- VACCHO submission to Yoorrook highlights vast disparity in Indigenous healthcare
- SAWCAN launches child and maternal health calendar
- Yarning Circles to help shape the future of nursing workforce
- Ochre Ribbon Week: “Don’t silence the violence”
- New grants open for Indigenous infrastructure in VIC
- Sector Jobs
- Key Dates – International Childhood Cancer Day – 15 February 2024
The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 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.
VACCHO submission to Yoorrook highlights vast disparity in Indigenous healthcare
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has made a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s inquiry addressing systemic injustices faced by communities in healthcare, education, and housing; arguing current policies are contributing to poorer health and wellbeing among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the state.
Jill Gallagher, Gunditjmara woman and VACCHO chief executive, said their submission highlights the numerous shortcomings that persist in the health system to the overall detriment of Indigenous people.
“It is abundantly clear that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be grossly failed by structures that should be protecting us,” Ms Gallagher said.
“It feels like the Aboriginal flag is always flying at half-mast.
“The enduring presence of racism within health systems not only perpetuates intergenerational trauma but also undermines the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Victoria.”
The submission focused on several key areas. These include: the impact on Indigenous people from the denial of self-determination, forced removal of children from families, and wage theft; and the current factors exacerbating health disparities – including racism – and the impact it plays on receiving quality healthcare.
VACCHO recommended solutions that promote “Aboriginal ways of being, knowing, and doing” – including Treaty; better funded Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCOs); and cultural safety standards in all mainstream health services.
Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.
![](https://i0.wp.com/nacchocommunique.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/7tqozLdouigSXwNZtwG0xfxLhUjJrqDO0f8KVOFo.jpg?resize=593%2C415&ssl=1)
Jill Gallagher (centre) says Indigenous people are failed by systems that should be protecting them (Image: Dechlan Brennan).
SAWCAN launches child and maternal health calendar
The South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) have launched the Child and Maternal Health Calander, a collaborative effort by SAWCAN’s Strong Bubs, Strong Families, FASD program, Yadu Child Health team, and SAWCAN’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking program.
On Facebook SAWCAN wrote, “This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration, and we are thrilled to see such a great turnout at the launch events. The calendar is not just a collection of dates; it’s a dedication to the wellbeing of our future generations.
“Our mission is clear: Fostering strong bubs and strong families is everyone’s role. Together, we can create a supportive environment that ensures the health and happiness of our mothers and children.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this project a reality. Let’s continue working hand in hand to build a healthier, stronger community.”
Yarning Circles to help shape the future of nursing workforce
The Department of Health and Aged Care are seeking input to help inform the development of the National Nursing Workforce Strategy. Yarning Circles have been co-designed between NACCHO and First Nations Co, to help shape the future of the Australian Nursing Workforce, through sharing views on issues facing the nursing workforce and opportunities for improvement.
The yarning circles, facilitated by Marni Tuala from First Nations Co, will be held virtually on Wednesday 28 February from 5.30-6.30pm, and Thursday 29 February from 2-3pm.
For more information go here.
Ochre Ribbon Week: “Don’t silence the violence”
“Don’t silence the violence” is the message local services are encouraging for this year’s Ochre Ribbon Week (12-19 February).
The week, which takes place between February 12 and 19, began in 2015.
Formed by the Aboriginal Family Law Services, it was created in response to the death of an Aboriginal woman by domestic violence in WA.
Jade Chelman, Mid North Coast Local Health District Aboriginal Health Worker said the campaign was all about raising awareness about family violence in Aboriginal communities.
“That doesn’t mean that violence only happens in Aboriginal communities,” she said.
“It happens to everyone, everywhere.
“…it’s more about bringing awareness around the violence that is happening in Aboriginal communicates and being able to come together to connect and support one another and raise awareness in hopes to stop violence.”
Also joining the fight to stop domestic and family violence is Ashlee Donohue, Dunghutti woman and Mudgin-Gal CEO. Ms Donohue told NITV, Ochre Ribbon Week provides a chance for First Nations women to speak for themselves.
She said, the “powers that be” have dictated the reality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women for too long.
“They silence our voices,” she said.
“Days like this enable us to have our own voice, in our own space, creating our own platform.”
To read the NITV article go here, and to read the Macleay Argus article go here.
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Boxer Shanell Dargan and Mudgin-Gal CEO Ashlee Donohue at the Ochre Ribbon Week Event. Credit: Ashlee Donohue.
New grants open for Indigenous infrastructure in VIC
The Victorian Government has announced a new round of funding for infrastructure in Aboriginal Communities, with $11 million invested through the seventh round of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program.
Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, visited the Western Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Collective on Tuesday to announce new funding grants of up to $1.6 million to help support Aboriginal organisations in building new functional and accessible infrastructure, or repairing or amending existing facilities.
The Victorian Government says the latest round of grants ensures Aboriginal communities can continue to deliver the services needed as well as supporting self-determination.
“The best outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal people drive the decisions about their own lives, communities and futures,” the government said in a statement.
The program has seen more than $39 million delivered to Aboriginal organisations since 2018, helping to create “fit-for-purpose” facilities that help enhance “culturally responsive services to improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians.”
Some of the previous grants have gone to Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative in Geelong for the development of their Healing Spirit Youth Hub, a place for children and young people to access emotional wellbeing services; the Yitjawudik Men’s Recovery Centre in Hume for Indigenous men to access alcohol and other drug services; and the Koorie Heritage Trust, which saw an expansion of the First Peoples arts and cultural centre at Fed Square.
Applications are open until 2pm, Monday 22 April 2024.
Read the full National Indigenous Times article 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.
International Childhood Cancer Day – 15 February 2024
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), established in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
Globally, more than 1,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every day. Though less common than adult forms, childhood cancer remains a leading cause of death among children aged 5–19 years globally. Unlike cancer in adulthood, the underlying factors that contribute to childhood cancer are poorly understood, and only a small fraction of childhood cancers can be prevented. This means the recovery of these children largely depends on the capacity of health systems to ensure timely diagnosis, early referral and appropriate treatment.
There are no reliable and current cancer data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, despite children being the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population group (33.1% of the total Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population are 0–15 years). Cancer among children can be very challenging, especially due to the critical developmental stage of children, and often requires travel to major cities for specialist cancer treatment. The treatment process for a child with cancer often extends over long periods of time, and more resourcing is needed to support a family with a child who has a cancer diagnosis. Appropriate age-specific support and care must be accessible. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, a childhood cancer diagnosis often removes a family from Country for treatment and follow up care. Culturally appropriate and holistic care must be in place. This includes mainstream services embedding culturally appropriate considerations to caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
You can find more information about:
- International Childhood Cancer Day here
- childhood cancer on the World Health Organisation website here
- the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan here