- Derbarl Yerrigan partnership with Heart Foundation restores vital health program
- Online learning leads to better Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes
- New Childcare Bill a Win for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
- A Positive step for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Bathurst
- Kimberley Hunt Backs Kunjur Men’s Group with Award Donation
- Sector Jobs
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.
Derbarl Yerrigan partnership with Heart Foundation restores vital health program
The Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service (DYHS) and the Heart Foundation have partnered to relaunch the Derbarl Yerrigan Heart Health Program, providing culturally appropriate cardiovascular disease prevention, rehabilitation, and care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Western Australia.
Paused due to COVID-19 funding constraints, the program is being rebuilt over five years to deliver lifesaving heart care. Past participants highlight its impact, from early detection of heart conditions to improving mobility and well-being.
The partnership ensures a community-led, culturally safe approach, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to prevent and manage heart disease effectively.
To read the full article, go here.
Derbarl Yerrigan Heart Health Program participants keeping fit. Image: J. Harris (Derbarl Yerrigan).
Online learning leads to better Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes
Tiana Thomas is completing her Master’s in Health Service Management at UTS, using her education to improve Aboriginal health outcomes. Working at Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, she helps provide culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families seeking medical care in Cairns.
Her studies have strengthened her skills in healthcare systems and decision-making, enhancing services at Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan. She praises UTS’s strong student support and encourages others to embrace online learning, proving that education can drive meaningful change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
To read more, go here.
Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, Queensland.
New Childcare Bill a Win for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
The Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025 will remove barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families by scrapping the activity test and guaranteeing 100 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle called the change “life-changing,” ensuring more First Nations children access early education, developmental support, and allied health services.
The government’s $1 billion investment in 160 new childcare centres prioritising Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) will further improve access in regional and remote areas.
This legislation is a major step toward closing the gap, giving First Nations children a stronger start in life.
To read more, go here.
Image caption: SNAICC chief executive officer Catherine Liddle says proposed early childhood education and care legislation will give more First Nations children the opportunity to flourish. (Image: Ian Redfearn/ABC News)
A Positive step for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Bathurst
The Kelso Community Hub is set to become home to Wahluu Health Aboriginal Corporation Bathurst, bringing much-needed local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services to the community. This move will improve access to healthcare, create employment opportunities, and support self-determination through an Aboriginal-led service.
The agreement also benefits Bathurst Regional Council, reducing financial losses while ensuring the hub serves the community more effectively. Wahluu Health has also expressed interest in future ownership, paving the way for a sustainable, community-controlled health service.
To read more, go here.
The Kelso Community Hub. Image: From http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
Kimberley Hunt Backs Kunjur Men’s Group with Award Donation
Wakaid woman and NRLW Dragons player Kimberley Hunt has directed her Veronica White Medal award donation to the Kunjur Men’s Group, supporting men’s wellbeing and suicide prevention.
Her $3,500 contribution has helped the group upgrade essential equipment for their Men’s Yarning Circles, including a food-safe bain-marie, camp kitchen, and seating, creating a safer and more welcoming space for men to connect and seek support.
The group thanked Hunt for her advocacy, saying her support will have a lasting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of men in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
To read more, go here.
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.
- 13 Yarn (13 92 76)
- Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)
- Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)
- Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 + webchat)
- Lifeline (13 11 14 + online chat)
- MensLine Australia (1300 789 978)
- NACCHO Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal
- QLife – anonymous LGBTIQ support (1800 184 527 + webchat)
- Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
The Kunjur Men’s Group received new gear through the donation
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.
