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15 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.

AMSANT Remote Health Survey indicates concerning findings

In a new survey by peak body the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT), the majority of remote health services are reporting a lack of resources to be able to deliver safe and acceptable health care in their communities. The results come from AMSANT’s 11 member services across the territory.

The survey, which is being released ahead of the NT election on August 24, found:

  • Nine services believe they don’t have the government resources to maintain safe and acceptable facilities.
  • Four have already been forced to scale back services this year.
  • All but three say poor housing and clinics are preventing them from recruiting and retaining staff.

Miwatj Health runs clinics in east Arnhem Land, and its chief executive Steve Rossingh says old facilities has led to services being cut and patients being treated in sub-par environments.

“GPs have been seeing patients in corridors because there’s absolutely no space,” Mr Rossingh said in regards to Miwatj’s clinic in Yirrkala.

“…We need that infrastructure to be able to deliver the sort of service which is going to provide sustainable health benefits for our clients.”

AMSANT has delivered a six-point plan to the NT’s major parties, calling for urgent audits of all remote clinics and housing, and a plan for upgrading equipment and infrastructure.

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

A report has revealed remote health services are lacking resources to deliver acceptable health care. Image source: ABC News.

Optus, Telstra delay 3G shutdown amid emergency calling concerns

Telstra and Optus have delayed the shutdown of their 3G networks due to concerns about emergency calling capabilities. This decision comes after a Senate inquiry and pressure from various organisations, including the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). The telcos will keep their 3G networks operational until at least October 28 to ensure that customers, including those with medical monitors and other IoT devices, have ample time to transition to newer technologies.

NACCHO’s submission warned that a shutdown would leave “Elders and their carers potentially the most vulnerable”.

“For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, disruptions to service disproportionately impacts their access to essential services including everyday consumables, healthcare, education, and emergency services,” it read.

To read the article in full, go here.

Optus and Telstra have delayed their 3G shutdown for at least two months amid rising concerns. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Diego Fedele.

Child and family programs funding boost for VIC ACCHOs

Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative is one of six Victorian Aboriginal-led child and family programs that have received funding boosts to help provide better access to culturally safe services. Wathaurong will receive $220,000 under the Specialist Prevention and Early Help Lead Practitioner grants and $480,000 to develop professional training and facilitate holistic practice across the Western District in family services and health services.

The funding is part of the state government’s Aboriginal Children and Families Innovation and Learning Fund and will see $2.3 million go to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across the state.

“We know Aboriginal people are best placed to lead the services that keep Aboriginal children and families safe and that’s exactly what these grants support,” Lizzie Blandthorn, Minister for Children said.

The six organisations announced by Ms Blandthorn at the Aboriginal Children’s Forum on Thursday August 15 are Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative, Njernda Aboriginal Corporation, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Op and Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance.

To read the article in full, go here.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative is one of six organisations receiving the funding.

Indigenous Doctors are part of the solution to the GP workforce shortage

The Department of Health and Aged Care’s GP workforce report has confirmed what many in the health sector already knew: Australia is facing a significant shortage of General Practitioners. The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is highlighting the critical role that First Nations doctors play in addressing this workforce shortage.

“The Indigenous Medical Workforce is an important part of the workforce, and part of the solution. We know that 48% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in training have chosen the route to become GPs or rural generalists with RACGP or ACRRM,” said Donna Burns, AIDA CEO.

“The Indigenous medical workforce is powerful for all of Australia. Indigenous doctors bring unique perspectives, cultural understanding, plus the ability to provide culturally safe care to Indigenous patients. By creating pathways for Indigenous students to become GPs, we can address the workforce shortage for all Australians, while also improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.”

AIDA calls on the government to prioritise funding and resources to support Indigenous medical students and doctors in training, and to implement strategies that promote diversity and inclusion in the medical workforce.

To read the AIDA media release in full, go here.

Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association stethoscope.

Innovative health solutions, a focus of Compass 2024

A gathering of healthcare experts from across the NT will address ongoing disparities in the sector for Indigenous communities. Compass 2024 is the NT’s leading professional development and networking event and a critical platform to discuss and then develop community-led health programs that meet the needs of Indigenous communities.

Event host Northern Territory Primary Health Network said more than 25 exhibitor booths and 400 healthcare professionals from fields such as nursing and Aboriginal health would attend.

Darcy Godden, the network’s executive manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and a proud Kamilaroi and Wonnarua man, said Compass 2024 was an opportunity for the sector’s leading minds to collaborate and create innovative solutions to close the gap in health outcomes.

“It is essential that we centre our discussions on the unique health challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Territory,” he said.

“Our collective goal should be to develop and implement culturally safe, community-led primary health programs that meet the needs of community – determined by community.”

Compass 2024 is on August 16-17 at the Darwin Convention Centre and includes the RACGP sponsored 2024 Health Professional of the Year Awards.

To register, go here.

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

Image source: Compass2024

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.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

14 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.

What’s in store at the ACN’s national forum

The Australian College of Nursing’s National Nursing Forum is set to take place from 14-16 August in Cairns. The forum will feature around 700 nurses from across Australia and will include presentations from various speakers, including nursing advocate Professor Dame Anne Marie Rafferty. The theme for the forum is “Regenerate, Reinvigorate, Reclaim: Sustainable Solutions for our Future,” and it will cover a wide range of topics such as palliative care, Indigenous health, mental health, aged care, and more. Government representatives, including federal health minister Mark Butler, will address the forum through video messages.

More information about the NNF 2024 is available online.

To read the article in full, go here.

Internationally acclaimed nursing advocate, Professor Dame Anne Marie Rafferty leads a stellar line up of speakers.

Enhanced oral health services for Wagga

Wagga Wagga will receive $45,000 worth of improved dental services for First Nations people as part of a funding boost to the region. The Riverina Aboriginal Medical and Dental Corporation (RIVMED) will purchase an intraoral camera and additional dental equipment.

This funding is part of a $1,705,000 allocation to 15 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to support equipment purchase and delivery of additional dental services. The aim is to address disparities experienced in vulnerable populations and positively impact the overall population’s health and well-being.

Further information on public dental services can be found online.

To read the article in full, go here.

Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally safe, holistic health and wellbeing services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas. Photo: Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation.

