Category Affiliates news

Nov 16 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: The benefits of integrating pharmacists into ACCHOs

The image in the feature tile is from Unspalsh.

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.

The benefits of integrating pharmacists into ACCHOs

Integrating pharmacists into ACCHOs brings many benefits for patients with chronic diseases, according to Associate Professor Sophia Couzos, a public health physician with the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC). In a Croakey Health Media article Ms Couzos writes: We know that chronic diseases are the leading causes of illness, disability, and death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and are estimated to be responsible for 70 percent of the health gap. This considerable loss of healthy life due to chronic disease burden occurs at 2.3 times the rate for Indigenous people, compared with non-Indigenous Australians.

When 26 non-dispensing pharmacists were integrated into 18 ACCHOs in QLD, the NAT and VIC, with a comprehensive induction process to ensure they had an understanding of the ACCHO setting and of cultural safety, we saw improved outcomes in all the chronic disease categories measured. This project has shown that integrating a pharmacist within an ACCHO can reduce chronic disease burden in patients who are at risk. By expanding out these services, we can reduce the burden on hospitals and GPs, all through better care, and by better utilising the pharmacist workforce we have right now.

Read the full Croakey Health Media article here.

You can also read NACCHO’s July 2023 media release MSAC support funding pharmacists in First Nations Primary Health Services here.

Image source: Unsplash.

Save the date! HIV Awareness Week Trivia

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services’ staff are invited to join this year’s HIV Awareness Week Virtual Trivia on Thursday 7 December at 3pm (EST). It is a fun and important opportunity to brush up on your HIV knowledge, dust off your sexual health themed costumes, and let your competitive edge shine through.

Sexual health-themed costumes and props are highly encouraged, with prizes for the best dressed up for grabs. Registration and event details will be announced soon. For now, mark your calendars for the annual trivia event of the year.

NACCHO would like to acknowledge Prof. James Ward, University of Queensland’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and SAHMRI, creators of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week. HIV Awareness week will continue to build on the successes of the previous programs for years to come. For more information on the original program and the history, please visit here.

Big shout out to Jess and Naizel from Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, who are 2023’s Lubelicious and Condoman.

QAIHC to launch mental health and wellbeing support program

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) has secured funding from Queensland Health and NACCHO to launch a comprehensive mental health and wellbeing program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland following the defeat of the Voice to Parliament Referendum in October. QAIHC has identified a pressing need to address the emerging and ongoing social emotional and wellbeing challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland. The “no” vote in the referendum has highlighted feelings of devastation for some, leaving communities, people and their families hurting.

The program will focus on: Member services support (e.g. community events, counselling, yarning circles), workforce and impact (professional debriefing and mental health support for ACCHO and affiliate staff), localised support (employment of local people to provide support and training to community members), community needs (identification of community needs by employing local people such as elders or young leaders to assist ACCHOs) and pathways to healing (health and wellbeing activities).

If you are feeling stressed, not sleeping well, or have increased anxiety and depression you can seek immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from:
• 13 Yarn (13 92 76)
• Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)

Read the full article here.

Image source: Sector Leader.

More public hearings announced for the parliamentary inquiry into diabetes

The Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has announced more public hearings for the parliamentary inquiry into diabetes. There will be five public hearings this month in Canberra, Brisbane, Yarrabah, Cairns, and Melbourne. Dr Mike Freelander MP, Chair of the Committee said, “as part of this broad inquiry, we are looking at all forms of diabetes including type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and other rarer forms such as cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.” In Yarrabah, the Committee will hear from the local ACCHO,
Gurriny Yealamucka, about its experiences with diabetes.

In May 2023, the inquiry into diabetes welcomed submissions from peak health bodies and other organisations that play a role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes as well as advocacy and education. The Diabetes Australia, Australian Diabetes Society and Australian Diabetes Educators Association joint submission includes a summary of recommendations to reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Recommendations include that policies and programs be culturally appropriate, led by communities and designed collaboratively.

You can also read NACCHO’s September 2023 Inquiry into Diabetes here.

Gurriny Yealamucka will meet with the Committee on Tuesday 21 November.

Applications open for Birthing on Country midwifery scholarships

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander midwifery students and graduates are being encouraged to apply for a range of Southern Cross University scholarships and bursaries, including two Birthing on Country Honours Scholarships and several Birthing on Country Placement Bursaries. Recipients will explore Birthing on Country or midwifery education and confidence on providing smoking cessation information for Indigenous women in rural and remote settings. The bursaries will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bachelor of Midwifery students to attend clinical placement in an Aboriginal Health Service, additional to having travel and accommodation costs covered.

Taneeka Thomas Bachelor of Midwifery alumna and Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman said she decided to study midwifery after following the pregnancy journey of a family member and researching the poor maternity outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

“I was really interested in studying midwifery and found there is a big hole in the workforce for Aboriginal midwives. I looked into the statistics for Indigenous women and children and how a big part of improving those outcomes is increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander midwives,” Ms Thomas said.

“The most rewarding experience is working in a continuity model of care, seeing women from the beginning stages of pregnancy right through to when they become mothers. Playing a part in such a big experience in their life makes the work so special.”

Applications close February 1, 2024. Eligibility criteria and applications are available here.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Bachelor of Midwifery alumna, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman Taneeka Thomas. Image source: SCU.

Sector Jobs

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.

Key Date – Trans Awareness Week

Monday 13 November – Sunday 19 November is Trans Awareness Week. The aim of the week is to celebrate trans and gender diverse pride and learn how to be a trans ally. The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) created a video with helpful tips on how to be a better ally to trans mob:

1. Use people’s proper pronouns. If you’re not sure, just ask. It shows respect and support.
2. Make your space inclusive by proudly displaying the trans, pride, and First Nations flags.
3. If someone changes their name as a part of their gender affirmations, use the name they tell you and not their birth name.
4. Remember, being a good ally is about love, respect, and understanding.

Nov 14 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: World Diabetes Day 2023

The image in the feature tile is from Canva.

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.

World Diabetes Day 2023

Tuesday 14 November is World Diabetes Day, with the theme Know your Risk, Know your Response. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are grossly over-represented in the diabetes burden of disease compared to other Australians. The prevalence of diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults is three times the national rate for non-Indigenous people, and youth onset type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly. There is an urgent need for earlier diagnosis and a focus on prevention.

