Monthly Archives:

NACCHO Sector News: 31 March 2025

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.

Have your say on Closing the Gap

How can we strengthen the National Agreement on Closing the Gap? This is your chance to share your experiences and shape the future of how governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations work together to deliver change.

– Take the short survey
– Make a written submission
– Join an in-person discussion in a place-based partnership community

Your perspective matters.

Have your say by 16 April. Learn more here.

Image source: Coalition of Peaks.

From Yarrabah to Beyond: The Hygiene Program Saving Indigenous Lives to Combat Rheumatic Heart Disease

In Yarrabah, kilometres east of Cairns Renee Grosso is implementing Innovative and fun strengths focused health programs the expand hygiene access and education with a keen focus on Rheumatic Heat Disease (RHD).

Renee is the public health coordinator at Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services’ (GYHSAC) bring an array of health and hygiene programs such as The Yarrabah soap program, Healthy skin hearoes and directly engaging with communities like Groote Eylandt, Jambun and Palm Island. The most recent program that is being championed is the MOOGOO Prevent RHD Program providing ongoing natural hygiene products, including its Milk Wash, to high-risk communities to reduce the likelihood of risks and infections.

Read more here.

Young Child In Yarrabah Practicing Healthy Skin Hero Program With Dolly. Image source: NITV.

The unfinished business of Bringing Them Home

A new Healing Foundation report has found only 6% of the Bringing them home report recommendations – made to support Stolen Generations survivors and their families almost 28 years ago – have been clearly implemented.

It recommends a National Healing Package of priority changes to enable remaining elderly survivors to live out their days with dignity.

The report offers practical policy solutions to some of the big challenges facing survivors and their families, including:

  • access to culturally safe, trauma informed aged care and health services
  • urgent equitable redress
  • prioritised access to records, and
  • investment in Stolen Generation Organisations.

Learn more here.

Image source: The Healing Foundation.

Indigenous-led quit smoking program upscales nationally to help close the gap

An Indigenous-led intervention program tackling smoking and vaping – the leading preventable cause of chronic disease and preventable death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people — will be upscaled nationally.

The Which Way? Quit Pack pilot program developed by a Newcastle research team has been awarded a $4.7m Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)* Indigenous Health Research grant through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Led by Wiradjuri woman, University of Newcastle Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy, of the HMRI** Equity in Health and Wellbeing program, the Which Way? smoking and vaping cessation program builds on existing research by the team, to evaluate the impact of the innovative intervention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents and adults.

Learn more here.

Which Way? Quit Pack research team members (l-r) Felicity Collis (Gomeroi), Kayden Roberts-Barker (Wiradjuri), Jessica Bennett (Gamilaroi) and lead researcher Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy (Wiradjuri).

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.

Governance Workshops for ACCHOs

Register now for the NACCHO Governance Workshops 2025.

Sydney is up next on Tuesday 15 April and Wednesday 16 April. 

NACCHO’s Governance Workshops are designed for people working in member ACCHOs and run by legal and other experts in the field. 

The workshops cover: 

  • Principles of good governance.  
  • Managing conflicts of interest. 
  • Managing risk (e.g. contract execution, etc.). 
  • Delegation of powers. 
  • Finance for Boards. 
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees; and 
  • Governance documents. 

NACCHO Sector News: 28 March 2025

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led quit smoking program expands nationally

An Indigenous-led program aimed at reducing smoking and vaping rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be expanded nationally.

The initiative is led by Wiradjuri woman, Associate Professor Michelle Kennedy, through the HMRI Equity in Health and Wellbeing program.

It is designed to assess the impact of smoking and vaping cessation strategies for both adolescents and adults.

To read the full article, go here.

An Indigenous-led quit smoking program is expanding nationally to help reduce smoking rates. Image: Newcastle University.

Additional funding to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies

A research project aiming to improve outcomes for Indigenous mothers and babies has received a substantial federal funding boost.