Blue Plaque honours legacy of Aboriginal healthcare pioneer Emma Jane Callaghan

The legacy of Aboriginal healthcare pioneer Emma Jane Callaghan has been honoured through the unveiling of a blue plaque in New South Wales. Ms. Callaghan, who died in 1979 at the age of 95, was an Aboriginal nurse, midwife, missionary, and advocate who dedicated her life to breaking barriers in healthcare and advocating for the rights of Aboriginal people.

She was known for opening her home as an impromptu hospital and caring for everyone in need. Her granddaughter, Kodie Mason, said she nominated her grandmother for a blue plaque because her story deserves to be told and remembered.

The New South Wales government said the blue plaque ensures her story is shared with generations to come and serves as a reminder of her significant contributions to improving healthcare for Aboriginal communities and advocating for their rights.

To read the article in full, go here.

Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill, LPLALC chief executive Chris Ingrey, NSW Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe and great, great, great granddaughter of Emma Jane Callaghan, Kodie Mason at Sunday’s plaque unveiling.

Women’s health funding for VIC

The State Government of Victoria is investing $18 million in women’s health organisations to provide initiatives focused on sexual and reproductive health, chronic illness, and reducing the impact of family violence on women and the health system.

The work will be delivered by women, for women, including those from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and women with disabilities. This investment aims to improve health outcomes for women across the state.

This funding is part of the government’s broader investment into women’s health to close the gender pain gap and deliver equity in healthcare.

To read the article in full, go here.

Victoria Parliament Building

Indigenous yoga training program part of Curtin mental health campaign

Curtin University has been awarded $1.1 million from Healthway to continue its Act Belong Commit mental health promotion campaign for the next two years, with an Australian-first Indigenous youth yoga training program among the initiatives.

The latest National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that a significant percentage of Australians had experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Curtin has been running Act Belong Commit since 2008 and has partnered with over 400 organisations to encourage Western Australians to take action to improve their mental well-being.

Additionally, they have taken stewardship of Deadly Minds, Australia’s first Indigenous youth yoga teacher training program, which aims to improve mental, cultural, physical, and spiritual health.

To read the article in full, go here.

Image credit: Act Belong Commit | Mentally Healthy WA

Batemans Bay to host public hearings on Healthcare Funding

The Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding will hold public hearings in Batemans Bay on Thursday, August 15th, and Friday, August 16th, 2024.

The hearings aim to gather evidence on various healthcare issues, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, workforce development and support programs, funding challenges, healthcare workforce, education and training, specialist healthcare, collaboration between providers, innovation, and issues relating to local healthcare facilities. The public can observe the proceedings in person or via live streaming.

For more information, including the Terms of Reference, please visit the Special Commission website.

To read the article in full, go here.

Eurobodalla Regional Hospital

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.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

13 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.

Calls to ban gambling ads to address disadvantage for Indigenous communities

Senator Lidia Thorpe urged the federal government to ban gambling ads to address disadvantage for First Peoples, citing the disproportionate impact of gambling harm on Indigenous communities.

Senator Thorpe noted that Victoria’s Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) estimates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 10-20 times more likely to be impacted by gambling harm and that the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) says all forms of gambling entrench already existing poverty among First Nations peoples.

To read the article in full, go here.

Senator Lidia Thorpe. Image: Lukas Coch (AAP).

Organisations warn against Victorian government “backflip” on raising the age

The Victorian government is considering abandoning its promise to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, despite the opposition from Indigenous and legal organisations.

The proposed Youth Justice Bill aims to raise the age to 12 but could see serious young offenders less likely to receive bail and facing harsher treatment for aggravated burglary. Experts argue that incarcerating children as young as 10 is ineffective and exacerbates recidivism and trauma.

Raising the age to 14 is supported by human rights, Indigenous, medical, and legal experts. The decision to backtrack on this promise has sparked outrage from various groups who have been advocating for this change for over five years.

To read the article in full, go here.

Jill Gallagher says children don’t belong in prison (Image: First People’s Assembly)

First national database on Indigenous youth mental health and suicide behaviours reveals significant risks

Content warning: this article contains reference to suicide. Please refer to the services at the bottom of this article for support.

Research has shown an urgent need to improve access to mental health services for young Indigenous people. The study revealed that 42% of Aboriginal youth had experienced thoughts of suicide, and there’s a higher risk for those who know someone close to them who has died by suicide.

Dr. Tracy Westerman emphasised the need for attention and funding to address the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth suicides, pointing out that the absence of national mental health data has hindered early intervention and prevention efforts.

To read the article in full, go here.

(Image: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian)

If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support. The four organisations in blue offer immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

VAHS Community Yarns

North Western Melbourne PHN has engaged Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) to help gain insight for their Health Needs Assessment, to find out more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience with accessing community health services, and help advise changes for improved health outcomes for Community.

To do so, First Nations men, women, young people, Elders and LGBTIQA+ people are invited to attend one of the upcoming six sessions in your area to yarn with VAS on how it can improve health systems and policies to influence better health and wellbeing.

Sessions are strictly capped at 10 participants each and each participant will receive a $100 Visa card for their time and invaluable input.

For more information and to register, go here.

Image source: VAS.

Lack of service and access to rural healthcare causing more hospitalisations

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released troubling figures showing that many illnesses among rural Australians could have been prevented or treated better with accessible primary care, thus avoiding the need for hospitalisation.

Due to limited access to primary care, exacerbated by distance and cost, rural populations often neglect their health issues, leading to higher rates of preventable hospitalisations.

The National Rural Health Alliance is advocating for increased investment in rural health care to address these challenges. They propose the Primary care Rural Integrated Multidisciplinary Health Services (PRIM-HS) model, which aims to improve primary healthcare experiences and reduce the rates of preventable hospitalisations in rural Australia.

To read the article in full, go here.

National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen

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.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

12 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.

Oral contraception pharmacy prescribing expansion is reckless and unsafe for QLD women

The Queensland Government’s decision to expand the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot across the state may be good retail politics, but is unsafe health practice, according to the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).

Dr Cathryn Hester, RACGP Queensland chair said she worries the approach will increase the potential for adverse events.

“Prescriptions exist primarily to keep patients safe. The Therapeutic Goods Administration, or TGA, determines the rules for medicines to protect the health of Australians. Prescription medicines have potential side effects that are well beyond the scope of pharmacists’ training, and a six-hour course and minor pharmacy renovation doesn’t change that. This is a political decision, not an evidence-based health decision,” Dr Hester said.