NACCHO’s September 2023 Inquiry into Diabetes recommends:

  • Any interventions to address diabetes align with the National Agreement and its four Priority Reform Areas.
  • Government adopts a ‘heath in all policies’ approach, recognising that health outcomes are influenced by a wide range of social, commercial, political, environmental and cultural determinants.
  • The Australian Government allocates diabetes funding based on burden of disease not population.
  • Working in partnership with the sector and young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop better health programs to support young people with diabetes.
  • The Australian Government supports ACCHOs to conduct nationally standardised screening and follow-up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children for diabetes.
  • The development of resources to support implementation of new screening recommendations.
  • Changes to MBS to improve availability of point of care diagnostics aligned with best practice.
  • The Australian Government supports ACCHOs to deliver high-quality models of antenatal care which include midwife continuity, and antenatal and postnatal screening for diabetes, and breastfeeding support.
  • Funding for GLP1 RA for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with obesity, given its association with type 2 diabetes and establish regulatory framework that prioritises equitable supply toward communities with the greatest burden of type 2 diabetes.
  • Changes to the PBS to allow concurrent prescribing of GLP1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with type 2 diabetes.
  • Government funds novel models of CGM use and evaluation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • ACCHOs are funded to deliver holistic health promotion, prevention and engagement programs that normalise good health.
  • ACCHOs are funded to establish health promotion and prevention teams to support community health.
  • Funding to embed non-dispensing pharmacists in ACCHOs to support chronic disease management.
  • Funding ACCHRTOs to work in partnership with universities to develop nationally accredited skillsets and pathways to support Aboriginal Health Practitioners to become Credentialled Diabetes Educators.
  • ACCHRTOs are funded to co-design nationally certified diabetes prevention and better health resources to support ACCHO workforce upskilling and training.
  • The Australian Government redirects funding to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes to the ACCHO sector.

Read the full Inquiry into Diabetes here.

First Nations Director Scholarships Program

In its inaugural round, the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is partnering with the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) to support 45 directors and senior leaders in the First Nations community-controlled sector who are ready to step into governance roles. The program is aimed at developing a pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander directors with the skills and capability to be appointed to First Nations and non-First Nations boards. The program will provide 135 foundational and senior governance scholarships over the next three years. Participants will have access to world-class governance education as well as a program of culturally relevant and community-informed mentoring and workshops.

The Program supports the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Priority Reform Two and the Government’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable First Nations community-controlled sector that delivers high quality services to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country. The scholarship is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders currently sitting on a board or committee of a member (or subsidiary member) organisation of the Coalition of Peaks. Applicants will be required to upload a Letter of Support from their organisation endorsing applicant’s participation in the program and agreeing to fund travel costs in excess of $500 (excl GST).

Applications close Sunday 26 November. Find more information here.

Image source: Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Collective action for environment, climate and health at HEAL 2023

On this week, the Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Conference is bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wisdom, sustainable development, epidemiology, and data science and communication, to share knowledge, and to put that knowledge into action as we face the health challenges of environmental degradation and climate change. In the leadup to the HEAL Network conference Veronica Matthews, Associate Professor at the University Centre for Rural Health at the University of Sydney, told Croakey that, while it’s good we now have a government open to “listening to the science of climate change” and genuine policy commitments, it may not be “enough to reign in the consequences of climate change that we are living with now.”

“Anything we do really has to think about a decolonising process,” Ms Matthews said.

“We need to remedy what the colonial impacts have done to use, the detrimental impacts that we’ve endured, as well as strengthen the value and appreciation of Indigenous knowledge systems and what they can bring.”

Read the full Croakey Health Media article here.

After the 2019/20 bushfires on Karta Pintingga/Kangaroo Island. Image by: Alison Barrett.

Winnunga pivotal to ACT’s health system

Julie Tongs has been the CEO of Winnunga for 25 years and says her vision has always been for Winnunga to be a leader in the provision of primary health care. Speaking to Canberra City News, Ms Tongs said the ACCHO located on Ngunnawal Country is “pivotal to the overall health system in the ACT and surrounding NSW region.”

In the 2021/22 financial year, Winnunga provided 92,000 occasions of care to 8,295 clients. This included COVID-19 vaccinations, testing clinics, telephone consults, walk-in services to GPs, as well as psychologists, psychiatrists, podiatrist, optometry, physiotherapy, dieticians, drug and alcohol support and mental health nurses.

“They come to use because they feel safe here and not judged,” Ms Tongs said.

Read the full article here.

Winnunga Nimmityjah CEO Julie Tongs. Image source: Canberra City News.

A long drive for a healthier smile

Access to essential services, including dental care, remains a challenge for people living in remote areas, and the disparity in healthcare opportunities often results in enduring suffering for those without access. From Gibb River Station, Warrawa man Uncle Clyde Russ undertook a challenging 376km journey to see an Air Force dentist in Derby, WA. At age 72, Uncle Clyde said he usually “hates” dental check-ups and puts off going.

“It’s my least favourtie thing, seeing the dentist. I think that is why I let my teeth get bad,” Uncle Clyde said.

“I really love the [Air Force] dental team at the Derby Aboriginal Health Service.

“They help me feel at ease, and have done the procedures so they don’t hurt at all.”

Now, Uncle Clyde encourages others to look after their dental health.

Read more here.

Air Force dental assistant Sergeant Deborah Williamson and Uncle Clyde Russ. Image Source: Australian Government Defence.

Mental Health paper in Arrernte language

Research on the importance of cultural continuity for Central Australian Aboriginal men’s mental health has been translated into Eastern/Central Arrernte, making it one of the first academic papers to be translated in full into an Australian Aboriginal Language. Eastern/Central Arrernte is one of the most commonly spoken Aboriginal languages in Australia, in an area of Central Australia that includes Alice Springs and East MacDonnell Ranges.

The paper discusses kinship, language, religious and economic activities that can help restore traditional knowledge, which can in turn help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men develop positive identity and mental health.

Read in Eastern/Central Arrernte here. Read in English here.

Eastern/Central Arrernte abstract translation.

Sector Jobs

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.

Nov 2 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Shingles vaccine now free for Indigenous people over 50

The image in the feature tile is from Unsplash.

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.

Shingles vaccine now free for Indigenous people over 50

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 can now get the shingles vaccine for free, as of Wednesday 1 November. Immunocompromised adults and all people over the age of 65 will also be eligible for the vaccine. The new, free vaccine provides around 10 years’ worth of protection from shingles and previously costed up to $560.

On NITV and SBS World News, NACCHO Medical Advisor Dr Megan Campbell said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are more likely to get shingles and are more likely to get it at a younger age.

“The new vaccine is safer and more effective than the last one we had,” she said.

“And more importantly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get a free two-dose course from the age of 50.”

Watch it on NITV here and on SBS World News here.

Image source: ABC News.

