1.1 Our CEO Pat Turner and Acting Chair Donnella Mills congratulate the newly elected Morrison Government
2.1 NT : AMSANT and Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre enter into Leadership Development Partnership
2.2 NT : Red Lily Health Board in Jabiru now in the hands of a community controlled health board .
3.1 NSW : Werin ACCHO : Ngambaga Bindarry Girrwaa Elders win 21st Elders Olympics held in Port Macquarie
3.2 NSW : Awabakal ACCHO Newcastle : Your health is in your hands, says the 715 Health Checks team
3.3 NSW : Greater Western ACCHO and Deadly Choices last night launched a partnership with the @TheParraEels at BankWest Stadium.
4.1 VIC : VAHS would like to thank all 300+ community members who attended our Epping community day to help celebrate VAHS new Epping Clinic.
4.2 VIC : Deadly Choices facilitator training in beautiful Bendigo with the BDAC team
5. QLD : Gidgee Healing Mt Isa . Big day for Mt Isa’s first Deadly Choices Indigenous Senior Elders Games
6.SA : Pika Wiya Health Corporation provides the 715 health check and runs a range of support programs
7.1 WA : Her Rules Her Game is proud to support the BGA leadership camp to Melbourne.
7.2 WA : Team AHCWA up and running
8. TAS 2019-20 Budget: Investing in Tasmania’s Aboriginal communities
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 Our CEO Pat Turner and Acting Chair Donnella Mills congratulate the newly elected Morrison Government
CEO of The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Pat Turner, spoke on the ABC News Channel on Sunday
Our thanks to Croakey for this report .
Turner congratulated the newly elected Government and said she hoped that the Parliament would take a bipartisan approach to dealing with all matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
She also thanked the Labor party for all the hard work they did in putting forward their policy platform which “unfortunately the Australian people decided they weren’t ready to take on”.
“Regardless of the election result,” Turner said, “we need a radical rethink by governments regarding the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Turner said NACCHO was grateful for Scott Morrison’s leadership on closing the gap.
We need to see the colour of the money and I’m hoping that the Prime Minister will announce that very soon.
We also urge all the state and territory governments to work with us on a collaborative basis, to ensure the self-determination of our people is given legs.”
Turner said self determination had been a policy since the early 1970’s but that infrastructure and support for Indigenous systems of government “to ensure our cultural values remain, our languages remain and our culture is strong” had not been forthcoming:
The resources need to be directed at the Aboriginal communities and through Aboriginal controlled organisations.
The old way of doing things and business as usual are over. Scott Morrison has the mandate to ensure that he takes on our advice.”
She also said the days of government appointed advisory bodies were over:
Aboriginal people need a real say in who they want to speak for them.
The community controlled organisations should be respected, and have a seat at the negotiating table, making sure the decisions are made in partnership with us.”
Turner said there were more than 40 organisations in the Coalition of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Bodies and that they were “extremely united” in their efforts to close the gap.
We came together because we were devastated over the past.
We would like the 500 million dollars taken out of the Aboriginal Affairs budget by Abbott and Hockey reinvested in Aboriginal community control.”
She said the states and local government also need to be more accountable for the programs they are responsible for.
We are always accountable as Aboriginal people and we will continue. We want the responsibility and we have to be given the role, to play it.”
Turner thanked Scott Morrison for his commitment to ending youth suicide and invited him to visit one of the high risk areas to meet the people on the ground and “make sure we really hear from our communities how we can overcome this tragedy of youth suicide.”
Ten proposals from NACCHO
NACCHO’s Acting Chair Donnella Mills presented ten policy proposals (fleshed out in this statement,) to “seize the moment and make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health a national priority”.
2.1 NT : AMSANT and Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre enter into Leadership Development Partnership
“Aboriginal Health in Aboriginal Hands remains fundamental to the success and growth of our services throughout the NT.
We need to be empowered and inspired to continue to grow our leadership capacity to meet demands of today and the future.
Whilst our leadership journeys continue beyond training, the right training and motivation to spark and drive ideas provides the perfect starting point.
This partnership is testament of how working together can reap real and meaningful gains as we support and invest in our future leaders “.
CEO of AMSANT, John Paterson
Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT) and The Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre (AILC) last week embarked on a new partnership to work together to continue to deliver Regional Leadership Workshops to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service staff and other related service staff throughout the Northern Territory.