“Hormonal contraception is safe and appropriate for most patients, but it has many potential side effects. The TGA was asked to consider down-scheduling oral contraceptives and didn’t due to the potential for adverse events. To quote that decision, ‘Consumers can identify when they require (oral) contraception, but consultation with a pharmacist is not sufficient to ensure safety, particularly over extended periods of time.

“GPs do over 10 years training to be able to diagnose patients, as well as ongoing training for the rest of our working lives. There’s no substitute for the care a patient receives from a GP who knows them, and you certainly can’t replicate that with a short training course and a rushed discussion in a pharmacy.”

To read the RACGP media release in full, go here.

Image source: Getty Images.

 

Your Respiratory Health Matters!

Common respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia are more frequent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to the broader population. Early detection and management are key to preventing the progression of respiratory illness. Culturally appropriate healthcare services and clear communication are essential for building trust and encouraging participation in preventive measures and treatment plans.

Your Respiratory Health Matters! Is a project funded by the Department of Health, COVID19 Community Grants Program (2023-2024) and aims to promote, and increase health-seeking behaviour and choices, focusing on the impacts of COVID-19 and related respiratory illnesses among alcohol and other drugs service users.

Through offering information, resources and promotional materials, VAADA aims to increase awareness of the impacts of respiratory illnesses for people who use drugs, and support service providers understand and respond to client’s needs.

The new webpage includes Information on respiratory health, prevention, and management, as well as downloadable resources such as postcards and social media tiles.

For more information, go here.

Your Respiratory Health Matters! Facebook tile.

Improving sleep among young people means they can become more engaged in school, sport, cultural and community activities

The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health located at University of Queensland and mental health organisation Beyond Blue have collaborated to provide culturally sensitive sleep health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenagers.

Associate Professor Yaqoot Fatima, who is leading the initiative, notes that Indigenous adolescents in the region experience a disproportionately high prevalence of sleep disturbances, with rates that are up to double that of non-Indigenous teenagers.

“Improving sleep among young people means they can become more engaged in school, sport, cultural and community activities,” Dr Fatima said.

“Poor sleep can be caused by medical conditions like sleep apnoea and restless leg syndrome, or behavioural issues such as an irregular bedtime, late nights, and not getting enough sleep,” Dr Fatima said.

“Our previous studies have already shown that Indigenous adolescents sleep better when they feel connected to their culture which is why this program is important.”

Over 100 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years old in northern and western Queensland communities will benefit from the Sleep for Strong Souls program, which is scheduled to run for a duration of 10 weeks.

The program aims to foster healthy sleep habits among teenagers by blending traditional and western knowledge. Following its successful trial in Mt Isa last year, the initiative is set to expand its reach to more communities in the region.

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

Sleep for Strong Souls program team. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Aboriginal health workers in Tamworth and Gunnedah pharmacies

Aboriginal health workers will be working in pharmacies two days a week in Tamworth and Gunnedah. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may not feel completely comfortable discussing medications or sharing personal information directly with a pharmacist. Bringing an Aboriginal health worker into the pharmacy means the space will be more culturally appropriate and safe.

Helmed by local non-profit HealthWISE, the pilot seeks to reduce cultural barriers to health care and has been made possible through Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

In addition to discussing prescriptions and using medication correctly, the Aboriginal health workers will be able to provide blood pressure and blood glucose level tests and connect customers to local services.

Vicki Gardner became an Aboriginal health worker to help her community; inspired by her experiences supporting her grandfather through cancer treatment and wishing she could do more for her grandmother. She looks forward to seeing a variety of people at the pharmacy, especially those who don’t regularly visit the doctor, and is excited to reach people who might not usually seek help.

To read the New England Times article in full, go here.

Image source: New England Times.

Medicare Mental Health Centre officially opens in Coffs Harbour

Since opening its doors on 1 July, the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Coffs Harbour, operated by Open Minds, has had at least 60 people walk-in seeking support. Coffs Harbour residents and visitors can access the Medicare Mental Health Centre via walk-in, with no appointments or referrals necessary. It is free of charge for Medicare cardholders and will complement existing health services.

The centre is staffed by mental health and allied health professionals. There is also access to a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, with a focus on supporting care between the centre and Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.

Speaking on 31 July at its official opening, Open Minds CEO Kate Johnson said this demonstrates the centre was an urgent necessity.

“It is changing lives within the community,” she said.

To read the article in full, go here.

Galambila Aboriginal Health Service works with the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Coffs Harbour to provide access to a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.

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.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

9 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.

40 years of Aboriginal Women in Leadership

Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation is inviting you to celebrate 40 years of Aboriginal Women in Leadership hosting the “Strong Women, Strong Community, Leading the Way” conference in Nowra NSW. Waminda grew from a vision and a need Community woman saw, to create safe spaces for Aboriginal Women’s health and wellbeing on the NSW South Coast. Since its first inception as Jilimi in 1984 and through its transition into Waminda one thing has held true – the privilege of Aboriginal voices and the leadership of strong, staunch and nurturing Community women. This has led to the incredible milestone of Waminda’s operation in Community for 40 years.

During the conference, Waminda’s Chief Executive Leadership team, Keynote speakers, Waminda Program Managers and Coordinators, along with Community leaders in the Aboriginal women’s health and wellbeing space will take you on a journey of looking back to celebrate how far Waminda has come; whilst giving insight into the now and inspiring what is emerging in Aboriginal women’s leadership, health, and wellbeing from across the country.

For more information about the conference, go here.

Waminda Chief Executive Leadership Team: Kristine Falzon, Lisa Wellington, Cleone Wellington, Hayley Longbottom. Image source: Waminda.

More support for First Nations children and families

The Allan Labor Government has provided a funding boost for Aboriginal-led child and family programs to ensure better access to culturally safe services.

The $2.3 million grant supports Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCHOs) in Victoria to advance Aboriginal self-determination in the children and families service system. Recipients include Njernda Aboriginal Corporation for Cultural Healing Groups, the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance for a new residential care model, and Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative for cultural education sessions.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn emphasised the importance of supporting Aboriginal families and children in succeeding and staying together.

For more information, go here.

Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative will receive funding to deliver cultural education sessions in primary schools across western Melbourne and Victoria, enabling children to retain their sense of identity.

Twenty thousand WA babies vaccinated against RSV under free immunisation program

Twenty thousand WA babies have been vaccinated against a highly infectious respiratory virus in just four months, which is a sign of success for a free new immunisation program.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson announced the milestone for the rollout of the State Government’s nation-leading $11 million immunisation program for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on Thursday. RSV infects up to two-thirds of all babies before the age of one and hospitalises more than 1,000 babies each year. WA became the first State in April to make the antibody Nirsevimab, which protects against RSV, free for certain babies.