Black Rainbow on preventing Indigenous LGBTQIA+SB suicide

Black Rainbow Founder, Dameyon Bonson spoke at the 2023 NACCHO Members’ Conference session LGBTQIA+SB and Inclusivity in ACCHOs on how the National Indigenous LGBTQIA+SB Volunteer Suicide Prevention Organisation came to be, and why it is needed. Mr Bonson shared a story of how he saw a funeral notice for a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy who died by suicide. Mr Bonson explained. “I said to myself ‘what if this young fella was gay? Or questioning?’ What services could he look at and go ‘I can go there, and I’ll feel comfortable and safe there.’” Now, Black Rainbow does just that – provides a safe space to pursue positive health and wellbeing for the LGBTQIA+SB Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, while acknowledging that racism and homophobia are significant determinants of health.

“It [Black Rainbow] was created so that if any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, no-binary, sistergirl, or brotherboy felt lonely or isolated, they could get online and see themselves reflected positively,” Mr Bonson said.

In its early days, Black Rainbow leveraged social media to gain traction, claiming the space where the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+SB people had predominately been within sexual health conversations. Expanding the conversation, Mr Bonson used Twitter to “champion the work that needed top be done and raise money.”

“I thought I’d given the organisations enough time to do what you’re funded to do, and you haven’t done it.

“Well guess what? The black fellas gonna do it…the black gay one’s gonna do it,” he said.

Learn more about Black Rainbow here.

If you are feeling stressed, not sleeping well, or have increased anxiety and depression you can seek immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from:

Black Rainbow Founder Dameyon Bonson speaking at the 2023 NACCHO Members’ Conference.

QAIHC urges Indigenous-led reform on deaths in custody

Following the death of 16-year-old Aboriginal boy Cleveland Dodd in the Unit 18 youth detention facility at Perth’s adult Casuarina Prison, the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) has renewed its call for urgent prison reform to improve the health, well-being and safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. QAIHC urged immediate action to address the lack of cultural safety faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in custody in Queensland, stressing that “without immediate action to address systemic racism within the criminal justice system, similar tragedies will continue to occur”, in a statement issued Wednesday.

QAIHC noted it was encouraged by recent remarks by federal Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler at the NACCHO Members Conference in Perth, where he committed his department to reviewing access and cultural appropriateness of healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in custody, but warned that a review without the input and involvement of Australia’s Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation sector would be incomplete and ineffective.

“ACCHOs understand the unique needs, challenges, and solutions our communities require, and it is critical that the ACCHO sector is involved in a review and in the ongoing delivery of healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in custody,” said QAIHC CEO Cleveland Fagen.

“We must increase access to culturally safe, effective, and relevant care and support within the justice system, in alignment with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Brisbane youth detention centre. Image: Darren England (AAP).

VACCHO supports decriminalisation of public drunkenness

VIC will decriminalise public drunkenness on November 7, in a decision that has long been lauded by Indigenous and health experts. The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) welcomed the proposed abolishment of the law. VACCHO CEO, and Gunditjmara woman, Aunty Jill Gallagher said, “The abolition of Public Drunkenness laws was a key recommendation of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody because of its dangerous and discriminatory impact.”

Ms Gallagher told the National Indigenous Times, “The repeal of these laws is vital for the betterment of the health and safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, and indeed all Victorians.”

The role of groups like cohealth will focus on supporting intoxicated people in a wide range of areas. Street based health teams, which will include a nurse and an alcohol/drug worker, can help people with as little a task as charging their phone to sitting with them whilst they wait to get home.

The last port of call would be transporting them to a sobering centre – such as the new alcohol sobering centre on Cambridge Street (not yet open) – which would need the person’s consent. Other options still include care at a medical facility if they are too intoxicated to give consent or are a danger to themselves to the community.

Read the full article here.

Image source: National Indigenous Times.

International Indigenous Disability Research Conference

An International Indigenous Disability Research Conference, a first of its kind, is set to be held at the University of Syndey this month. The symposium aims to explore and bring to light what the international platform of Indigenous disability research looks like under the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The objective is to develop a strategy for the university research centres in how they engage in the Indigenous research space on a global scale.

The symposium will address three questions:

  • What does the international disability research archive look like on a global scale?
  • How can scholars respect and empower Indigenous people with disability in research and research translation that is culturally respectful for Indigenous people?
  • What does decolonization/Indigenisation mean in disability research?

The event is being hosted by the Centre of Disability Research and Policy and the University of Syndey. It will also be supported by the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and the University Disability Inclusion Action Plan. It will be held on November 22 and November 23 at the Susan Wakil Health Building on the Camperdown campus.

Register here.

‘Welcome Baby to Bourke’ recognised

Welcome Baby to Bourke has won the Secretary’s Award at the 25th annual NSW Health Awards. With no operating birthing unit in Bourke, expectant mothers need to travel to Dubbo to deliver their babies. Welcome Baby to Bourke is an initiative to welcome babies born away from Country back into the region. Pat Canty, WNSWLHD Manager Aboriginal Health Partnerships and Community Engagement in the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Directorate, said this award belongs to all our babies and parents of the Bourke Community.

“Thank you for the support we have received from our community and partners. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible. To be recognised by this prestigious award is a dream come true. This event is so important to the babies and our families in the community. This is something very special,” Mrs Canty said.

Read more here.

Image source: ABC News.

Sector Jobs

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.

Oct 31 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Working Together (with youth), We are Stronger

The image in the feature tile is from the 2023 NACCHO Youth Conference.

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is 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.

Working Together (with youth), We are Stronger

From team building exercises including working together to stop balloons hitting the ground, to hearing from the AHCWA Youth Committee on how their youth leadership model can be replicated across the country – the 2023 NACCHO Youth Conference proved that Working Together (with youth), We are Stronger. Fun and games aside, the Youth Conference discussed topics including the unique barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face in becoming doctors, the significant value in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of learning, and how we can better support young mob with cancer.

Vincent Carter, from Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS) said his main takeaway from the conference was feeling supported to make connections with other youth.

“[At] my table, I didn’t know any of them at the start of the day and now we’re quite close and everyone’s having this yarn, and being able to hear the different ideas and different topics that are being floated around, especially outside in our own different communities.

“Yeah, for me I feel like it’s that networking and collaboration, and being able to work together,” he said.

Representing all Youth Conference attendees, a message of consolidation was delivered by Destiny Harrison from Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative, and Dale Thomas from Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, to the NACCHO Members’ Conference. The selected representatives spoke on the need for more opportunities to build the capacity of future leaders.

“We call on all of the member services here today, make space for us young mob. Teach us. We want to listen, and we want you to listen to our voices, our experiences.

“…We know that in our community-controlled sector healing is needed, and with the healing comes the trust of leaders to provide the space and the safety for us to step up and take on leadership roles.

“In our lives we have been witnesses to the constant trials and tribulations our people and communities have faced. We have witnessed Australia embrace us and turn their backs on us. We have watched our leaders stand at the forefront facing countless attacks. We have seen it. But now it is our turn to stand and face it.