The research project, jointly led by Professor Della Forster and community Elder Aunty Gina Bundle, has received $2.9 million to expand its work throughout the state.

The funding will see a research team work with a number of communities in Victoria to implement and expand culturally safe continuity of care for women having an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander baby.

To read the media release, go here.

Aunty Gina Bundle will jointly lead the research project alongside La Trobe University’s Professor Della Forster. (Image: The Royal Women’s Hospital/X)

Work begins on new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health centre in Ceduna

Yadu Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is at the forefront of a significant development in Ceduna, South Australia, as construction begins on a new, state-of-the-art health centre dedicated to serving the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. This initiative enhances culturally appropriate healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region.​

This new clinic will expand its services, provide modern facilities, and ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Ceduna, Koonibba, Scotdesco and surrounding homelands continue to receive the best possible care, close to home.

To read more, go here.

Men’s Places Grant Program – CLOSES Mon 31.3.25 – NT

If you have a project to support men’s places, you can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 per applicant.

You can use the grant to support a range of activities such as:

  • information sessions
  • skills development
  • health and wellbeing programs
  • education and peer-to-peer support programs
  • parenting programs and equipment.

Applications are now open until Monday, 31 March 2025.

Learn more here.

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.

Health, Climate & Our Future – Online Consultation for ACCHOs & ACCOs

Hey Mob, we want to hear from you! Climate change isn’t just something happening out there—it’s something we’re feeling in our Communities, in our health, and in the way we do our jobs. Join us for a deadly online yarn about how climate and environment shifts are impacting our ACCOs and ACCHOs, our way of working, and our ways of keeping Mob safe and strong.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 10 April
Time: 12pm – 1:30pm (AEST) (90 mins)
Where: Online (we’ll send the link a week before)

Register now and be part of the yarn! Limited spots available!

NACCHO Sector News: 27 March 2025

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups cautiously optimistic about budget

Money for early childhood development, mental health and infrastructure have left Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations with a feeling of ‘cautious optimism’ following the 2025 federal budget.

Much of the spending allocated in Tuesday night’s budget had been announced previously, including $50 million already earmarked to reduce the price of essential grocery items in remote communities.

Minister For Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said she was “very pleased” with this effort towards food security in remote communities, and efforts to tackle rheumatic heart disease, with $11.4 million in the budget to establish or upgrade 12 laundry facilities in remote communities.

To read the full article, go here.

Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy welcomed simple measures to improve lives. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Rolling wrap of health sector reaction to the Budget

Many health initiatives in the Federal Budget had already been announced, although no doubt additional items of interest will be uncovered by those reading the Budget papers closely.

Croakey Media links us to key documents, and also a rolling wrap of reaction.

​To read more, go here.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivering the 2025-2026 Federal Budget

Plant-based diet trial boosts health for people living with kidney disease

World first research trial shows simple dietary changes can improve gut health and reduce toxins

New research from the University of Wollongong (UOW) has found that a diet rich in diverse plant foods can significantly benefit people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

To read the media release, go here.

Associate Professor Kelly Lambert says a diet rich in diverse plant foods can significantly benefit people living with chronic kidney disease. Photo: Michael Gray

Needs-based funding is a must for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to access legal services

This powerful statement from Karly Warner, CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, comes in response to Victoria’s controversial youth bail laws. Warner and other legal and community leaders are warning that such policies disproportionately harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

To read more, go here.

Victoria’s bail laws are being challenged (Image: Dechlan Brennan)

Disaster Resilience, Risk Reduction Projects – CLOSES Wed 2.4.25 – National

Funding is available for projects that support disaster resilience and risk reduction, including those that:

  • increase the understanding of natural disaster impacts, build resilience to future disasters and/or reduce natural disaster risk
  • target one or more eligible natural hazard types
  • deliver enduring benefits for communities at risk of future eligible disasters
  • involve one or more eligible activity types in the built, social, natural and/or economic domains.

For further information, applicants should contact the Lead Agency in their jurisdiction.

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.

NACCHO Sector News: 26 March 2025

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.