The parties signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the relationship between the two organisations, and build on and further strengthen the success of the program which AMSANT has delivered since 2006.
This partnership comes at an opportune time as AILC now have a permanent presence here in the NT. AILC are the experts in delivery of leadership training and AMSANT are the peak body of a membership of 25 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the NT. The partnership is a practical and mutually beneficial arrangement where each organisation can bring their collective capacity to the table to make certain that the commitment to Aboriginal Health Leadership training continues and our future leaders are supported to realise their aspirations and to continue to develop and grow the sector.
Following the success of a trial of regional leadership workshops held in Alice Springs last year, the regional model and approach will remain a feature of how they are planned and delivered under the term of this partnership.
Robyn Forester, CEO AILC welcomed the partnership. “The AILC is excited for the partnership with AMSANT. It provides both organisations with the opportunity to support and grow current and emerging Aboriginal Leadership in the NT. It will also allow the AILC to be accessible to many communities that have not benefited from AILC training in the past”, Ms Forester said.
2.2 NT : Red Lily Health Board in Jabiru now in the hands of a community controlled health board .
“The Red Lily Health Board acknowledges the assistance provided over many years by elders and community members in the West Arnhem region as well as Top End Health Service, NT Health, AMSANT, Northern Territory PHN and the Commonwealth Department of Health.”
“Communities have local advisory groups who are actively involved in the community control of health services to determine their priorities “
Red Lily Health Board Chair, Reuben Cooper
Photo attached – Left to Right:
Andrew Bell (Independent Director), Rosemary Nabulwad (Director – Gunbalanya Outstations), Mary Djurundudu (Director – Warruwi (South Goulburn Island)), Health Minister Natasha Fyles, Reuben Cooper (Chair, representing Cobourg Peninsula), Steven Fejo (Director – Minjilang (Croker Island)), Steve Hayes (Transition Manager
Local Decision Making has been put into the hands of a community controlled health board in Jabiru.
The Red Lily Health Board is now overseeing the provision of public health services in Jabiru after the transfer of funding from Northern Territory PHN in April.
The Territory Labor Government is determined to restore local decision making to communities.
Minister for Health Natasha Fyles has personally congratulated the board while they were in Darwin for meetings.
Most of the board members have been on the board since 2008 and are confident they are well prepared to deliver the care required by their communities. These communities include Gunbalanya, Jabiru, Minjilang, Warruwi, and related Homelands/Outstations.
Red Lily Health Board has plans underway to broaden the promotion of health and wellness to the Aboriginal people of the West Arnhem region with Red Lily commencing planning to transfer further health service delivery in the coming year.
Quotes from the Minister of Health, Natasha Fyles:
“Transitioning health services to community control is a key election commitment of the Territory Labor Government and I look forward to Red Lily’s success with managing additional services in the year ahead.”
“The Red Lily Health Board members should be recognised for their dedication to promoting health and wellness to the Aboriginal people of the West Arnhem region.”
Quotes from the Member for Arafura, Lawrence Costa:
“To build a strong Territory we must have strong communities. Transitioning to Aboriginal controlled health services is an important part of delivering this.”
“This is a key milestone for communities in West Arnhem Land.”
3.1 NSW : Werin ACCHO : Ngambaga Bindarry Girrwaa Elders win 21st Elders Olympics held in Port Macquarie
What legends! After a drought of nearly 20 years our Ngambaga Bindarry Girrwaa Elders from the Nambucca Valley have brought home a swag of medals and won the overall event at the Elders Olympics held in Port Macquarie last month.
The 2019 Elders Olympics are being hailed as the best ever.
Organised by the Werin Aboriginal Elders team, representing their auspicing body Werin Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre, 519 competitors and support workers participated on the day.
There was also plenty of spectators on hand to soak up the atmosphere.
Ngambaga with two teams of ten, it was Team 2 that scored the runs … or rather the shots, the hits and more as they competed in egg and spoon races, quoits, netball, bean bags, softball and of course a relay.
Absolute champion of the day was Noelene Ballangarry – she broke the record for shots in Pass the Football, which requires players to shoot a big ball through a little hole.
“She just kept slotting them through, and I’m saying go, go, go,” Ngambaga chair Aunty Ann Edwards said.