“It will be our duty in the coming years to stand up and advocate and fight for our people. It is our duty to be the ones to face these attacks with resilience. But we won’t be standing alone, we will be standing with you all… We are empowered youths, and we are ready.”

NACCHO Youth Conference 2023.

Four Corners: Guarded

Four Corners latest episode titled Guarded investigates private security policing the public in Darwin, revealing violent interactions involving guards and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) CEO, John Paterson was interviewed for the program, explaining why many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are sleeping rough on the streets of Darwin. Mr Paterson explains, “They’re probably here from remote communities for health visits to hospitals for the acute end. They’re probably here for… Centrelink benefit-type arrangements or meetings, education.”

“They perhaps don’t have funding to rent accommodation in a hostel for a week or so. So, the alternative is to sleep in the streets. You know given the rough treatment, that’s not on,” said Mr Paterson.

Watch the Four Corners episode on ABC iview here.

AMSANT CEO, John Paterson on Four Corners Guarded.

Applications open for the 2024 Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups

Applications for the Australian Government’s Youth Advisory Groups have now opened. The Australian Government Youth Advisory Groups will bring 40 people together to work across five different groups on a specific policy or program to influence its development or implementation. There are five advisory groups that young people can apply for in 2024:

  • First Nations Education
  • Creative Industries
  • Employment
  • Prevention of Gender-Based Violence
  • Civic Engagement

The Youth Advisory Group for First Nations Education will partner with the National Indigenous Australians Agency and the Department of Education. Members will provide input into four priority areas related to school engagement: the role of teachers, education policy settings like the National School Reform Agreement, cultural capability and curriculum content, and targeted program support for school engagement.

Any young person between 16 and 25 can apply. The Australian Government is seeking a diverse group of people from across the country with no previous experience required. Up to 8 young people will be appointed to each group and will be paid an honorarium to recognise contributions made over the advisory group term. The first meeting of the advisory groups will occur in Canberra from Monday 18 March to Friday 22 March 2024, with the costs of travel, accommodation and food covered by the Office for Youth. Applicants must be available for this meeting.

The team at OFY are hosting a free webinar where we will share more about the application process and answer questions on the application process and advisory groups. The webinar will be held on Thursday 9 November 2023, 6PM AEDT. Young people can register to attend here. Young people can also contact OFY at youth@education.gov.au if they need support to apply.

Applications are open until Sunday 19 November 2023.

Find more information here.

Treating drug and alcohol addiction as a health issue targets the heart of the problem

Amendment to drug laws in the ACT will now see people caught in possession of small amounts of illicit drugs receiving a $100 fine, as opposed to a prison sentence. The ACT Government’s new approach intends to reduce stigma and treat drug addiction primarily as a health issue, whilst reducing crime and improving community safety. As of this week, people in Canberra caught in possession of illicit substances will also be referred to a diversionary program and receive drug counselling.

ACT Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury said, “We know that it is better to treat drug and alcohol addiction as a health issue because it targets the heart of the problem, rather than simply the outcome. That leads to a reduction in re-offending and ultimately improves community safety.”

In line with the new drug reform changes, last month the ACT Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith announced plans for a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residential rehabilitation service facility which will also be developed in partnership with Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

ACT Attorney General Shane Rattenbury alongside Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Improving access to primary care during the pandemic

Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) telehealth items were welcome additions that supported general practice care during the pandemic. They were particularly valuable for the safety of primary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, at increased risk of COVID‐19 infection, hospitalisation, and death because of the effects of socio‐economic disadvantage, colonisation, and racism. During the pandemic, the Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (the Inala Indigenous Health Service) offered telehealth alongside face‐to‐face consultations.

Results from a study surrounding data from the Inala Indigenous Health Service clinical database (Best Practice) for all people who attended the service during 1 March 2019 – 28 February 2021, found Telehealth consultations were a good approach to improving access to primary care during COVID-19. However, the number of consultations with practice nurses and Aboriginal health workers at the Inala Indigenous Health Service was lower during than before the pandemic, as were the numbers of primary care visits for men, young children, and people seeking preventive health care.

Read the full article here.

Image source: Unsplash.

Indigenous Wellbeing Centre announced as Bundaberg Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

A bulk-billed clinic offering urgent health care will begin operations from late November, helping to relieve pressure on the Bundaberg Hospital. The Indigenous Wellbeing Centre has been chosen as Bundaberg’s federally-funded clinic providing bulk-billed health care to the region. Bundaberg Medicare Urgent Care Clinic aims to relieve demand on hospital emergency departments, with Bundaberg Hospital regularly seeing the longest emergency department wait time in QLD.

Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler said the clinic would provide a significant boost to the availability of healthcare in the region.

“(It) will make a big difference to patients in the region who will be able to walk in seven days a week and get free urgent care from a nurse or a doctor,” Minister Butler said.

“The clinic will ease pressure on Bundaberg Hospital, so that its hardworking doctors and nurses can focus on higher priority emergencies.”

Read the full Cairns Post article here.

Image source: Cairns Post.

Sector Jobs

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.

Sep 21 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Constitutional Reform important for the improvement of health outcomes for Indigenous Australians

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is 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.

Constitutional Reform important for the improvement of health outcomes for Indigenous Australians

Australian Constitutional Reform important for the improvement of health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Pat Turner CEO of NACCHO states, “A Voice and recognition of Indigenous Australians is critical if there is going to be long term sustainable improvements to health outcomes for our peoples. Currently programs and policies are at the whim of whoever the Minister is and the senior executives of Government Departments.”

“During COVID we were fortunate that our voices were listened to by the then Minister and Dr Brendan Murphy, Secretary of the Department of Health. There were no deaths of our peoples from COVID in the first 18 months and vaccinations and antivirals were allocated taking into account the level of burden of disease is 2.3 times that of other Australians.

“More recently, Minister Butler has supported our submission to address cancer in our communities.  While the mortality rates have been declining for non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for at least two decades, there has been an uptrend in cancer mortality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

The situation is far worse in regional, remote and very remote areas. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are less likely to be diagnosed with localised disease and are less likely to receive treatment than other Australians. The discrepancy in five-year survival rate between major cities and remote areas is particularly stark for certain cancers, including lung cancer (12 per cent compared with 6 per cent) and head and neck cancer (47 per cent compared with 31 per cent).

Pat Turner goes on to say, “The state of Indigenous health in this country is appalling and is the main reason governments have not listened to our advice and have not taken action on the statistics before them and certainly have not provided the funds required. Our study shows there is a conservative $4.4 billion gap in health funding between what is spent on non-Indigenous Australians. That’s $5,000 for each Aboriginal person per year.”