Some good news for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

The National Aboriginal Community-controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is pleased to hear of measures which should have a positive effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

The Chair of NACCHO, Donnella Mills, speaking in Melbourne this evening said, ‘We knew what was coming for our sector from the announcements related to the $842m package (over six years) that the Government negotiated with our colleagues at APONT in the Northern Territory. And we were also aware of some injections of funding in critical programs such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD). There is also funding for the Coalition of Peaks, which we are pleased to see. These are welcome announcements.’

In Canberra last night, Pat Turner, the CEO of NACCHO said, ‘The big thing for our sector in this Budget is the increased access to Medicare and the PBS. The $8.5b Medicare package will not only help our ACCHOs, but the better access to bulkbilling and medicines will directly benefit the half a million or so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who access our 550 clinics. It was also pleasing to hear that the Coalition supports this critical announcement.’

Notwithstanding the measures in tonight’s Budget, more needs to be done if we are serious about closing the health gap. NACCHO has been working with the Department of Health for over seven years on a new funding model for the ACCHO sector. Currently, most of the funding is tied to historical decisions, which can no longer be justified. So, we are on the cusp of instituting a new and fairer model which represents the best chance we have had in a generation to deliver real reform.

Read the full media release here.

Nunkuwarrin Yunti’s new medical facility

The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA) were proud to attend the official opening of Nunkuwarrin Yunti’s new medical facility.

Designed with multiple consulting rooms for GPs, nurses, counsellors, and other health practitioners, this space will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the community.

“We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of Nunkuwarrin Yunti as they serve the health and wellbeing of the community,” AHCSA wrote on social media.

Image source: AHCSA.

‘Excited to serve the community’: new gym is a first of its kind for Orange

Based out of the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, a new gym specifically aimed at the disabled community opened on Tuesday.

Some of the equipment on offer includes attachments which allow users to lift weights as well as a ceiling hoist and plinth to tackle balancing exercises to work core muscles.

The gym will be operated by Neuromoves – a specialised service from Spinal Cord Injuries Australia – and will be open to all members of the public, not just OAMS patients.

Read more here.

The new gym for Orange’s disabled community, located out of the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service. Picture by Carla Freedman

Good Medicine Better Health: Understanding and Managing Vaping

Vaping is on the rise, and understanding its risks is more important than ever. The latest Good Medicine Better Health module on Understanding and Managing Vaping is here to help.

Gain the knowledge and skills to support clients who vape and help prevent uptake in your community – plus, earn National Association of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Workers CPD points along the way.

To complete the GMBH module, go here.

After support to quit vaping or smoking? Reach out to Quit on 13 78 48, or go here.

‘Inspiring’ basketball program keeps young people out of prison system

First Nations-led basketball program Hoops 4 Health gave peer mentor Aaron Hyde the boost he needed to chase his dreams while serving time in prison.

The recently paroled 28-year-old now runs workshops for young people and adults in the Alice Springs men’s prison and in communities to help them tackle trauma.

Founded in Darwin in 2001 by Warumungu and Nyikina man and former pro-baller Timmy Duggan, the basketball program was rolled out in the territory’s youth detention centres in 2016.

Mr Duggan said the initiative combined peer-led emotional regulation sessions, basketball and money skills.

“It’s a traumatic experience going to prison, and what a lot of our participants have faced might have been intergenerational trauma as well, so we’re using this model around healing-centred sport to address it,” he said.

Read the full article here.

Aaron Hyde (left) and Timmy Duggan run trauma-informed basketball workshops in communities and prisons. (ABC News: Michael Donelly)

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.

NACCHO Sector News: 25 March 2025

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.

Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-Led Review of Closing the Gap

The Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-Led Review is a national initiative that captures the perspectives and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people involved in the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement).

The Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led review occurs after each Productivity Commission Review and is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to shape the future actions of the Priority Reforms in the National Agreement. This process is about understanding lived experiences, celebrating successes, and identifying where to build momentum in relation to the National Agreement.

