1.Key updates: COVID-19 Information for Indigenous communities
2.Management plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander response plan for COVID-19 released
3.Research into impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous Communities receives $2 million donation
4.Lowitja – Caring for each other COVID-19
5.WHO – COVID-19 and NCD People living with or affected by non communable diseases
6.CEO Pat Turner interviews Radio National and The Drum
7.NITV Host Karla Grants COVID-19 fears for her mum
8.Robert Skeen appointed CEO of AH & MRC during COVID-19 Pandemic
9. Elders First ‘We treat them like gold’: Aboriginal community rallies around elders
10.Gallery of COVID-19 on social media images to share
See NACCHO Corona Virus Home Page
Read all 24 NACCHO Aboriginal Health and Coronas Virus Alerts HERE
1.Key updates: COVID-19 Information for Indigenous communities
Key Updates: March 31 2020
- Everyone should stay home where possible. This is especially important for anyone with a chronic illness and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50.
- We need to encourage aunties, uncles and Elders to stay at home and not to see other people. Keep in contact over the phone or online. Deliver food and supplies to their house so they don’t have to go out. It’s important to protect our communities.
- The Prime Minister has announced changes to gatherings in public to only two people. More than two people from your own household are okay where essential, like to get fresh air or groceries but the safest place is at home.
- Official text messages are being issued by the government to help communicate about coronavirus. Community members might receive a text message from the government. You can check Australia.gov.au for more information. If you receive a message you are concerned about, talk to someone you trust.
- You can download an app on your phone for updates – search ‘Coronavirus Australia’ or join the WhatsApp channel. Information is available at Australia.gov.au.
Key messages
- Keep out mob safe, stop the spread.
- Coronavirus is a sickness that can spread from person to person.
- It can be dangerous, especially for our Elders or people who are already unwell.
- We can all help stop the spread in our communities.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds and keep your hands clean.
- Keep your distance from other people to protect our communities.
- If you are feeling unwell you can…
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- Call your local medical service, health clinic or someone you trust in the community.
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- Call the 24 hour National COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 020 080.
- Find out more information about coronavirus (COVID-19) by visiting health.gov.au or #keepourmobsafe
2.Management plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander response plan for COVID-19 released
The ‘Management Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations’ has been developed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Advisory Group on COVID-19 and endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
This Management Plan outlines the key issues and consideration in planning, response and management of COVID-19 that need to be addressed at all levels of governance, in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders, including impacted communities themselves.
Download
management-plan-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-populations
3.Research into impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous Communities receives $2 million donation
4.Lowitja – Caring for each other COVID-19
A message from Pat Anderson AO Chair: #Covid_19 presents us all with an unprecedented challenge with unique risks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ppl.
But our resilience, leadership & commitment to each other will see us through:
5.WHO – COVID-19 and NCD People living with or affected by non communable diseases
Download Report HERE
6.CEO Pat Turner interviews Radio National and The Drum
Radio National interview Pat Turner
7.NITV Host Karla Grants COVID-19 fears for her mum
Karla Grant’s mother Elizabeth lives at the aged care facility in Sydney, where four elderly residents have passed away after contracting coronavirus.
Karla shares how she juggled reporting on this virus, while her mother is in a lockdown and facing the grave risk of infection.
8.Robert Skeen appointed CEO of AH & MRC during COVID-19 Pandemic
The AH&MRC Board of Directors has endorsed Robert Skeen, who is the current CEO at Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service, as the new incoming CEO of AH&MRC.
Rob is a proud man of the Gubbi Gubbi Nation from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland and has strong family and cultural connections to Aboriginal communities around Bundaberg, Mt Isa and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Rob has 23 years’ experience working in the Aboriginal healthcare sector. Rob has spent 13 years working in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across both senior management and CEO positions. Rob is passionate about continuing his support and work with Aboriginal communities to make a difference.
Rob has been CEO of 7 Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) across Australia including in Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and is the current CEO at Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre.
9. Elders First ‘We treat them like gold’: Aboriginal community rallies around elders
When dietitian Sophia Malie began working at the Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation near Campbelltown in south-west Sydney, the first thing she learnt was “elders first”.
It’s a mentality shared by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who are rallying across the country to shield their older people from the spread of COVID-19.
10.Gallery of COVID-19 on social media images to share
10.Gallery of COVID-19 on social media images to share
10.Gallery of COVID-19 on social media images to share
10.Gallery of COVID-19 on social media images to share
10.Gallery of COVID-19 on social media images to share