“Having worked in Government as a senior executive for decades I strongly believe having a Voice written into the Australian Constitution together with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap is the best way to improve living conditions and health outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Donnella Mills, Chair of NACCHO, “The NACCHO board agrees with the Voice and Recognition being written into the Australian Constitution and I am proud to have been part of developing the Uluru Statement.  There is no doubt Australia is a divided country.  In Cairns where I live and other places nationally there are hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease, and we are 55 times more likely to die of the disease as youth than other Australians. We have had two deaths from tuberculosis in the last year, babies dying from congenital syphilis and trachoma.  These are diseases of poverty and diseases seen in Third World countries and haven’t existed in non-Indigenous Australian population in decades. They are diseases that result from overcrowded and poor housing, lack of clean water and limited health care funding.”

“Most of our people were rounded up and placed in artificial environments and mixing the different language groups with their movements restricted with Acts of Parliament. Look at Palm Island as an example or Mapoon. It is now time to make us equal through Recognition and a Voice to Parliament and the Executive in the Australian Constitution.

Find the media release here. 

Supporting our community: online Social and Emotional Wellbeing Resources during the Voice referendum 

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet have launched a portal that brings together a collection of resources aimed at supporting and reducing social and emotional harms to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the period prior and post the Voice referendum https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/learn/special-topics/voice-referendum-social-emotional-wellbeing-resources/

The wellbeing resources have been made freely available on the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet website for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and Community, including new Pause, Breathe, Connect wellbeing resources developed by The Healing Foundation. Building Connection, Strength, Resilience is at the heart of these resources, which comprise, factsheets, support websites, apps, posters, videos and other critical tools.

The launch comes as the negative impacts of the debate increasingly affect the social, emotional and mental health wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NACCHO Chief Executive Officer Pat Turner said, “We are witnessing first-hand the adverse consequences of this debate within our communities, manifesting as heightened psychological distress, an increased demand for assistance, and a rise in the utilisation of social and emotional wellbeing and mental health services. The resources we’ve developed are not the answer but are critical tools to help keep our Community safe and well”.

The Healing Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer Shannan Dobson said, “These resources have tools and tips on managing stress for self, family and community and managing increased misinformation. As well as managing challenging conversations and ways to stay safe. While these resources are for the current heightened racism, they are useful tools for our mob for general wellbeing.”

HealthInfoNet Director Professor Neil Drew said, “We are proud to partner with NACCHO to provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during this nation defining referendum.  National debates of this kind can involve difficult and challenging conversations and it is important that we care for ourselves and others during and after the referendum campaign”.

For support, please contact an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation (ACCHO) near you. To find an ACCHO in your area click here. If you are feeling stressed, not sleeping well or have increased anxiety and depression you can seek help from:

Read the media release here. 

First Nations residential rehabilitation facility on Ngunnawal Country

Canberra’s first dedicated residential rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is a step closer to reality with the development application for a revamped $49 million health precinct now open for community feedback. Winnunga Nimmityjah will run the new 24-bed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residential rehab facility.

CEO Julie Tongs described the service as a “real game changer” for the region.

“We need to keep people out of prisons. We need to stop sending our mob interstate for residential rehab because they do really, really well when they go away, but then it’s not very long once they come back that they fall into the same old patterns,” she said.

“With our own residential rehab here, we can then integrate people back into their families and back into the community so that they have the strategies and can fall back on us if they need support.”

Read the full article here.

Concept render of the new Watson health precinct. Image source: ACT Government.

60-day prescriptions webinar

As of 1 September 2023, nearly 100 common medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will have the option of a 60-day prescription. This means many patients living with an ongoing health condition can now receive twice the medication for the cost of a single prescription. On Tuesday 26 September, pharmacists are invited to a webinar to discuss the 60-day prescriptions of selected PBS medicines.

The webinar will take place between 2.30pm and 3.30pm AEST. Find more details here.

Preventative dental training grants

The Victorian Government has announced a second round of training grants for Aboriginal health practitioners to take part in preventative dental training. The grants are now open for practitioners wanting to become accredited in the application of fluoride varnish, a preventative dental treatment that helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Participating ACCHOs can apply for grants of up to $45,000 – with a total of $650,000 allocated. Acting Minister for Health, as well as Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams, announced the new grants on Friday.

“We know that poor oral health can contribute to longer term health issues making the upskilling of our Aboriginal health practitioners to deliver preventative dental care so important,” she said.

The latest funding follows an initial round of the initiative earlier in the year, which saw eight Aboriginal health practitioners become accredited. These included the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative, Mallee District Aboriginal Services; with locations in Mildura, Swan Hill and Kerang, and Njernda Aboriginal Corporation in Echuca.

Expressions of Interest for the second round of the program are now open until Wednesday 27 September.

Read the full National Indigenous Times articles here.

Image source: Unsplash.

Picture books celebrate maternal and child health milestones.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services has partnered with Mildura Rural City Council to source culturally relevant and age-appropriate books for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. The Maternal and Child Health service nurses will distribute the books when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families bring their babies and children to a key age and stage milestone visits. Free MCH visits are recommended at ten important milestones from birth until a child starts school.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services CEO, Darlene Thomas said the organisation was proud to donate children’s books that celebrate Aboriginal culture.

“We know that reading aloud to children and sharing stories is critical in developing literacy skills and strengthening family relationships. Engaging our children with culturally relevant stories is a powerful way that we can promote reading, connection, and curiosity from an early age,” Ms Thomas said.

Read more here.

Image source: The Sector.

Sector Jobs

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.

Sep 13 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: ‘Indigenous paradigm’ to tackle RHD

feature tile image of Dr Jessica O'Brien & text 'Applying an 'Indigenous Paradigm' to tackle RHD'

The image in the feature tile is of Dr Jessica O’Brien from an article Q&A with Dr Jessica O’Brien published on the Heart Foundation website.

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is 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.

‘Indigenous Paradigm’ to tackle RHD

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) tells us that the median age at death for Indigenous Australians with RHD is 43, with half of those who died aged under 45. Three years ago, cardiologist and Monash PhD student Jessica O’Brien began an important heart research project looking at ways to understand a potentially fatal but preventable disease affecting mainly young Indigenous Australians – rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Then, two-thirds of the way into it, everything changed. After all her clinical and research training in a biomedical system, O’Brien underwent a kind of academic and cultural awakening in terms of Indigenous health and the problems with what the researchers describe as an overwhelmingly “colonial” health system.

Dr O’Brien said she began talking with Professor Karen Adams, Director of Gukwonderuk, the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ Indigenous engagement unit at Monash University, about the paradigmatic clash between biomedicine and Indigenous health. “What I needed to learn is, how do we make our very colonial hospital and medical systems appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I’m Aboriginal myself, but I’m new to Indigenous research. I’m only now learning and trying to apply new ideas in an Indigenous research paradigm.”