There are many ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can contribute to the Independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led review including:

  • A national online survey
  • A national submission process
  • Intensive forums in the six place-based partnerships (Clause 39) locations in the East Kimberley (WA), Maningrida (NT), Doomadgee (QLD), Tamworth (NSW), Gippsland (VIC), and the Western Suburbs of Adelaide (SA).
  • Stakeholder interviews
  • An in-person assembly of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives to be held on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra) in April 2025

Learn more here.

Image source: Coalition of Peaks.

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service mental health questionnaire

This questionnaire aims to gather insights on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention/ Intervention or after care experiences, including post suicide support within the ACT Region, including: Queanbeyan, and Yass. The questionnaire places a strong focus on accessibility, effectiveness, and cultural safety of services we need to access.

The information will help identify service gaps, improve support programs and design culturally safe community led initiatives.

All information is shared is kept confidential and contributes to building a program that is responsive to the local community needs.

To complete the survey, go here.

Image source: Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service

Introduction to Indigenous Psychology

Introduction to Indigenous Psychology is the first in a three-part video series, providing foundational learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledges, and exploring contemporary global issues.

This series will encourage self-reflection on individual roles as a student, emerging psychologist or researcher, and how to be a better ally, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and social justice.

To watch the video, go here.

Connecting culture and care at Ipswich Hospital

Ty Cleary says his role supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients brings a strong sense of pride and connection to community. Mr Cleary is the Indigenous Liaison Service Coordinator at West Moreton Health in Ipswich, QLD. The Mununjali and Undambi man said his work focuses on ensuring cultural and spiritual needs were met within the hospital system.

“An important part of my work is ensuring the Indigenous Hospital Liaison Service meets the cultural and spiritual needs of the community,” he said.

“It’s also about supporting clinicians by educating them around culturally appropriate communication and care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.”

Read more here.

Ty Cleary is leading efforts at West Moreton Health to improve culturally appropriate care for Indigenous patients. (Image: Supplied/West Moreton Health)

New Safe Aboriginal Youth program for Tamworth

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, Winanga-Li has been selected to roll out the Safe Aboriginal Youth (SAY) program to Tamworth as part of the NSW Government’s multi-agency plan to address youth crime and make communities safer.

SAY is a community-based service that provides supervised activities and safe transport for Aboriginal young people aged 12 to 18 years, helping them stay safe after dark.

It is designed to divert young people away from harmful activities and reduce the likelihood of criminal involvement, while also reducing the risk of them becoming victims of crime.

Read more here.

Image source: Winanga-Li

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.

NACCHO Sector News: 24 March 2025

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.

Strong Born in Seattle

Dr Robyn Williams and Dr Dorothy Badry took the Strong Born campaign to the international stage, presenting at the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, in Seattle.

The Strong Born Campaign has been highly successful, utilising a distinct approach to FASD awareness and prevention among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Strong Born is connected to the National Information Campaign for pregnant and breastfeeding women and has developed downloadable resources for communities and health professionals.

Learn more here.

Dr Robyn Williams and Dr Dorothy Badry at the International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Indigenous groups ignored on government economic policies

A new report has revealed First Nations communities are not being properly consulted on government economic policies. The findings from the Coalition of Peaks – based on feedback from more than 200 organisations – were detailed in a new report Informing a Partnership on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Economic Development.

The COP report said the reluctance of governments to properly engage in genuine partnerships with Aboriginal organisations had continued to drive unemployment, disadvantage First Nations businesses, and leave young Indigenous people with no clear pathways to economic security.

The findings highlighted significant shortcomings in current government engagement, and a need for a new plan centred on solutions led by Aboriginal community-controlled organisations (ACCOs).

Read the full report here.

Read the National Indigenous Times article here.

Image source: Coalition of Peaks

2025 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards

Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the 2025 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards. Recipients from the ACCHO sector include:

  • Soleil White, Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service: Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year
  • Susannah Warwick, Derby Aboriginal Health Service: GP of the Year
  • Nicholas Corsair, Kimberley Renal Services: Nurse or Midwife of the Year
  • Tylah Bedford, Yura Yungi Medical Service: Young Professional of the Year

Read more here.