The Elders Olympics started back in 2001 in the Nambucca Valley – with two teams. Now there are 38 teams from all around NSW, including Tamworth, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Inverell, Dubbo and Moree.
“It is the best time – we all look forward to it, to seeing friends and family and having a good chin wag,” Aunty Ann said.
What about training?
“Oh I think we threw a few bean bags once!” Aunty Val Balir laughed.
Already thoughts have turned to next year … even more so because Bowraville will host it.
3.2 NSW : Awabakal ACCHO Newcastle : Your health is in your hands, says the 715 Health Checks team
For more than 40 years, Awabakal has been looking after the health of the Newcastle mob.
The New South Wales mid north coast region is home to one of the largest populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.
The 715 health check is a preventative health assessment designed specifically to support the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“A 715 health check is critical to the overall health of our Aboriginal community. We need to make sure that our community are coming in, accessing the service and getting their health check completed.
“It is important GP’s build rapport with our patients and our community to get them the health support that they actually need. We want to get to know you, as a person, your health is a key part of that.”
Toni Johnston A/g CEO Awabakal Medical Service NSW
“The 715 Health Check is a really important part of how we keep our mob healthy. It’s a really good health assessment that checks on physical, social and emotional health to keep us all as healthy as we can be.
After a 715 Health Check we see that people are more aware of what their health is like, as it is. They’re more aware of what they need to do to improve their health, and we have a better connection in terms of medical staff and patients to work together to help health improve.”
Dr Joyce Hyde, General Practitioner, Awabakal Medical Service NSW
For born and bred local, Rod Smith, the 715 health check has helped him look after his mental health.
“Like many Aboriginal men, I grew up thinking that men don’t cry – that men have to be tough. I’d always been a happy go lucky person but as I got older I experienced a few hurdles in life. I got to a point one day where I started thinking negative,” says Rod.
“Like most men out there, I thought, if I go and talk for a doctor about mental health, does that mean I’m crazy?
“It was that fear creeping in. That’s a big reason why a lot of Aboriginal people don’t go for a health check, is it’s the fear of what they’re going to find out.
“But I did it, I got the 715 health check and I found the mental health aspects of the 715 so valuable. I’m now a member of the Awabakal team myself, looking after our promotions.”
It’s a whole of team commitment to looking after the mob’s health at Awabakal. Simone Jordan, Community Relations manager, helps people like Rod to overcome the fear and other barriers to going to the Doctor and getting a health check.
“There are different barriers for people. I think the main one is making the time. Reminding people to look after themselves, have that self-care. Aboriginal mothers, we tend to look after everyone else and forget ourselves. So, we’re trying to instil that your own health is important,” says Simone.
Patients that complete the 715 health check are able to access a range of support services to better manage conditions and stay in good health. At Awabakal, this includes nutrition and diet programs, dental care and family and youth support services.
“I can’t stress how important they are. A 715 health check gives us a whole range of options then to refer you to our other services. We look at how we can make looking after your health, part of everyday normal life,” says Simone.
Dr Joyce has a simple message for the region.
“Come on in, have a yarn to us and get your 715 health check done today. Your Health is in Your Hands,” says Dr Joyce.
“Yes! Looking after your health, you’ll be kicking goals!” adds Toni, Awabakal Acting CEO.
The 715 health check is free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk billing clinics, and is available annually to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages. Further information, including resources for patients and health practitioners is available at http://www.health.gov.au/715-health-check.
3.3 NSW : Greater Western ACCHO and Deadly Choices last night launched a partnership with the @TheParraEels at BankWest Stadium.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who complete a 715 Health Check can receive one of these Deadly Eels Jerseys.
4. 1 VIC : VAHS would like to thank all 300+ community members who attended our Epping community day to help celebrate VAHS new Epping Clinic.
There was heaps of smiles, laughs and all positives vibes from everyone.
We’ve captured a great number of people who wasn’t accessing VAHS regularly who lives in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, the reason why VAHS established a new clinic in Epping and hosted this event to engage with families to start accessing VAHS services more regularly.
Videos from this day will be uploaded onto our social media very soon.