The immunisation protects infants for up to five months and was timed to cover the typical winter RSV season from May to September. Based on the program’s success, WA has prevented 760 hospitalisations. Data to the end of July found that RSV hospitalisations in WA were down 53% among babies eligible for immunisation under eight months old compared to last year.

Newborns in birthing hospitals can also receive Nirsevimab for free until the end of this year’s RSV season and will be offered the immunisation by the hospital. The immunisation is free for babies born from October 1, 2023, Aboriginal children and children deemed high-risk born from October 1, 2022.

For more information on the RSV immunisation, visit the WA health website.

WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

Caring for People & Country: BDAC’s New Sustainable Health Complex

A new sustainable health complex is set to rise at the Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC), aiming to close the gap in access to culturally relevant health services in the region.

The facility, scheduled to open in mid-2025, will quadruple its capacity to deliver medical and allied health services to the local community. The $3.7 million Federal Government contribution will enable the construction of a 1,460 sqm building to provide holistic and culturally appropriate care.

The project is designed to embed sustainability into every aspect, featuring recycled materials, passive lighting, a large-scale solar system, and more.

The facility is expected to significantly expand BDAC’s capacity to meet the growing demand for local, culturally appropriate medical and health services, driving positive health and well-being outcomes for the community.

To read the article in full, go here. 

High School launches innovative ‘hands on’ career taste program

Narrabri High School has introduced the Careers Health Immersion Program (CHIP), aiming to provide students with a glimpse into potential career paths in the health industry. The program, developed in response to educational studies, local research, and feedback from industry and employers, will run for 10 weeks. It will involve interactive workshops and workplace visits, showcasing a variety of health careers through partnerships with local businesses and agencies.

In an effort to address the increasing interest in nursing traineeships and the ongoing shortage of nurses, the focus of the first CHIP program is on health careers. Students will have the opportunity to receive first aid training and participate in workshops and workplace visits to gain practical insights into various health-related professions.

Narrabri High plans to introduce different career-focused programs each term, including agriculture/primary industries and creative and performing arts. The school aims to provide students with a range of opportunities to explore their career interests and options.

It is believed that these programs are the first of their kind in a school setting, aiming to provide students with better educational and career outcomes. The school has committed to embedding specific career outcomes into its teaching across all subjects and year groups, based on the Australian Careers Blueprint.

Strong community support has been crucial for the success of programs like CHIP. The school looks forward to connecting with key stakeholders to further benefit students in the future.

To read the article in full, go here. 

Hazmat equipment is high tech to meet a wide range of emergency situations. Above, Narrabri Fire and Rescue’s Jason Anderson, Lucas Warren, Lee Rich, Jeff Reyes and Joel Hogan with Narrabri High students Alyssa Christie, Paganne Ryman, Brielle Bourke and Maxine O’Connor.

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.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – 9 August 2024

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a United Nations event observed globally, is celebrated annually on 9 August.

Reflecting this global commitment, last month, Monica Barolits-McCabe, NACCHO’s Executive Director, had the honour of presenting at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference (WISPC) held on the lands of the Seneca Nation, near Niagara Falls. The conference theme, Reclaiming Indigenous Resiliency and Hope, resonated deeply with the participants.

The conference gathered Indigenous leaders from around the world to engage in critical discussions about the role of traditional wisdom in leadership and suicide prevention. It also honoured ancient health and wellbeing practices, fostering an environment for deep conversations, storytelling, and the sharing of innovative approaches.

During her presentation, Ms. Barolits-McCabe highlighted NACCHO’s Culture Care Connect program, which integrates suicide prevention and holistic aftercare with a focus on cultural sensitivity and community empowerment. Barolits-McCabe commented that the Culture Care Connect program is deeply rooted in preserving and celebrating the diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ensuring that culture is at the core of the care and support we provide to both recipients and providers.”

To learn more about the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference, go here. To learn more about Culture Care Connect, go here.

Sharon Kinchela from ‘Yarns Heal’ (left) Monica Barolits-McCabe, NACCHO’s Executive Director (right) at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

TEST 9 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.

40 years of Aboriginal Women in Leadership

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s address to the weekend Garma festival had a different tone from last year’s, when the Voice referendum was approaching. The Prime Minister is resetting policy, moving the focus to the economic empowerment of Indigenous communities as a path to reducing Indigenous disadvantage and “closing the gap”. Indigenous outcomes continue to go backwards for some key closing-the-gap targets.

Albanese said the government would work closely with the Coalition of Peaks, a grouping of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.

Pat Turner is lead convener of the Coalition of Peaks and CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), joined the ‘Politics with Michelle Grattan’ podcast.

On increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, Turner says:

“We’ve been working with the Treasury as the Coalition of Peaks now since the [2022] jobs summit. And the Coalition of Peaks’ priority is to ensure that we get real jobs at the local level. And then we have the issue in relation to the leveraging of our land assets for all future development opportunities. So, there is a good opportunity there, but it must involve the statutory landholders directly.”

On reducing incarceration rates, she highlights bail laws:

“All jurisdictions should be reviewing their bail laws.

“You’ve got to have an address for people to be bailed to. And so, there’s got to be some form of accommodation whereby people can give an address to be bailed to. This is how everything’s interrelated and I say that you can’t do economic policy on its own. That means that state governments should be investing more money into housing and different types of accommodation that are required for different, situations.”

On the Voice’s defeat and the future of Aboriginal leadership, Turner says the loss was “a massive hit to morale across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia”.

“But I have to say that it hasn’t deterred the Coalition of Peaks from pursuing full implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

“While we all need new generations to come forward, they have to do it by listening to the elders and being guided by them.”

To listen to the podcast, go here.

Pat Turner, NACCHO CEO and lead convener of the Coalition of Peaks.

Nominations now open for 2024 PenCS Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2024 PenCS Awards, which celebrate the achievements of healthcare practices and networks that use the PenCS health informatics platform to improve the health of their communities.

2024 winners will be announced at a gala ceremony, celebrating their achievements and acknowledging primary health networks and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) who contribute to driving quality improvement to improve community health outcomes.

