International year of Indigenous Languages, and hope as many people as possible can come along to experience and share in the language of Tasmanian Aborigines