To read the Monash University Lens article Applying an ‘Indigenous paradigm’ to tackle rheumatic heart disease in full click here.

young Aboriginal boy having RHD heart check

Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Nyikina woman wins Human Rights Award

Today, Janine Dureau was announced as the 2023 Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award winner at an online event livestreamed from Vancouver, Canada. Hosted by Community First Development, an Aboriginal community development and research organisation, the Award provides an opportunity to identify and honour those who are doing outstanding work with First Nations’ people and communities, exemplifying self-determination in practice.

This year, the fourth year of this Award, Community First Development received many strong and worthy nominations, including for several inspiring First Nations’ leaders. “The Bill Armstrong AO Award has gone global. As well as our presenting team coming from different continents this year, this extended reach was also reflected in the range of nominations of people working in support of the human rights of First Nations Peoples across different countries and continents… including for several inspiring First Nations’ leaders.”

Following the Panel’s deliberations, Janine Dureau, a Derby born Nyikina woman, was announced as the 2023 Award winner in recognition of her passion and dedication to empowering and strengthening the capacity of Aboriginal people, families and communities to improve their quality of life. Over a 30-year period, Janine has led several campaigns and initiatives focused on culture and leadership for and on behalf of the Aboriginal community. She is currently the Chair of the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council which she established with the support of 100 Aboriginal women.

To view the Community First Development media release Tireless efforts of two inspiring First Nations women recognised at Human Rights Award click here.

L-R: Janine Dureau, Chairperson at the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council; Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, Commissioner for Children and Young People; June Oscar, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner; Mary O’Reeri, Former Local Hero Award Winner

L-R: Janine Dureau, Chairperson at the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council; Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, Commissioner for Children and Young People; June Oscar, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner; Mary O’Reeri, Former Local Hero Award Winner. Photo: Commissioner for Children and Young People WA. Image source: Community First Development.

FASD Awareness Month

To mark Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, Saturday 9 September 2023, the Australian Government National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) produced a video explaining FASD. In the video Katerina Giorgi, CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (FARE), says that during September – International FASD Awareness Month, we need to draw attention to this often invisible disability by:

  • asking what FASD it means
  • asking what the guidelines say around alcohol and pregnancy
  • hearing the stories of people who are impacted by FASD

NACCHO Executive Director Monica Barolits-McCabe, also featured in the video, said FASD is a fully preventable disability, and “if we have more awareness out there, we take the stigma out of FASD and alcohol consumption.” More conversations about FASD, she said, will result in prevention, earlier screening, early detection and more support.

The third speaker in the video, NOFASD Chief Operating Officer Sophie Harrington, said FASD is often a diagnosis that is misdiagnosed. It can often be seen as other disabilities, and other disorders like autism or ADHD or can masquerade as developmental trauma. Ms Harrington said FASD is preventable only if we understand from the very first time someone decides they want to start trying for a baby, they actually stop drinking.

You view the video below or by clicking on this link.

Dr Demmery: 2023 ACT Woman of Spirit

Dr Karen Demmery, Wiradjuri from Dubbo and Barkindji from Bourke, was kicked out of school in year nine, “My parents had divorced, I wasn’t sure where I was going or what I was doing, so then I got into trouble with the police, drugs and alcohol, and my life began spiralling out of control.”

Many years later Dr Demmery is celebrating her win as the 2023 ACT Woman of Spirit. “It’s the first award I’ve ever won,” she says. “I’m so passionate about what I do now, because I know the impact that it can have and obviously there are more people who are needing help.

“Winning, for me, was the coolest thing, next to so many other brilliant women. We don’t do what we do for recognition, but it’s great when we get it. When they read out my name I started laughing, I was not expecting it and I had no speech written.”

When Karen first started her business, it was called the Trauma, Leadership, Mental Health and Coaching Institute. “I know that when you’re in the midst of it, you don’t realise how bad it is,” she says. “These options for help now, what I am doing, is for my grandkids that aren’t even here yet.”

To view the CBR City News article Dr Karen knows trouble, setbacks and success in full click here.

Woman of Spirit Dr Karen Demmery - 4 different poses collage

Woman of Spirit Dr Karen Demmery… “What I do now is really about helping people to figure out why they do what they do, because once you know, then you can change it.” Photos: Andrew Campbell. Image source: CBR City News.

VIC Aboriginal Aged Care Summit

A 2-day Victorian Aboriginal Aged Care Summit to be held in Melbourne from 3–4 October 2023 will commemorate and celebrate the vital role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders play as the heart and soul of their Communities. The summit will be co-convened by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and the Victorian Committee Aboriginal for Aged Care & Disability (VCAACD).

Abe Ropitini VACCHO’s Executive Director of Population health said at the summit “We’ll be hearing from them (the Elders) about the changes that they have witnessed over their lives and their aspirations for the future of their communities and the quality of life that we need to ensure we maintain for all of our Elders, both Elders that we have now and our emerging Elders as well.”

You can listen to the NITV Radio interview here and find more information about the summit on VACCHO’s website here.

NITV Radio logo banner text ' Victorian Aboriginal Aged Care Summit to discuss what it's like to be an Aboriginal Elder today' & portrait image of Abe Ropitini VACCHO's Executive Director of Population Health

VACCHO’s Executive Director of Population Health, Abe Ropitini. Image source: NITV Radio.

Sector Jobs

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.

Anniversary of UNDRIP

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday 13 September 2007. The Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples.

It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to Indigenous peoples.

The Declaration is particularly significant because Indigenous peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, were involved in its drafting.

You can access more information on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website here.

Sep 4 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: COVID-19 competition – win flights to Perth

feature tile, round dot art from conference promotional material overlaid with text 'competition time!' & text 'COVID-19 vaccination program competition win flights, accommodation and tickets to the NACCHO Members’ Conference'

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is 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.

COVID-19 competition – win flights to Perth

Win return flights, accommodation, and tickets to the 2023 NACCHO Members’ Conference

6 ACCHOs and 15 creative people can win return flights, accommodation, and tickets for up to 3 ACCHO staff members to attend the NACCHO’s Members’ Conference in Perth this October.

Enter the COVID-19 Vaccination promotion competition by submitting a deadly video advertisement/promotion that represents the theme: Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is looking after yourself, for your chance to win! Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Relevance to the theme: Getting a COIVD-19 vaccination is looking after yourself
  • Composition
  • Creativity
  • Originality
  • Appropriateness for the target age group: Category 1 – kids 5–12 years (in the ACCHO community), Category 2 – teens and adults 13–49 years (in the ACCHO community), Category 3 – older adults 50+ (in the ACCHO community).