Nominations are now open for all eight award categories:

  • ‘Closing the Gap’ Award
  • Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year Award
  • Data-driven Clinical Excellence Award
  • Research in General Practice Award
  • Data Quality Award
  • Sustainable Business Award
  • Patient-centred Care Award
  • Digital Innovation Award

Nominations close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Monday 30th September 2024.

For more information, go here.

Image source PHN North Western Melbourne.

Cultural program to reconnect Indigenous men to their roots

A Dalby local has launched an initiative to connect Indigenous people to culture and country. Supported by Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement, Gamilaraay man Lionel Cubby’s Men’s Peer Support Program will take young Indigenous men on trips to reconnect them to their cultural roots.

“It’s a bit of an offshoot from the Men’s Peer Support Program, it’s run once a quarter for men to come together and we will go out on land and introduce them to a bit of material culture, show them the country and collect didgeridoos and boomerangs,” Mr Cubby said.

“It’s all about identity, we lost some of the connection to the land because the systems we had to teach our young boys how to be men were taken from us so now this is an initiative to bring that back slowly but surely.

“…It’s a type of knowledge that shouldn’t just be chucked around, it’s valuable to our people.”

Mr Cubby said the trips would have a far-reaching benefit for young Indigenous men in the Western Downs.

“I identify people in the community who need the help, it’s for fellas who are ready to move and ready to change and people I feel are ready,” he said.

“As a young fella a lot of my group of friends were locked up and there’s lots of benefits to these trips to help keep people out of trouble, it’s important to have a mentor who can take them out.”

Mr Cubby encouraged people who were interested in getting involved to reach out.

To read the Cairns Post article in full, go here.

Renowned Aboriginal artist Lionel Cubby has started a new program aiming to reconnect Indigenous men with their culture. Image source: Cairns Post.

Indigenous-led education centre opens in Shepparton “to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow”

Doors have opened at Shepparton Sports Precinct’s newest facilities, with Yorta Yorta leadership and knowledge at the forefront. Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence houses education facilities, study areas, yarning spaces and an Elders’ room. The project has been built by TVN On-Country and creating a dozen jobs in the process. Munurra Ltd partnered with the footy club, Kaiela Institute and University of Melbourne – who offered $6 million in support – with $30million from the state government.

Following construction, the wider community and future generations are poised to benefit. Munarra said the Centre for Regional Excellence “is a chance to achieve; a chance to enhance Aboriginal cultural identity, expression and celebration; grow in our leadership; improve our health; build our education; enhance our employment options; and move towards equitable social inclusion and reconciliation”.

“It will combine education, culture, the arts and sport to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow.”

The centre is designed for Aboriginal-led pathways education and knowledge central to curriculum and programs.

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

As the region’s newest education hub, Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence aims to ‘combine education, culture, the arts and sport to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow’. Image source: National Indigenous 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.

Dental Health Week – 5-11 August 2024

Dental Health Week (August 5-11) is the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) major annual oral health campaign. The campaign focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you keep your teeth and smile for life.

 In honour of Dental Health Week, Mob Smiles has a bunch of free resources available on how to care for your teeth and gums and habits to keep good mouth health. There are posters, brochures and fact sheets for bubs, teenagers, pregnant mums, and Elders.

Mob Smiles was created by First Nations people for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adults. The development of the Mob Smiles resources was led by Ms Kirrily Phillips, a proud Gumbaynggirr woman, and Oral Health Therapist.

For more information, go here.

Image source: Mob Smiles.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locationsacross the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

8 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.

Pat Turner on Indigenous empowerment, Closing the Gap, and future Indigenous leadership

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s address to the weekend Garma festival had a different tone from last year’s, when the Voice referendum was approaching. The Prime Minister is resetting policy, moving the focus to the economic empowerment of Indigenous communities as a path to reducing Indigenous disadvantage and “closing the gap”. Indigenous outcomes continue to go backwards for some key closing-the-gap targets.

Albanese said the government would work closely with the Coalition of Peaks, a grouping of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.

Pat Turner is lead convener of the Coalition of Peaks and CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), joined the ‘Politics with Michelle Grattan’ podcast.

On increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, Turner says:

“We’ve been working with the Treasury as the Coalition of Peaks now since the [2022] jobs summit. And the Coalition of Peaks’ priority is to ensure that we get real jobs at the local level. And then we have the issue in relation to the leveraging of our land assets for all future development opportunities. So, there is a good opportunity there, but it must involve the statutory landholders directly.”

On reducing incarceration rates, she highlights bail laws:

“All jurisdictions should be reviewing their bail laws.

“You’ve got to have an address for people to be bailed to. And so, there’s got to be some form of accommodation whereby people can give an address to be bailed to. This is how everything’s interrelated and I say that you can’t do economic policy on its own. That means that state governments should be investing more money into housing and different types of accommodation that are required for different, situations.”

On the Voice’s defeat and the future of Aboriginal leadership, Turner says the loss was “a massive hit to morale across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia”.

“But I have to say that it hasn’t deterred the Coalition of Peaks from pursuing full implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

“While we all need new generations to come forward, they have to do it by listening to the elders and being guided by them.”

To listen to the podcast, go here.

Pat Turner, NACCHO CEO and lead convener of the Coalition of Peaks.

Nominations now open for 2024 PenCS Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2024 PenCS Awards, which celebrate the achievements of healthcare practices and networks that use the PenCS health informatics platform to improve the health of their communities.

2024 winners will be announced at a gala ceremony, celebrating their achievements and acknowledging primary health networks and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) who contribute to driving quality improvement to improve community health outcomes.

Nominations are now open for all eight award categories:

  • ‘Closing the Gap’ Award
  • Quality Improvement Initiative of the Year Award
  • Data-driven Clinical Excellence Award
  • Research in General Practice Award
  • Data Quality Award
  • Sustainable Business Award
  • Patient-centred Care Award
  • Digital Innovation Award

Nominations close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Monday 30th September 2024.

For more information, go here.

Image source PHN North Western Melbourne.

Cultural program to reconnect Indigenous men to their roots

A Dalby local has launched an initiative to connect Indigenous people to culture and country. Supported by Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement, Gamilaraay man Lionel Cubby’s Men’s Peer Support Program will take young Indigenous men on trips to reconnect them to their cultural roots.

“It’s a bit of an offshoot from the Men’s Peer Support Program, it’s run once a quarter for men to come together and we will go out on land and introduce them to a bit of material culture, show them the country and collect didgeridoos and boomerangs,” Mr Cubby said.