Image source: Rural Health West

Screen with your sistas

These health promotion resources have been developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, as part of its Screen With Your Sistas campaign. The campaign aims to increase breast screening participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Resources include brochures, a fact sheet, a flipbook, posters, illustrated videos and social media tiles.

The campaign website includes information on:

  • understanding breast screening
  • getting ready for an appointment
  • guidance for health professionals
  • links to program resources.

Learn more here.

Image source: Screen with your sistas

Bicycle revolution underway on Torres Strait’s Thursday Island

On the face of it, bicycles should be a great way to get around on Thursday Island, or “TI”, in the Torres Strait. The 3.5-square-kilometre tropical island has a designated cycleway and most things are a five to 10-minute ride away. But after moving her young family to TI from New South Wales in 2023, Sarah Tedder was struck by the lack of people pedalling around.

After surveying community members nearly a year ago, Ms Tedder found while some kids had a bike, it was a different story for adults, with many relying on taxis to get their children to school or run errands. Along with a group of locals and the mayor, she has since led a bicycle revolution — Mobilise TI — to improve access to bikes for the island’s nearly 3,000 residents.

“It’s so good being on the bike. It’s reliable, it’s there just ready for us to go, you’ve always got a breeze, keeps us healthy too,” says Joy Robin, local mum.

Read more here.

Thursday Island mum Joy Robin and daughter Linze with their bikes. (Supplied: Sarah Tedder)

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.

NACCHO Sector News: 21 March 2025

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.

2025 NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship applications closing soon!

Applications for the 2025 NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship are closing soon, Monday 24 March. To apply, go here.

The scholarship program aims to build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacist workforce and to raise the profile of the beneficial role that pharmacy and pharmacists can play in supporting appropriate and culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Each recipient will receive up to $10,000 per annum to contribute to university expenses. The scholarship also includes support and mentorship from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and organisations to ensure ongoing integration and connection with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health sector.

For questions or further information, please contact Harrison Milne on 0481257904 or harrison.milne@naccho.org.au.

*Proudly supported by a grant from Sanofi

Webinar: Launch of the Australian Clinical Guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Settings

This webinar will launch the Australian Clinical Guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Settings. These guidelines are a comprehensive, culturally safe and evidence-based guide to the prevention, testing, diagnosis, management and care of Human T-lymphotropic virus subtype 1 (HTLV-1).

Date, Time & Venue

  • Monday, 24 March 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEDT)
  • Online via Teams

Target Audience

  • All healthcare workers, particularly those working in the Northern Territory, APY Lands and NG lands.

Register here.

Webinar: Launch of the Australian Clinical Guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Settings

Funding to help Indigenous women and children in the NT leave abusive relationships

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children living in Darwin will be given support to leave violent intimate partner relationships through funding for an Indigenous legal organisation by the federal government.

On Friday, the Labor government announced the North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) had received $9 million in funding to work in partnership with Danila Dilba Health Services, the Darwin Aboriginal and Islander Women’s Shelter, and Yilli Rreung Housing to help support survivors.

NAAFLS will provide survivors with an option to access the Leaving Violence Program through their service as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Organisation.

Read more here.

Women pictured in Alice Springs in July. (Image: Jesse Tyssen)

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit  http://www.ntv.org.au

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

VACCHO’s Community Question Time sparks fervent discussions ahead of the Federal Election

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) hosted their third Community Question Time at the Aborigines Advancement League on Tuesday 18 March.

The insightful evening provided a great platform for conversations that were powerful, raw and at times, emotionally charged. The all-Indigenous panel included Greens Senator Dorinda Cox, Labor Senator Jana Stewart, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe and VACCHO CEO Dr. Jill Gallagher AO.

