NACCHO Sector News: 27 June 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.

Oral Health Online Yarning Circle

Oral health gaps affect our mob’s overall health – Join the conversation and be part of bridging the gap by informing the National Oral Health Plan (2025-2034).

Details:

Wednesday 2 July: 3.30-5PM AEST: Register here.

Friday 4 Jul: 11AM-12.30PM: Register here.

Speakers:

  • Cas Nest (She/her) Endorsed Midwife, Managing Director, First Peoples Health Consulting, Co-founder and Managing Director, Gullidala
  • Nadine Blair, Director ‑ Policy, NACCHO

New resources to support shared decision-making about lung screening

New resources are now available to support shared decision-making about lung cancer screening. The development of the shared decision-making model and resources was led by Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University.

Learn more here.

Missed the webinar? Watch the recording, with guest presenter A/Prof Lisa Whop, to learn more about shared decision-making and why the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program is so important for mob.

Strong Born, Strong Futures

Strong Born, Strong Futures is a call to action for the community to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child receives proper nutrition, regular prenatal care, a safe environment and that mothers are supported in avoiding harmful substances like alcohol before and during pregnancy.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre says ‘Strong Born, Strong Futures’ also highlights the importance for ningi/mothers to stay active, manage stress, and prioritise self-care. Building a strong bond and connection with pakata/baby during pregnancy and after is crucial for the health and well-being of every child.

When ningi/mothers receive wrap-around holistic and culturally safe support throughout pregnancy, our pakata /babies are born strong and healthy. ngayapi rrala/Strong born pakata/babies shape the way for a strong future, empowering takarilya/families and communities to thrive.

Learn more here.

Image source: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre

Darwin bus dress code ‘punishes poverty’, AMSANT says

Signage on Darwin buses warning passengers they may be removed for wearing stained clothing has been slammed by the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), calling it a punitive response which targets the Territory’s most vulnerable.

AMSANT says the policy discriminates against people experiencing poverty, homelessness and mental ill health — particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who make up a large proportion of those affected.

AMSANT Chief Executive Dr John Paterson said the NT has close to 6,000 people on the public housing waitlist and one of the highest rates of rough sleeping in the country — 13 times the national average. One in five Aboriginal people in the NT is experiencing homelessness.

Dr Paterson said the dress code is “another example of a government unnecessarily punishing people instead of addressing the root causes of disadvantage in our communities”.

Read the full article here.

Signage on Darwin buses warning passengers they may be removed for wearing stained clothing has been labelled a punitive response which targets the Territory’s most vulnerable. (Image: Annabel Bowles)

Leading the way in STI testing recovery post-COVID

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in SA are leading one of the strongest comebacks in STI testing across Australia. After COVID-19 disrupted routine testing and delayed diagnoses nationwide, ACCHS in South Australia have not only bounced back — they’ve improved care.

  • 70% of STI testing episodes in 2023 included HIV and syphilis screening — a massive jump from just 19% in 2016
  • STI testing overall is just 5% below pre-pandemic peak levels from 2019

From health promotion campaigns to workforce training and targeted data use, AHCSA’s Sexual Health & BBV Program has been working alongside Member Services to support locally led recovery.

Learn more here.

Image source: AHCSA

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.