21 August 2024

The NACCHO Sector News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

Eye Health 2024 Webinar Series: IUIH’s cataract pathway program

Join us on Wednesday September 4 (1-2 PM AEST) for the first of the Eye Health 2024 Webinar Series: IUIH’s cataract pathway program. ️

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), a Southeast Queensland network of five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services, embeds eye health services within a primary care network.

This webinar will outline IUIH eye health pathways that provide holistic primary care services with a continuum into secondary and tertiary eye care.  These pathways demonstrate the importance of community-controlled health organisations as we provide the personalised approach ensuring continuous information flow for true patient-centred care. We will also yarn about our health promotion program Deadly Urban Eyes & the importance of regular eye checks.

Presenters:

  • Celia McCarthy: Celia was born and raised on Darumbal country, Central Queensland, and has called Southeast Queensland home since 1995. Celia’s role at the IUIH is Eye Health Services Manager.
  • Olivia Hillard: Olivia was born and raised on Turrbal Country, North Brisbane, and has worked as Eye Health Assistant at the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health for six years.

To register, go here.

Achieving Health Equity in Cancer Care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders

QAIHC and Queensland Health have released the ‘Achieving Health Equity in Cancer Care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders: Joint Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council and Queensland Health Framework 2024’.

Because cancer has such a profound impact on our people and communities, including on cancer survivors and their families and through Sorry Business, QAIHC and its members have partnered with Queensland Health to develop this framework.

This Framework is an important step in improving cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, focusing on cultural safety, prevention, and patient-centred support.

To read the Framework, go here.

Image source: QAIHC.

Homebirth models of care must be ‘safe and resourced’: RACGP

Greater maternity choices for women and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are part of current Government reforms underway. On the table is the enablement of privately practising midwives to provide maternity care services in low-risk homebirth settings and during labour outside a hospital and supporting Birthing on Country models of care.

The Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) is seeking input from GP, midwife and obstetrician organisations. The RACGP’s submission to the DoHAC’s consultation on expanding MPIS for low-risk homebirths details recommendations for the proposed changes and criteria.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, there needs to be a clear distinction between Birthing on Country and homebirth, the college advises. The RACGP supports Birthing on Country models of care to be made ‘as safe and resourced as possible’ to provide optimum outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have access to and choose them.

The college recommends the DoHAC consults Birthing on Country experts on what considerations need to be made for the MPIS, including indemnity insurance cover, as it relates to Birthing on Country models of care.

To read the article in full, go here.

Image source: Waminda.

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative expanding services

Providing community-controlled, whole of life services that support, honour and respect First Nations People, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative is pleased to announce they are expanding their impact and opening services in the Mitchell Shire area.

The new office will offer a range of ad-hoc essential services, including justice and community services, family violence support, health and wellbeing services including alcohol and other drugs, positive ageing and disability and support with NDIS, and engagement and family services.

To read the full article, go here.

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative has opened offices in Seymour.

Navigating the path to better health for the community

Kowanyama man Liamon Mudd is on track to become a key healthcare figure for his community by pursuing tertiary education with the support of the LEE Ming Tee Cape York Leaders scholarship.

In his first year of a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University, Mr Mudd aims to graduate by late 2026 and become a paediatric health nurse, providing essential services for future generations.

Mr Mudd said he chose nursing because he always had a passion for it and wants to be a “voice” for his community.

“I’ve always had a passion for health and because I had that nature of caring for people and a bubbly personality I chose nursing,” he said.

“I want to give back to my community and my people and make a positive impact in healthcare – provide a health service for our mob.

“Having our mob on the ground to provide that culturally safe healthcare service means families can live a healthier, happier lifestyle.”

To read the National Indigenous Times article in full, go here.

Liamon Mudd is pursuing higher education in healthcare after being inspired by his aunt’s pioneering journey. (Image: Cape York Partnership).

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.