The panellists delved into 90 minutes of thought-provoking conversations that covered a broad range of topics such as advocating for better social care systems, changing the date of Australia Day and other matters impacting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Read more here.


Image source: VACCHO

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies

RACGP Rural spoke to Dr Natasha Pavlin from Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service (Wurli) about the Australian Family Partnership Program (AFPP), a culturally grounded initiative supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies. The dedication of Natasha and her team ensures that this evidence-based program delivers meaningful, long-lasting health outcomes.

At Wurli, Natasha and her team have tailored it to the needs of the Katherine community. The program pairs trained nurses with Aboriginal family partnership workers who offer culturally informed guidance, ensuring holistic support for families throughout pregnancy, birth and the first two years of a child’s life.

Read more here.

Rana Rankin RN Nurse Home Visitor and Maxine Coombe Family Partnership Worker.

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.

Governance Workshops for ACCHOs: Melbourne, VIC

ACCHOs…Free Governance Workshops are coming your way in 2025! Melbourne you’re up first: Wednesday 26 March & Thursday 27 March.

To register, go here.

NACCHO’s Governance Workshops are designed for people working in member ACCHOs and run by legal and other experts in the field.

The workshops cover:

  • Principles of good governance.
  • Managing conflicts of interest.
  • Managing risk (e.g. contract execution, etc.).
  • Delegation of powers.
  • Finance for Boards.
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees; and
  • Governance documents.

NACCHO Sector News: 20 March 2025

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 Close the Gap Day: Accountability in action

Today, on National Close the Gap Day, the Coalition of Peaks is calling for real accountability.

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap is underway. This is your opportunity to share what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.

Governments signed up to this Agreement, but commitments alone won’t close the gap – they must follow through.

“Every level of government committed to this process to create space for real input and meaningful change. This Review isn’t just about measuring progress – it’s about holding governments accountable and shaping a better future,” says NACCHO CEO and Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor, Pat Turner AM.

Have your say before 16 April. Take the survey or make a submission here.

Read more here.

Image source: Coalition of Peaks

National Close the Gap Day: Promoting and empowering Aboriginal voices

Today is National Close the Gap Day, an opportunity to cast a light on advocacy for Aboriginal health equity and the work being done to afford us the same level of health and wellbeing as non-Aboriginal people.

Life expectancy for Aboriginal people still averages 10 to 17 years lower than that of non-Aboriginal people. The Close the Gap campaign seeks to address this huge divide by working to improve healthcare access, education, employment opportunities, and social and emotional wellbeing.

This year’s theme— ‘Agency, Leadership, Reform’—highlights the importance of Aboriginal communities’ agency, leadership roles, and the systemic reforms needed to achieve health equality in Australia. It is a time to reflect on the strengths of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector, celebrate the progress made so far, and recognise the disparities still to overcome.

Read more here.

Image source: AHCWA.

QAIHC Position Statement: Put pharmacists into ACCHOs

QAIHC is advocating for a funded program to enable Queensland and other states’ ACCHOs to employ non-dispensing pharmacists within their health services.

A national trial completed in 2021, led by QAIHC and NACCHO, proved that integrating pharmacists into ACCHOs significantly improved patient outcomes. Pharmacists joined clinic teams to directly support patients, working alongside doctors, nurses and Aboriginal health workers to improve medication management and chronic disease care.

The study showed remarkable health improvements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with chronic diseases, including better diabetes and blood pressure control, improved kidney function, and more patients took their medicines more regularly and as needed, compared to before.

Read more here.

Image source: Sector Leader

2025 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards

Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service’s Soleil White has been named a finalist for the Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year Award at the 2025 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

A Yawuru and Bunuba woman from Broome, Soleil’s journey into healthcare was inspired by her daughter’s early health challenges. Since completing her studies, she has dedicated her career to improving First Nations health at BRAMS, where she now leads Community Health Services, supporting 400-500 patients with chronic disease management and innovative programs like “Any Size Exercise” and telehealth services.