“It’s all about identity, we lost some of the connection to the land because the systems we had to teach our young boys how to be men were taken from us so now this is an initiative to bring that back slowly but surely.

“…It’s a type of knowledge that shouldn’t just be chucked around, it’s valuable to our people.”

Mr Cubby said the trips would have a far-reaching benefit for young Indigenous men in the Western Downs.

“I identify people in the community who need the help, it’s for fellas who are ready to move and ready to change and people I feel are ready,” he said.

“As a young fella a lot of my group of friends were locked up and there’s lots of benefits to these trips to help keep people out of trouble, it’s important to have a mentor who can take them out.”

Mr Cubby encouraged people who were interested in getting involved to reach out.

To read the Cairns Post article in full, go here.

Renowned Aboriginal artist Lionel Cubby has started a new program aiming to reconnect Indigenous men with their culture. Image source: Cairns Post.

Indigenous-led education centre opens in Shepparton “to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow”

Doors have opened at Shepparton Sports Precinct’s newest facilities, with Yorta Yorta leadership and knowledge at the forefront. Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence houses education facilities, study areas, yarning spaces and an Elders’ room. The project has been built by TVN On-Country and creating a dozen jobs in the process. Munurra Ltd partnered with the footy club, Kaiela Institute and University of Melbourne – who offered $6 million in support – with $30million from the state government.

Following construction, the wider community and future generations are poised to benefit. Munarra said the Centre for Regional Excellence “is a chance to achieve; a chance to enhance Aboriginal cultural identity, expression and celebration; grow in our leadership; improve our health; build our education; enhance our employment options; and move towards equitable social inclusion and reconciliation”.

“It will combine education, culture, the arts and sport to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow.”

The centre is designed for Aboriginal-led pathways education and knowledge central to curriculum and programs.

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

As the region’s newest education hub, Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence aims to ‘combine education, culture, the arts and sport to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow’. Image source: National Indigenous 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.

Dental Health Week – 5-11 August 2024

Dental Health Week (August 5-11) is the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) major annual oral health campaign. The campaign focuses on the importance of taking steps to care for your teeth and gums to help you keep your teeth and smile for life.

 In honour of Dental Health Week, Mob Smiles has a bunch of free resources available on how to care for your teeth and gums and habits to keep good mouth health. There are posters, brochures and fact sheets for bubs, teenagers, pregnant mums, and Elders.

Mob Smiles was created by First Nations people for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adults. The development of the Mob Smiles resources was led by Ms Kirrily Phillips, a proud Gumbaynggirr woman, and Oral Health Therapist.

For more information, go here.

Image source: Mob Smiles.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

7 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.

National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners

Held annually on August 7, NAATSIHWP’s National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners provides an important opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners make to the health care system.

This year’s theme is ‘More Men for Our Mob’, highlighting the essential contributions of our men to the health workforce and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sectors’ commitment to increasing their participation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men bring unique perspectives, strength, and resilience to healthcare, making a significant difference in the wellbeing of our communities. Their involvement helps to address culturally specific health issues, promotes strong male role models, and supports a holistic approach to community health.

One of the ways NACCHO aims to boost this is through our First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program (FNHWTP), which has already reached a major milestone with over 300 enrolments in the first 6 months. The enrolled mob are dedicated individuals learning the ropes of this vital work, building a stronger workforce and a healthier community.

A heartfelt thank you to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health practitioners for the incredible work you do today and every day.

To learn more about the National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners, go here.

To learn more about the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program, go here.

Image source: NAATSIHWP.

 

Waminda awarded grant towards palliative and end-of-life care

The South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, Waminda, has been granted $670,000 to aid and expand its work in palliative and end of life care. The culturally safe and holistic service has been supporting Aboriginal women and their families for the past 40 years.

Hayley Longbottom, Jerrinja Cullunghutti woman and executive manager at Waminda said the State Government grant would support the organisation’s work providing culturally appropriate resources to families.

“Dying is a natural and sometimes unexpected part of life,” she said.

“[The grant is there] to provide resources and to support the families when they need to access that and having those resources prepared and having staff be able to support the families through those things that they need.”

Ms Longbottom said Waminda’s staff were highly qualified women from the community who knew how to look after families and their needs.

“We’ve been doing this work for a very long time, so it is really welcoming that it is being recognised and we can actually do what we need to do.”

Waminda received the grant as a part of the End of Life and Palliative Care Non-Government Organisation Grants Program to help support the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and Far South Coast communities.

To read the South Coast Register article in full, go here.

Waminda’s executive manager, Hayley Longbottom. Image source: South Coast Register.

Connected Beginnings program expanding in NSW

The Albanese Government has announced the successful Connected Beginnings program will be expanding to the NSW Central Coast. Minster for Early Childhood Education and Care announced $3.8 million for Barang Regional Alliance to deliver Connected Beginnings sites in Wyong and Gosford.

The program connects First Nations children aged zero to five with a range of early childhood health, education, and family support services – helping children meet the learning and development milestones necessary to achieve a positive transition to school.

The Government partners with NACCHO and SNAICC National Voice for our Children to deliver the Connected Beginnings program, a community-led project achieving results for about 19,600 First Nations children across Australia.

The new Wyong and Gosford sites are part of an $81.8 million investment to expand the program to 50 sites across the Country. Once all 50 sites are established the program has the potential to support up to 20% of all First Nations children aged zero to five.

Other Connected Beginnings sites in NSW include Doonside, Mount Druitt, Taree, Bourke, Wagga Wagga and Broken Hill.

To learn more, go here.

Image source: SNAICC National Voice for our Children.

Mob@Compass 2024 Grant

Hosted by NT PHN, Compass is the leading conference for primary healthcare professionals in the NT. The event provides the opportunity for general practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals and Aboriginal health workers from across the Territory to collaborate, share knowledge and explore the latest in primary healthcare innovation.

The Mob@Compass grant has been designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who are part of the health service workforce in remote areas. Eligible roles include, but are not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers/practitioners and allied health assistants.

Funds available

  • $50,000 has been specifically made available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals from remote regions.
  • Each grant offers up to $2,000 for travel-related expenses, including flights and up to three nights accommodation. Please note that the grants do not cover food costs or conference fees.

To apply for the Mob@Compass Grant, go here. For more information about Compass, go here.

Image source: NT PHN.

