2 October 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.

How an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, community-led approach helped Queensland’s remote communities through COVID-19 outbreaks

A recent study by Australian researchers highlighted how six remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland successfully managed COVID-19 outbreaks during the pandemic’s early waves.

Community-led efforts and the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, along with co-designed approaches and modest to high vaccination rates, helped address challenges such as overcrowded housing and the need for digital healthcare. The study emphasises the effectiveness of self-determined health strategies and the importance of community-led public health initiatives in First Nations communities.

Read more here.

Image source: Unsplash

Culture Care Connect – Insights from Orange Aboriginal Medical Service

In the spirit of Mental Health Month, we look back at the Culture Care Connect Summit, where we spoke to some deadly professionals from Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.

Culture Care Connect, a first-of-its-kind program, empowers ACCHOs to co-design and deliver community-led suicide prevention and holistic aftercare services. At its core, this program is about culture—creating meaningful connections for ongoing healing and support.

To learn more, go here.

Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy says Parliament ‘not ready’ for Makarratta Commission

Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy has expressed that the Australian Parliament is not yet ready to progress with the Makarrata Commission, which aims to oversee truth-telling and treaty processes. While there is still political resistance to this initiative, Minister McCarthy reaffirmed the importance of these discussions for addressing historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This statement directly impacts the health and wellbeing sector that NACCHO operates in, as truth-telling and treaty are foundational steps towards reconciliation and improving the social determinants of health for Indigenous Australians.

Efforts like the Makarrata Commission could lead to policies that better support culturally safe healthcare and community services, addressing systemic inequalities and fostering greater trust between governments and communities—central to NACCHO’s calling.

Read more here.

Credit: LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

Government Announces New Action on Climate and Health Strategy

The Albanese Government has announced a significant collaboration between 19 major health sector organisations to address the growing health impacts of climate change. This initiative focuses on building a healthcare system that can respond to extreme weather events, such as bushfires and heatwaves, while reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, emphasized the need for resilience, stating, “This joint statement underpins a more responsive health system to address the impacts of climate change.”

 Climate Change and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

As climate change increasingly affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rural and remote areas, it is critical that all sectors are equipped to respond to these emerging challenges. NACCHO recognises the importance of ensuring that culturally safe care is prioritised in addressing the health risks posed by a changing climate. Our involvement in future and ongoing discussions is essential to ensuring a health system that meets the needs of all Australians in a changing climate.

Read more, here.

Mental health research boost

The Australian Government has committed over $14 million to mental health research through the Million Minds Mental Health Research initiative, focusing on protecting vulnerable communities from the mental health impacts of climate change.

A significant project within this initiative highlights the power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices in addressing the mental health effects of environmental changes.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are deeply connected to the land, and their cultural knowledge and practices offer valuable insights for building resilience in the face of climate change.

This project aims to explore how these practices can serve as a protective factor for mental health, not only within their communities but as a potential model for broader mental health strategies across Australia.

By recognising the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural traditions, the initiative seeks to foster positive mental health outcomes and contribute to the national conversation on sustainable mental health solutions in a changing environment.

Read more here.

Image source: Mental Health Research.

Creating a strong and deadly future for the next generation

The “Strong & Deadly Futures” program, developed by the Matilda Centre, focuses on culturally inclusive drug and alcohol prevention education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Launched in 2016, it includes six curriculum-aligned lessons for Year 8 students, with booster sessions for Year 9, focusing on cultural strengths and community involvement. The program, currently in trial, integrates storytelling and local adaptations to promote well-being, prevent substance use, and empower students. It is expected to expand further by 2025.

It is hoped this initiative continues to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth build resilience through cultural connections and address public health priorities.

 Read more here.

Image source: Strong & Deadly Futures

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.

Mental Health Month

This year’s Mental Health Month theme, “Let’s Talk About It,” prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, irrespective of whether we’ve personally encountered mental illness. It emphasises the significance of maintaining good mental health in our daily lives and encourages a proactive approach to seeking help when necessary.

For more details, go here.

Image source: WayAhead

Eye Health 2024 Webinar Series: Eye Health and Children

Join us on Wednesday, October 9 (1-2 PM AEST) for the Eye Health 2024 Webinar Series: Eye Health and Children.

In the lead-up to World Sight Day, join us for an insightful webinar where we’ll explore:

  • Vision tests for children included in the Maternal Child Health and 715 Health Checks
  • Practical tips for performing these tests on infants and young children
  • An overview of various school vision screening programs

Don’t miss the chance to hear from QUT experts Dr. Shelley Hopkins, Optometrist and Dr. Ann Webber, Clinical Educator – Paediatric Optometrist.

To register, go here.