This well-deserved recognition highlights her commitment and leadership in Aboriginal health. Congratulations, Soleil!

The winners will be announced on 22 March 2025 at the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

National Lung Cancer Screening Program Health Workforce Education Webinar

Register now for the free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited webinar to prepare for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program launching in July 2025. The webinar will feature an expert panel discussion on how to integrate lung cancer screening into your daily practice. It includes information on your role in supporting patient participation, and practical strategies to implement the program in your practice or health service.

Date: Tuesday 15 April 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30pm AEST

Register here.

The webinar is hosted by the Australian Government, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Lung Foundation Australia. For more information, go here.  

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.

Governance Workshops for ACCHOs: Melbourne, VIC

ACCHOs…Free Governance Workshops are coming your way in 2025! Melbourne you’re up first: Wednesday 26 March & Thursday 27 March.

To register, go here.

NACCHO’s Governance Workshops are designed for people working in member ACCHOs and run by legal and other experts in the field.

The workshops cover:

  • Principles of good governance.
  • Managing conflicts of interest.
  • Managing risk (e.g. contract execution, etc.).
  • Delegation of powers.
  • Finance for Boards.
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees; and
  • Governance documents.

NACCHO Sector News: 19 March 2025

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.

Webinar: Launch of the Australian Clinical Guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Settings

This webinar will launch the Australian Clinical Guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Settings. These guidelines are a comprehensive, culturally safe and evidence-based guide to the prevention, testing, diagnosis, management and care of Human T-lymphotropic virus subtype 1 (HTLV-1).

Date, Time & Venue

  • Monday, 24 March 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEDT)
  • Online via Teams

Target Audience

  • All healthcare workers, particularly those working in the Northern Territory, APY Lands and NG lands.

Register here.

Webinar: Launch of the Australian Clinical Guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Settings

2025 NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship

Apply now for the 2025 NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacist Scholarship!

The scholarship program aims to build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacist workforce and to raise the profile of the beneficial role that pharmacy and pharmacists can play in supporting appropriate and culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Each recipient will receive up to $10,000 per annum to contribute to university expenses. The scholarship also includes support and mentorship from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and organisations to ensure ongoing integration and connection with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health sector.

Applications close 24 March 2025.

For questions or further information, please contact Harrison Milne on 0481257904 or harrison.milne@naccho.org.au.

*Proudly supported by a grant from Sanofi

A new culturally rich app for Anangu mothers

The Tjitjiku Mai (children’s food) app features a food database including bush food and food found in community stores. The app also has an interactive recipes library with step-by-step videos, meditations and children’s songs all presented in Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra and English.

The app offers accessible, culturally relevant health resources and a step toward improving health outcomes for Aboriginal families living in the NPY lands.

Learn more here.

Image source: NPY Women’s Council

Cultural Centre honouring the life and legacy of Lowitja O’Donoghue to open in Canberra

A new centre commemorating the life of Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG will open in Canberra on Wednesday at the Australian National University.

The Yankunytjatjara woman and one of Australia’s most respected and prominent Aboriginal leaders passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Kaurna Country, Adelaide, last year.

Her life will be celebrated with the opening of the Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre.

Deb Edwards, Dr O’Donoghue’s niece and Head of the Lowitja O’Donoghue Foundation said the family were “very proud”.

“…Her incredible legacy, and lifelong dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, is now reflected through the naming of the Cultural Centre, where community can gather together, enthused with a feeling of unity, connection and culture, as Dr O’Donoghue always encouraged.”

Read more here.

A cultural centre honouring the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue will open in Canberra on Wednesday. (Image: Leanne King/Lowitja Institute)

Video series: Climate-ready and culturally appropriate remote housing

This three-part video series tells the story of Wilya Janta, in language, so that remote communities can see how homes could and should be built for culture and climate.

The idea for Wilya Janta was born from a need to resolve the Territory’s remote housing crisis, where unsuitable, overheated, and overcrowded housing is making communities sick.

Watch the first video, featured in Pintupi-Luritja with English subtitles here.

