Dec 7 2020

NACCHO Aboriginal Health News: 2019–2020 NACCHO Annual Report is now available

2019–2020 NACCHO Annual Report

The 2019–2020 NACCHO Annual Report showcases the work and achievements of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and the financials of the organisation for the financial year 2019–2020.

To view or download the report click here.

Landmark report presents wide-ranging calls to action on climate and health

Billed as the world’s first statutory inquiry into climate and health, a new report from Western Australia makes wide-ranging recommendations for action.

The inquiry was led by Professor Tarun Weeramanthri, WA’s former chief health officer and now President of the Public Health Association of Australia and an independent consultant in public health.

The inquiry was led by Professor Tarun Weeramanthri, WA’s former chief health officer and now President of the Public Health Association of Australia and an independent consultant in public health.

The report acknowledges that many Aboriginal organisations and people contributed to the inquiry’s work. 

It notes that Aboriginal people have a strong history of stewardship, resilience and adaptation. Indigenous knowledge is critical to ecological science and the IPCC Global Warming of 1.5°C special report stresses the role of Indigenous peoples and local communities for climate action.

To read more of the  six key takeaways of the report click here.

IAHA Celebrate 2020 National Indigenous Allied Health Awardees

Each year, the IAHA National Conference brings together the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce audience to network, create personal and cultural connections, and to hear from leaders across fields. While the 2020 National Conference was hosted online, delegates were able to experience these same benefits.

IAHA also hosted the annual National Indigenous Allied Health Awards, celebrating the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce during what has been a challenging year. Once again, the Awards recognise current and future leaders who have each had significant impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities. IAHA recognise the following award recipients:

Allied Health Professional of the Year: Gari Watson, Dentistry
Allied Health Workforce Leadership: Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University
Commitment to Indigenous Health Award: Ken Allen, Aboriginal Health Practitioner
Contribution to Indigenous Research: Professor Sue Green, Social Work                                                                                                                                              Future Leader in Indigenous Allied Health: Shaun Solomon, Social Work
Indigenous Allied Health Inspiration Award: Kirrilaa Johnstone, Public Health
Indigenous Allied Health Student Academic Achievement Award: Renee Briggs, Public Health
Innovative Practice: Tahnee Elliot, Occupational Therapy
Local Allied Health Champion: Sam Paxton, Occupational Therapy

For further info click here.

ACCHO Medicines Alert: Incorrect strength of Bicillin L-A® in Best Practice Software

Best Practice clinical software have reported that an incorrect lower strength of benzathine benzylpenicillin G (Bicillin L-A®) may be automatically selected by prescribers within the software, due to a software error.

NACCHO recommends that ACCHOs who use Best Practice review their script, supply and administration history for all people prescribed Bicillin L-A® since March 2019, to ensure the right dosage has been provided. For more information click here.

Image source: MJA

NT Health, AMSANT and NT PHN partner to increase the use of digital health technologies

Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles, says Northern Territory Health, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT) and Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) have partnered to increase the use of digital health technologies. Digital health enables better coordinated care and better informed treatment decisions. The NT’s population has some of the most vulnerable people in Australia with high levels of social disadvantage and a high burden of chronic disease. One of the most significant outcomes for day-to-day provision of health services to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic was the uptake of tele-health services in both urban and remote settings.

To read the full media release click here.

man on mobile phone pointing to Aboriginal hand on computer screen

Image source: The Medical Journal of Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health workforce survey

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) needs your help to provide the mental health workforce the recognition and support to formalise their profession. IAHA hope this will benefit and support the whole mental health workforce, the allied health workforce, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through culturally safe and responsive service.

Take the survey here.

Aboriginal woman sitting on wooden bench in garden, head in hands

Image source: SBS website.

Katungul Aboriginal Corporation – Director Health Services, Narroma NSW 

The objectives of this role are:

  • To improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal Australians within the Katungul region of influence
  • As part of the Executive Management Team, (one of four Directors reporting to the CEO), develop and implement new services and programs, which address the health needs and improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal people
  • To oversee the ongoing development and management of the Health Services provided by Katungul
  • Ensure that services and programs are delivered to quality standards, comply with relevant legislation and achieve contract requirements
  • To develop, implement, monitor, review and evaluate Health Services.

The closing date for applications is 5:00pm Monday 11 January 2021.

Contact Person regarding conditions of employment and for a copy of the Position Description:

Chris Heazlewood – chrish@katungul.org.au

Contact Person regarding enquiries relevant to details of the role:

Joanne Grant – ceo@katungul.org.au

University of Sydney – Research Assistant, NSW 

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use is seeking a Research Assistant to work on the Strong & Deadly Futures project.

The Strong & Deadly Futures project is a randomised controlled trial of a computerised school-based alcohol and drug prevention program, which has been developed to be culturally inclusive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program was developed in collaboration with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students and teachers, with trial funding provided by NHMRC.

You will join the project at an important and interesting stage and will be responsible for actively contributing to research activities for the project, including supporting a consultation phase with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities across NSW, WA and QLD throughout 2021, and supporting program implementation in schools from mid-2021. This will include logistical support, developing and organising training workshops, conducting interviews with teachers and supporting trial governance. You will also collate and record research data, and contribute to analyses, reporting and publication of research data and all other related administration.

This role will be suited to a research assistant with an interest in mental health and substance use prevention amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders young people.

  • Passionate research assistant required to support a project for the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use,
  • Located on the Camperdown Campus at The Matilda Centre
  • Full-time, 12 months fixed term contract with a base salary of $76K p.a., plus leave loading and a generous employer’s contribution to superannuation

For the full job description click here.

The closing date for applications has been extended (from 10 January 2021) to 11:30pm Sunday 17 January 2021.

Pat Turner AM will receive the 2020 Sidney Sax Medal tomorrow

Don’t miss the 2020 Sidney Sax Medal Presentation tomorrow, Tuesday 8 Dec 2020, 2–4pm.

The Sidney Sax Medal is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development and improvement of the Australian healthcare system in the field of health services policy, organisation, delivery and research.

In 2020, AHHA is pleased to jointly award the medal to The Australian National University (ANU) College of Health and Medicine’s Bushfire Impact Working Group, and to Patricia Turner, CEO of NACCHO. 

The 2020 Sidney Sax awards will be presented by AHHA Board Chair, the Hon Jillian Skinner. The ANU Bushfire Impact Working Group and Patricia Turner will present their work at this public event. Join us to hear about their work on the 2019-20 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registration options are available for in person or virtual attendance click here.

To view the live stream of the event, available from 2.15pm onwards click here.