Ceduna’s thriving art scene brings mental first aid and financial empowerment for its creatives

When Ceduna artist Jaylene Ware lost her father, the onslaught of grief brought with it a decision — numb the pain, or find an outlet for the stories, memories, and feelings provoked by loss. As a trained Aboriginal mental health first aid worker, Ms Ware was intimately aware that having an outlet was crucial in periods of loss.

“I want to talk about grief. I want to talk about mental health. I want to talk about families being together and connections,” she said of her inspirations.

“I want to talk about the colours of the sea. I want to talk about the different shades of sand, sunsets, sunrises.”

Since Arts Ceduna opened in 2011, the Aboriginal-led gallery has represented hundreds of artists and provided economic and artistic opportunities for artists from a remote corner of the country.

Local ceramicist and former director of Arts Ceduna, Pam Diment, said it was a boon for the community to have a flourishing art scene.

“It’s such a credit to have the art centre here in Ceduna. It has just done awesome, feel-good stuff for people — empowering people, bringing a financial return,” she said.

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

Local artist Jaylene Ware came to art as an outlet for grief. Image source: ABC Eyre Peninsula: Amelia Costigan.

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.

 

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

6 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.

Young mob help create music video to teach peers about the dangers of vaping

Danila Dilba Health Service (DDHS) has worked with local Darwin students to create a rap music video to teach kids about the dangers of vaping.

Through their work with kids in schools, the DDHS Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) team have seen first-hand the prevalence of vaping among middle and high school kids.

So, the TIS team decided to run a series of workshops with students from the Clontarf Academy and Stars Foundation to ask them how best to talk to young mob about the dangers of vaping. The result – a rap music video!

Sharni Cardona, DDHS Executive Manager Health Promotion and Program Integration said the outcome had far exceeded expectations.

“The song lyrics have all been written by these talented students. By sitting down with them and talking through the ingredients in vapes and the clever way they are marketed, the students were able to take this learning and present it in a meaningful way to their peers,” Sharni said.

The project also received fantastic support from local videography company Global Headquarters to help us make our rap music video come to life, Sharni said.

“Global allowed the students to take the reins to create the song, and also plan out the locations for the video music – so it was a great learning opportunity for them too,” Sharni said.

You can check out the video on the Danila Dilba YouTube channel, here.

‘Vaping is a Fool’s Game!’ rap music video behind the scenes. Image source: Danila Dilba Health Service.

Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Course through Culture Care Connect

The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Training course teaches the skills required to provide initial support to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional support is received, or the crisis resolves.

This strengths-based course has been developed and reviewed in consultation with Australia’s First Nations people. The course ensures participants are grounded in social and emotional well-being from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, equipping them with the skills to provide mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way.

To register your interest, go here. For more information about Culture Care Connect, go here.

More GPs needed in Alice Springs

The NT chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Sam Heard said the NT was currently 80 GPs short of the minimum numbers needed – up from 70 last year.

He said while most GP registrars who came to Alice Springs ended up staying, the difficulty was attracting doctors-in-training in the first place. Dr Heard said the workforce shortage meant local GPs were shouldering enormous workloads, with nurses and nurse practitioners also expected to plug gaps.

Robert Parker, the NT president for the Australian Medical Association, has long been sounding alarm bells about this issue. In 2019, Dr Parker wrote to the federal ministers for health and Indigenous Australians about the correlation between GP shortages and worsening health outcomes in the desert.

“I told them we have half the number of GPs needed in rural areas, and it’s directly related to a doubling of avoidable hospital admissions,” he said.

When questioned on the GP shortage, NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler pointed to the two snap curfews and a $90 million pay rise for police in this year’s budget to ensure “people feel safe” in Alice Springs.

Dr Heard said something desperately needed to change, as long as the region’s Indigenous communities continued to be disproportionately impacted by chronic health conditions.

“Where there’s poverty, there’s huge health needs,” he said.

“It’s overwhelming and it’s complex.”

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

Image source: ABC News.

Calls for First Nations Housing and Homelessness Plan

Homelessness Australia has called for a dedicated First Nations Housing and Homelessness Plan to address the issues driving over-representation of Indigenous children and families among Australia’s homeless population. The organisation released a new report on Monday revealing what it called “the harsh reality of the homelessness crisis hitting Aussie families”; with more than one third of the 88,696 family members who sought support still homeless during their last contact with homelessness support services.

The report found First Nations children are over-represented among children experiencing homelessness, making up 32% of homeless children nationally, despite comprising only 6.8% of the population under 18.

Homelessness Australia has called for a suite of measures to address the crisis as part of the forthcoming National Housing and Homelessness Plan, including a dedicated plan to address homelessness among First Nations people.

Homelessness Australia also said the Plan must drive investment into the frontline of the homelessness and domestic violence response, “so that when families and children seek help to avoid or escape homelessness, there is a worker and the housing and accommodation needed to get them into a stable home”.

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

Readers are also encouraged to read NACCHO’s 2023 National Housing and Homelessness Plan submission to Department of Social Services.

Image source: ABC News.

Keep at quitting the vapes – Kedea’s story

Kedea, 32, lives in Brisbane and enjoys an active, social lifestyle. She loves spending time with friends, playing sport and being in the great outdoors. Kedea recently quit the vapes to help improve her physical and mental wellbeing.

“I was a smoker in my late 20s and had that habit for 4 or 5 years,” says Kedea.

“Then I decided to quit smoking and found vaping as an alternative.”

At first, Kedea only vaped on the weekends. She soon noticed she was using the vapes to cope with stressful situations and that the habit had turned into an addiction.

“I would vape first thing in the morning, and I would vape as the last thing I did before bed.”

Kedea noticed the vapes started to impact her health and lifestyle. “I found myself with shortness of breath…when I was training, playing football, at the gym and going for runs.”

Wanting to improve her wellbeing, Kedea decided it was time to quit. It took a few tries, and there were setbacks along the way, but eventually Kedea was able to quit the vapes for good.

“I decided to make healthier choices, like going out fishing, going on adventures and having a healthy social life.”

Kedea began to feel positive changes to her health, including her fitness levels and mental wellbeing. “I felt on top of the world when I quit vaping,” she says. “I haven’t looked back since.”

Quitting the vapes might take several tries. You can learn something from every quit attempt, which will bring you closer to giving up for good. Support services are available to help you. Talk with your health worker, download the My QuitBuddy app or call the Quitline on 13 7848.

To read the article in full, go here.

Kedea recently quit the vapes to help improve her physical and mental wellbeing.

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.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

5 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.