4.2 VIC : Deadly Choices facilitator training in beautiful Bendigo with the BDAC team.
Day 2 with the Bendigo team
Nutrition
Physical Activity
Harmful Substances
Healthy Relationships
Great to have so many passionate mob keen to deliver the program
5.QLD : Gidgee Healing Mt Isa . Big day for Mt Isa’s first Deadly Choices Indigenous Senior Elders Games
Big day for Mt Isa’s first Deadly Choices Indigenous Senior Elders Games – a atmosphere of country music playing (Charlie Pride) lots of cheers, laugher and competition
Gidgee Healing thank you too our inspirational elders. Patrick Johnson
6.SA : Pika Wiya Health Corporation provides the 715 health check and runs a range of support programs
Aboriginal residents in Port Augusta are being encouraged to get their annual 715 health check in a bid to help curb the early mortality rate of the First Nation peoples.
The free yearly check up ensures Aboriginal people receive primary health care matched to their needs, by encouraging early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and treatable conditions
The Pika Wiya Health Corporation provides the 715 health check and runs a range of support programs, from birth right through to parenthood, encouraging residents to undertake their regular check.
Amy Walters runs the Kinderling’s program at Pika Wiya, which is designed for babies from birth through to six years old.
“715 health checks on our babies are very important. It gives us a benchmark on where they are at birth and makes sure they’re growing healthy and meeting development milestones throughout their childhood,” Ms Walters said.
“While they’re here, we talk to the mums, making sure it’s a safe environment for them to come to to talk about health.”
The Kinderling’s program provides incentives to help encourage mums to make sure their babies health checks are up to date.
“We give them or their babies free clothing – we have little onesies, t-shirts, dresses – the mothers love the dresses!” Ms Walters said.
Pika Wiya also offers a Well Women’s program, designed to help new mums look after their own health too.
The ‘Well Women’s House’ provides education and counselling about diet, social and emotional wellbeing, and offer a veggie pack when mums complete their 715.
Local GP Dr Julia Nook said the annual health check is a critical first step to engage with patients about their health needs.
“It’s not just about having a 715 health check. We use the initial screening consultations to build trust with our patients, getting to know them and their family,” she said.
“We work together to try and look at issues identified in the health check, like tackling smoking or weight, and when people are ready, we refer them to follow up services like a dietitian.
“Sometimes there are underlying issues that might be causing some of their health issues and we can explore those further with patients too.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are 2.3 times more likely to experience burden of disease than non-Indigenous Australians.
The 715 health check is free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk billing clinics for people of all ages.
7.1 WA : Her Rules Her Game is proud to support the BGA leadership camp to Melbourne.
How great is this update on their visit to Essendon Football Club
7.2 WA : Team AHCWA up and running
This morning AHCWA staff members (and Taj) took part in all 3 categories of the HBF Run for a Reason, the 4km, 12km and 21km, finishing at Gloucester Park.
Congratulations to Marianne (missing from the photo) who ran the 21km half marathon. Well done everyone 😊
#hbfrun
8. TAS 2019-20 Budget: Investing in Tasmania’s Aboriginal communities
The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to our Reset agenda with the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, while investing to grow social, cultural and economic outcomes and to promote greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture.
To further support the Reset, the 2019-20 State Budget includes new funding of $542,000 across the forward estimates to support activities and initiatives that demonstrate that our commitment today to the Reset is as strong as ever.
This includes:
- $90,000 per annum to support greater involvement of Aboriginal communities in government decisions, consistent with the Statement of Intent between the Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Alliance and the Tasmanian Government;
- New funding to support the Young Tasmanian Aboriginal Women Leader’s Awards to support emerging female leaders and to promote and advance career and academic pathways for Aboriginal girls.
Across Government we are also working to close the gap in inequalities experienced by Aboriginal people.
This includes initiatives such as continued support for Aboriginal Tasmanian’s impacted by family violence, and permanent funding to support a coordinated approach to increase the number of Aboriginal people employed in the State Service.
There is also ongoing funding to enable the Cultural Management Group to continue its work with nongovernment Aboriginal organisations and other stakeholders on the management of cultural values, tourism and a program for Aboriginal Tasmanians to access important resources within the TWWHA, as well as for Aboriginal Trainee Rangers to work in our national parks and reserves.
This Government has a genuine desire to make a positive difference – a true difference that recognises a remarkable 40,000 plus years of Aboriginal heritage and culture, and one that points to a brighter future for Aboriginal Tasmanians.