There are 3 amazing prizes up for grabs:

Category 1

  • First Prize includes return flights, accommodation, and tickets to NACCHO’s 2023 Conference in Perth for 3 staff members
  • Second Prize includes return flights, accommodation, and tickets to NACCHO’s 2023 Conference in Perth for 2 staff members

Category 2

  • First Prize includes return flights, accommodation, and tickets to NACCHO’s 2023 Conference in Perth for 3 staff members
  • Second Prize includes return flights, accommodation, and tickets to NACCHO’s 2023 Conference in Perth for 2 staff members

Category 3

  • First Prize includes return flights, accommodation, and tickets to NACCHO’s 2023 Conference in Perth for 3 staff members
  • Second Prize includes return flights, accommodation, and tickets to NACCHO’s 2023 Conference in Perth for 2 staff members

This is an opportunity for you to really show who and what your community is like, and the best ways to communicate with them.

We encourage teams to be creative with the theme. Is the best way to get your mob interested, through humour? Being strong and serious? Telling a story? Addressing negative stereotypes?

Be open to the possibilities of what ‘self-care’ looks like. Self-care could be 30-year-olds discussing the importance of getting the vaccination; or 70-year-olds spinning around the basketball courts because they’re fit and healthy and vaccinated; or tie your promotion to building community strength and vitality.

The more original and community-oriented, the better.

You can access a competition Entry Form here.

The Terms and Conditions for the competition are available here.

NACCHO tile text 'NACCHO Members' Conference 2023 - 23-26 October, Noongar Boodjar (Perth) MAY THE BEST ACCHOs WIN... - Return Flights; Tickets to NACCHO's Conference for 3 staff members; Accommodation; images of plane, city of Perth at night & motel bedroom

ACCHO named WA’s Best GP Service for 2023

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Services (DYHS) has been awarded WA’s best GP practice of 2023 by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). This ACCHO that operates on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people in metropolitan Perth was recognised for demonstrating excellence in patient care, safety and a commitment to the wellbeing of the community. DYHS GP Registrar, Dr Corey Dalton, was named the RACGP’s 2023 GP in Training. It is the second consecutive year that an Aboriginal doctor from the DYHS medical team has taken out the award. DYHS CEO, Tracey Brand, said the RACGP awards come as the ACCHO prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

“It is remarkable that a service started 50 years ago by a group of volunteers in an old city building with disused equipment from Royal Perth Hospital has become the largest ACCHO in WA,” she said. “These awards acknowledge our Board’s strong leadership and the dedicated DYHS team’s compassion and commitment to cultural safety and clinical excellence.”

Earlier this year DYHS chose to undergo accreditation through the Australian General Practice Accreditation (AGPAL) which involved the practice team reviewing all systems and processes, prior to an independent assessment conducted by a team of AGPAL surveyors. Ms Brand said “Our model delivers culturally responsive comprehensive primary health services with a focus on prevention, early intervention, comprehensive care and care coordination across the life course of our 22,000 patients.”

To view the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service media release Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service named state’s best GP service for 2023 in full click here.

tile of 50+ Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service with hands in air at top landing & down stairs of DYHS office

Glen for Women officially opens

On Wednesday last week, 30 August 2023, The Glen for Women was officially opened. The Glen for Women runs a 12-week residential rehab program based on the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation Network (ADARRN) model of care. The program is designed to support participants with individualised case management plans; grief and trauma counselling; financial counselling; relationship and parenting programs; anger management and relapse prevention programs and 12 step fellowship meetings. Through the program, participants can also learn a range of practical skills to set them up for their return to community.

The Glen for Women has now been operational for 15 months and 84 women have passed through its doors. At the official opening the women who had fought so hard for The Glen for Women, Aunty Coral, Aunty Cheryl, Aunty Gail, Aunty Jan and Aunty Barbara were acknowledged.

You can find more information about The Glen for Women on The Glen website here.

image of outside seated guests for opening of The Glen for Women 20.8.23

Official opening of The Glen for Women. Image sourece: The Glen Rehab Facebook page.

Why the Voice is crucial to health outcomes 

Respected Aboriginal leader Aunty Jill Gallagher – CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) – recently spoke on NITV Radio about the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, how Aboriginal Elders drive the narratives as well as an upcoming VACCHO Elder’s Summit. Aunty Jill explained emphatically why a Yes vote is crucial.

You can listen to the NITV Radio interview Aunty Jill Gallagher on why a Yes vote is crucial, the impact on Aboriginal health outcomes and more in full here.

NITV Radio tile text 'Aunty Jill Gallagher on why a Yes vote is crucial, the impact on Aboriginal health outcomes and more' & portrait image of VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher

Image source: NITV Radio.

Children in detention increases crime

Some advocates say the best way to create an adult criminal is to lock up a child. The younger a child is slapped with a probation order or locked up for committing a crime, the more likely they are to return behind bars. So when QLD brought in laws allowing kids as young as 10 to be held in police watch houses, human rights groups were appalled.

Indigenous advocates were also alarmed given the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the youth justice system. Catherine Liddle, the head of a national organisation for Indigenous children known as SNAICC, said the Queensland government action was a disgrace.

“Suspending the Human Rights Act so children as young as 10 can be held in police watch houses and prisons designed for adults is utterly shameful,” she said. “It makes a mockery out of all the work that we’ve been doing to close the gap, which says to work in partnership with ACCOs before you make decisions like this.”

To view the SBS News article Does putting children in detention prevent or produce crime? in full click here.
corridor with closed prison doors either side

Photo: Jono Searle – AAP. Image source: SBS News.

Reducing medication-related problems

Medicines are the most frequent health care intervention type; their safe use provides significant benefits, but inappropriate use can cause harm. Systemic primary care approaches can manage serious medication‐related problems in a timely manner.

A quality improvement activity developed to improve medicine safety is ACTMed (ACTivating primary care for MEDicine safety). ACTMed uses information technology and financial incentives to encourage pharmacists to work more closely with general practitioners to reduce the risk of harm, improve patients’ experience of care, streamline workflows, and increase the efficiency of medical care.

A stepped wedge cluster randomised trial is planned to be undertaken in 42 Queensland primary care practices to assess the effectiveness of the ACTMed intervention. The primary outcome will be the proportion of people at risk of serious medication‐related problems — patients with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or asthma or congestive obstructive pulmonary disease — who experience such problems. The trail will also estimate the cost per averted serious medication‐related problem and the cost per averted potentially preventable medication‐related hospitalisation.

To read the Activating pharmacists to reduce the frequency of medication‐related problems (ACTMed): a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial article published in The Medical Journal of Australia today click here.

You can also read a previous article on ACTMed published in this newsletter here.

tablet dispenser & hand pouring tablets into palm of other hand

Image source: The Economic Times.

Sector Jobs

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.

Aug 16 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: VACCHO CEO recognised with university’s highest honour

The image in the feature tile is of VACCHO CEO, Jill Gallagher AO.