Coalition of Peaks says partnerships and shared decision making will help close the gap

Partnerships and shared decision making between Indigenous communities and governments is the key to Closing the Gap, according to the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. It follows the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s speech at the Garma Festival in North-east Arnhem Land, where he said his government had a fresh focus for Indigenous affairs and the economic empowerment for First Nations people after October’s failed referendum and recent revelation that many Closing the Gap targets are not on track. The Coalition of Peaks, who represent almost 800 Indigenous ACCOs, welcomed the Prime Minister’s speech, where he also announced $20 million to build the Garma Institute, a tertiary education centre owned and run by Yolŋu people.

Pat Turner, Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor and NACCHO CEO said federal, state and territory governments agreed to a partnership approach when they signed the National Agreement on Closing the Gap in 2020 under then Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that affect our lives. We know what our communities need. We know what leads to better outcomes,” Ms Turner said.

“The partnership will focus on the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations, supporting job creation and translating our knowledge, assets, and rights into sustainable benefits.

​”This new way of working ensures parties can regularly and directly meet with senior government officials on equal footing, and governments are required to report on progress.”

Ms Turner said the funding and support for ACCOs would be key to the success of economic development projects that helped First Nations people, and said the government needed to work with Traditional Owners, as well as bodies involved in heritage protection, on renewable energy projects and other economic opportunities involving natural resources.

“The last thing we want to see is funding for training and job creation programs going to organisations which are not led by, and do not fundamentally understand our people,” Ms Turner said.

​”We need opportunities for our people to train and upskill on Country, in their communities, so they can take on the jobs their community desperately needs – whether that be in renewable energy, health, education or the care sector.”

Ms Turner said creating both jobs and sustainable income streams were key to helping close the gap, arguing this required a “continued focus on the health, education and wellbeing of our people, alongside the creation of economic opportunities”.

“All of this must be done in a way that centres the knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – governments cannot assume they know what is best for us,” Ms Turner said.

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

Pat Turner, Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor and NACCHO CEO.

Indigenous health workers push to overcome organ donation stigma in the NT

Christine Spencer knows how desperate the need for organ donations in the NT is. In her 15 years as an Aboriginal liaison officer, she has witnessed firsthand the complex, chronic health issues gripping Indigenous communities. But the Warlpiri woman said the topic felt off limits when she raised it with Aboriginal families in Alice Springs.

“There is taboo around it,” she said.

“No-one ever talks about it.”

Central Australia has some of the highest rates of chronic kidney disease in Australia and 1% of the population is on dialysis. But Aboriginal health workers say there is little awareness in communities about where transplanted kidneys come from and there is a widespread hesitancy to donate.

“It’s all about education,” Central Arrernte traditional owner Benedict Stevens said.

“This is where we come in, with the language skills.”

In 2021, Ms Spencer and Mr Stevens joined with other Aboriginal liaison officers working hospitals to take part in a focus group about attitudes towards organ donation in Central Australia. It was part of a study led by Alice Springs intensive care specialist Paul Secombe that revealed organ donation was a “new and culturally taboo” topic in Indigenous communities.

“The best-matched organs for Aboriginal people come from Aboriginal people,” Dr Secombe said.

“Those organs will do the best and they will last a long time in the right person.”

Following the focus group research, Ms Spencer and the other Aboriginal liaison officers have developed an animated video in several languages that explains organ donation in a culturally safe way. The final report from the research project is due to be released later this week.

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

Alice Springs Hospital Aboriginal liaison officers Christine Spencer and Benedict Stevens are raising awareness about organ donation. Image source: ABC Alice Springs: Charmayne Allison.

Upcoming Webinar – Get the facts: supporting self-collect cervical screening in your Community

on Wednesday August 14, NACCHO is excited to be hosting the second CPD accredited webinar for healthcare workers on the cervical screening self-collection option. The webinar will focus on how to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and people with a cervix in their cervical screening.

This is an hour-long training session open to all ACCHO staff wanting to learn more about self-collect cervical screening. We will hear from a guest presenter and expert in the field Professor Marion Saville from the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. The webinar will also showcase the stories of different representatives working in the ACCHO sector sharing some amazing stories of how self-collect is being implemented in their Community.

NAATSIHWP, RACGP and ACRRM have provided CPD endorsement for the training.

A link to the webinar recording will be sent following the training date to those who register.

For more information and to register, go here.

Goldfield’s health researcher honoured for contributions to Indigenous health

A Goldfields Aboriginal health worker and medical researcher has received a doctorate in recognition of her contributions to Indigenous health and wellbeing. Annette Stokes was made an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Western Australia last week. A Wongutha-Ngadju woman from the Goldfields, Ms Stokes is an accomplished artist and musician with a background in early childhood education and Aboriginal health research.

She was integral to several major health research projects including the Western Desert Kidney Health Project and the Kalgoorlie Otitis Media Research Project. Ms Stokes was awarded the doctorate during a graduation ceremony at UWA’s Crawley campus last Thursday.

“I’m not used to talking about myself . . . but I’m really happy I got this award, I’m really proud of it,” she said.

“The Western Desert Kidney Health Project and the otitis media (middle-ear disease) research was very important to me because I was able to be among my people and . . . look after their health and encourage them about their health.

“I love my job as a researcher and going out to communities, and because I (care) about my people.”

To read The West Australian news article in full, go here.

Aboriginal medical researcher Annette Stokes has received an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of her contribution to Indigenous health.

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.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day – 4 August 2024

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is held annually on 4 August and is our day dedicated to celebrating our children. The 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme Strong in Culture, Stronger Together elevates the intention of Children’s Day, focusing on the strength of our children that comes from their connection to culture and mob.  

ACCHOs across the country held National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day celebrations. On Friday, August 2 Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation invited families and children to enjoy painting, crafts, snacks and more!

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation posted to social media: “This year we stand with our children, proud of their culture, stories, kin and community – all that makes our children special, resilient and the bright leaders for our future.

“Our vision is for our children to thrive, be strong in culture and connected to kin and community – our children should be proud to come from the oldest living culture in the world.”

Proud to support and empower the future generation, Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation also held celebrations on Friday, writing on social media: “Our Child & Maternal team, Health promotion, and Dental team provided books and gift bags with paste & toothbrushes. WMHSAC had a great time delivering oral health education to children ages 0-5 years and taught them the proper brushing technique.”

To learn more about National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, go here.

Image source: Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.

ACCHO Governance Workshops

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.