30 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.

Hiring more locals could improve remote health care

Employing more Indigenous health workers in remote communities could reduce the high staff turnover and improve the quality of care delivered to patients, a study has found. The Menzies School of Health Research says the average employee turnover rate in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service clinics in regional and remote NT and WA is 151% a year. Researchers found the turnover of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff was half that of non-Indigenous staff, suggesting that hiring local staff could lead to greater stability.

Dr Prabhakar Veginadu, population health expert says turnover is very high in regional centres and “extraordinarily” high in remote Aboriginal health services.

“Increased employment of local Aboriginal people could help improve the stability of the remote health workforce whilst simultaneously improving cultural safety for patients,” he said.

“Aboriginal people bring a strong understanding of local culture and context.”

Dr Veginadu said boosting the Aboriginal healthcare workforce would require more support, expanded on-country training opportunities and improved career pathways.

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

Turnover is “extraordinarily” high in remote Aboriginal health services. (Image: Katherine Morrow/AAP PHOTOS).

NT accused of walking away from its commitment to reduce Indigenous incarceration

Under the national agreement on Closing the Gap, governments have committed to reducing the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in detention by at least 30% over the next seven years. For adults, the target is to reduce First Nations incarceration by at least 15% by 2031. In the NT, these statistics are getting worse, not better.

The NT is set to face significant changes to its criminal law following the victory of the Country Liberal Party which promised residents a crackdown on law and order. This includes changing the legal age of criminal responsibility in the Territory back to 10 years old from 12 years old.

The impact of these changes on children is concerning Aboriginal-controlled Darwin health service Danila Dilba.

“What we know from kids that are in detention is that a large proportion of them have neurodevelopmental or disability, mental disability such as ADHD, FASD or autism,” said CEO Rob McPhee.

“And so we’re just exposing kids with already complex mental health issues to a really scary environment that’s not going to help them in any way at all.

“We’re dealing with what is largely a social or health issue with punishment.”

To read the ABC News article in full, go here.

Rob McPhee is the chief executive of Darwin-based Indigenous health service Danila Dilba. (Supplied)

Connected Beginnings expands into Dubbo

The Connected Beginnings program, which aims to enhance the school readiness of First Nations children, is expanding into the NSW regional community of Dubbo, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly announced earlier this week.

More than $2 million in funding will be directed to the Three Rivers Regional Assembly Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the Connected Beginnings program to connect First Nations children aged birth to five years of age with a range of early childhood education, health and family support services – helping children meet the learning and development milestones necessary to achieve a positive transition to school.

The Australian Government partners with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to deliver the Connected Beginnings program, which is driving an increase in preschool enrolments and improvements to developmental outcomes.

To learn more about the Connected Beginnings program, go here.

To read the full article, go here.

Image source: thesector.com.au

Raising the profile of occupational therapy

Around three years after she moved to Canberra to study occupational therapy, Amy Ibbott is back in Coonamble on placement at the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS).

As a Coonamble local, Amy says she can bring more awareness to occupational therapy and to what OTs do because she is known around town.

“A lot of people stop me in the street to have a chat and it’s a good opportunity to talk about my future career and how OT can benefit people,” she said.

“…In occupational therapy, it’s very much about being able to maximise people’s independence in everything that they do within their life.

“So, it’s helping with anything they need to, want or are expected to do. It could be anything from taking a shower or spending time with mates at a local coffee shop.”

To read the full article, go here.

Image source: The Coonamble Times.

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.

Wear it Purple Day – 30 August 2024

On Friday August 30, 2024, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) proudly celebrated Wear it Purple Day. Writing on social media:

Wear It Purple Day is all about creating supportive, safe, and empowering spaces for our Rainbow young people.

By wearing purple, we stand together in solidarity and inclusivity.

This year’s theme, ‘Your Passion, Your Pride,’ features artwork by Nicky Tsekouras reminding us all of the importance of uplifting and supporting our young Rainbow Mob and their dreams.

Explore our Rainbow Mob Resources for fresh new posters and tools to help foster safety and inclusion in your organisation.

Let’s work together to create a safer and more inclusive community for our young Rainbow Mob!

For VACCHO Rainbow Mob resources, go here.

To learn more about Wear it Purple Day, go here.

Image source: VACCHO.