Image source: Wilya Janta

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.

Governance Workshops for ACCHOs: Melbourne, VIC

ACCHOs…Free Governance Workshops are coming your way in 2025! Melbourne you’re up first: Wednesday 26 March & Thursday 27 March.

To register, go here.

NACCHO’s Governance Workshops are designed for people working in member ACCHOs and run by legal and other experts in the field.

The workshops cover:

  • Principles of good governance.
  • Managing conflicts of interest.
  • Managing risk (e.g. contract execution, etc.).
  • Delegation of powers.
  • Finance for Boards.
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees; and
  • Governance documents.

NACCHO Sector News: 18 March 2025

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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership key in Closing Gap

This year’s themes of agency, leadership, and reform underscore the pivotal role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities continue to play in embedding the four Priority Reform Areas outlined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The Close the Gap Campaign has released its annual report, emphasising both the ongoing challenges and the tangible solutions needed to close the health and wellbeing gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The report showcases how the closing the gap priority reform areas are being implemented to create lasting change.

To read the media release, go here.

Image source: Close the Gap

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led cancer programs receive boost

Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services, located on New South Wales’ Mid North Coast, is one of 18 recipients of Cancer Institute NSW grants announced Monday.

The grant will help fund two Strength in Motion pilot community programs, promoting cancer prevention and survivorship.

Both community programs incorporate exercise, diet and education: Move, Thrive, Prevent to mitigate cancer risk and Journey Together, Move Together to support wellbeing after a cancer diagnosis.

Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services chief executive officer Jessica Morris said the funding will be instrumental in empowering Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services to deliver the Strength in Motion program.

To read the full article, go here.

New South Wales Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, has announced two recipients of Cancer Institute NSW’s Aboriginal Cancer Grants. (Image: Coastal Community News)

Last chance to enter the draw: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet user survey

This is the last week to participate in the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet 2025 user survey. It will take just 5-10 minutes of your time.

Survey details:

  1. Closes at 11.59pm (AWST) Sunday 23 March 2025
  2. You can go in the draw to win a $300 Coles Group & Myer gift card (Terms and conditions apply)
  3. Your answers will be anonymous.

We kindly ask that you share this survey with your colleagues.

Thank you for participating!

Image source: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance workshops benefit students

Over 1200 school children across Gannawarra Shire Council recently attended a series of Indigenous Outreach Project events.

The project’s talented hip-hop dance troop led seven school workshops from Monday, March 3 to Thursday, March 6 across the region.

Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said the project uses the arts to communicate with students and benefit their health.

“The Indigenous Outreach Project is renowned for successfully using dance and music to foster change and deliver healthy and positive messages,” he said.

​To read more, go here.

Gannawarra students enjoyed and benefited from the recent Indigenous Outreach Projects workshops. Photo: http://www.riverinehelard.com.au

Closing the Gap data still need to be provided, native title holders say

A week on from the latest Closing the Gap data, a key pillar of the national agreement has yet to be honoured.

The pillar committed to increased data collection and sharing to allow communities to track their own wellbeing indicators across employment, culture, justice, healthcare and housing.

The Yamtji-Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), which represents traditional owners in the Midwest and Pilbara, has said the state government had not handed over data it requested in July last year following an on-country meeting between stakeholders.

To read more, go here.

Traditional owners are urging the WA government to hand over data about the health, education and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal people. (ABC News: Alexander Govan)

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.

Governance Workshops for ACCHOs: Melbourne, VIC

ACCHOs…Free Governance Workshops are coming your way in 2025! Melbourne you’re up first: Wednesday 26 March & Thursday 27 March.

To register, go here.

NACCHO’s Governance Workshops are designed for people working in member ACCHOs and run by legal and other experts in the field.

The workshops cover:

  • Principles of good governance.
  • Managing conflicts of interest.
  • Managing risk (e.g. contract execution, etc.).
  • Delegation of powers.
  • Finance for Boards.
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees; and
  • Governance documents.