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is 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 CEO recognised with university’s highest honour

Gunditjmara woman and VACCHO CEO, Jill Gallagher AO has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Melbourne. Ms Gallagher has been VACCHO’s CEO since 2003 and has been influential in raising awareness of health issues and improving access to dedicated services, including the establishment of the Koori Maternity Service and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council.

As well as being an advocate for self-determination outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Ms Gallagher has led consultations with community for the development of the first piece of Treaty Legislation in Australia, now an Act of the Victorian Parliament. She was honoured alongside disability advocate, Keran Howe OAM and marine science and conservation expert, Professor Emma Johnston AM.

University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell congratulated the three recipients of the University’s highest honour.

“Honorary doctorates recognise the outstanding contributions and distinguished community service of people like Ms Gallagher, Ms Howe and Professor Johnston.

“In different ways, they have made major and lasting impressions on society, and it is very fitting that the University recognises them in this way,” Professor Maskell said.

Read more here.

Jill Gallagher AO, Keran Howe OAM, Professor Emma Johnston AM. Image source: The University of Melbourne.

Health Minister visits AHCSA

On Tuesday 15 August, Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler visited the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA). The minister spoke about the influence the Voice to Parliament would have on closing the health gap; He said health is a key policy area where the Voice would deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“…for years and years now, the community, the Parliament, health ministers of both political persuasions, have been confronted time and time again, the appalling statistics of the yawning hap in health outcomes and life expectancy between First Nations Australians and non-Indigenous Australians.

“The truth is, we need a new approach, and the Voice allows us to turn a new page as a government and as a parliament in listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about solutions that will actually shift the dial,” said Minister Butler.

AHCSA and the health minister also discussed the challenge of vaping for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The health minister said it is a challenge right across the country, however, community-controlled health organisations are in discussions with government on how to best address adolescent vaping.

“There’s a program delivered out of this building by AHCSA as well, but it is now having to come to grips with the very new recent challenges of vaping. We’ve been talking about how best to do that,” said Minister Butler.  

Read the full doorstop transcript here.

AHCSA staff member. Image source: AHCSA Facebook.

CAHS celebrates 15 years

Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) celebrated 15 years of operation on Friday 11 August. More than 200 community members, as well as special guest speakers including Stan Grant came together at the Coonamble Bowling Club to mark the milestone. In a “strong” and “emotional” speech, Stan Grant paid tribute to the Elders and the founding members of the ACCHO for their dedication to improving health outcomes for Coonamble and the wider community.

CAHS CEO, Phil Naden said a highlight of the celebration was sitting down and yarning with mob and hearing about the legacy of such a wonderful organisation.

“I’m privileged to be the CEO of this wonderful organisation and I’m also privileged to know so many beautiful people,” he said.

Read more here.

Image source: Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service Facebook.

Combining curriculum with culture

A new way of learning which combines curriculum with culture is seeing high-school students once at risk of dropping out now excelling. The Wiradjuri-made school program Ngurang-gu Yalbilinya (NgY) is helping schoolboys connect to their identity and increasing school engagement by intertwining curriculum with cultural lessons. In the classroom they are taught the usual school subjects like maths and English, while also learning Wiradjuri language, traditional wood carving, ceremonial song and dance, and painting.

14-year-old student, Steven said before the program he struggled in school, “I was getting in a lot of fights and sometimes I would get a suspension warning or two. I’d be wagging.

“The teachers here really helped me… through the tough times,” he said.

Since the program began more than two years ago, attendance rates have almost doubled from 44% to 94%. Teacher Tim Bennett, said a key to its success is the wrap-around support students can access, which goes beyond the classroom. Teachers work closely with local ACCOs to ensure the students and their families receive the support they need, that includes the Orange Aboriginal Medical Centre providing regular health checks and encouraging healthy eating.

“It’s not just an academic need, if the child or the family suffered trauma that could also affect the student engaging in mainstream classes. So, we have to address that as well,” said Mr Bennett.

Read the full NITV article here.

Students of the Ngurang-gu Yalbilinya education program. Image source: NITV.

Input on National Housing and Homelessness Plan

The Federal Government has begun consultations for the new National Housing and Homelessness Plan. Community organisations are among those Housing and Homelessness Minister, Julie Collins wants to hear from for input on the national plan’s issue paper. Croakey Health Media said given the critical connection between housing and health, health organisations should be encouraged to submit their feedback.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association recently said, “having access to safe and affordable housing is a key social determinant of health, with many Australians currently facing poorer health outcomes as a consequence of the standard of their living conditions.”

Homelessness Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies are calling for a separate and self-determined First Nations National Housing and Homelessness Plan, to address the unique issues relating to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in homelessness.

Public consultations on the plan will be conducted via face-to-face community events in each State and Territory from Monday 28 August and submissions close Friday 22 September.

Read the full Croakey Health Media article Federal Government seeks input on long-awaited National Housing and Homelessness Plan here.

“It’s important to count the milestones”

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation CEO, Richard Weston says we are seeing improvements in areas of the health of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Broken Hill region. In the interview with 2WEB – Outback Radio Mr Weston said while the region is a long way behind the rest of the state and the country and there’s “a lot more work to be done,” it’s important to count the milestones.

Mr Weston said they have seen some improvements in early childhood health and development, “which is really important for those future generations.”

“We [also] have very good programs for supporting people with chronic diseases… and also for preventing and intervening early in chronic diseases,” Mr Weston said.

Listen to the full radio interview here.

Image source: Intereach.

Sector Jobs

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.

Aug 1 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Important conversations about bowel cancer screening

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is 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.

Important conversations about bowel cancer screening

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 to 74 are urged to do a free bowel cancer screening test. Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer and one of the most common cancers impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, if detected early, almost all bowel cancers are treatable. Approximately one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are completing their bowel cancer screening tests as part of the national program. Wuthathi and Meriam man John Paul Janke is advocating for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take up the free test, part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening program.

“As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we need to have important conversations about our health.

“Bowel cancer screening is something that is simple, free and easy to do. We need to encourage our brothers and sister to participate, there’s absolutely no shame in looking after your health and wellbeing,” Mr Janke said.

All eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 receive the free bowel cancer screening test in the mail every two years, or through their healthcare professionals. Replacement kits can be ordered through your local health clinic.

For NACCHO Bowel Cancer Screening resources go here.

To read the full Canberra Weekly article click here.

Improving access for patients and attracting medical professionals to the regions: RACGP tours WA

Last week, RACGP President, Dr Nicole Higgins toured WA to discuss doctor shortages, workforce challenges, and culturally safe care. Derbarl Yerrigan Aboriginal Health Service was on the list of stops, the ACCHO providing expertise on how to best provide care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. RACGP WA Chair, Dr Ramya Raman said, “many of us, including myself, have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and we need to be understanding and respectful to the cultural aspects, as well as being able to manage some of the health conditions in a culturally sensitive manner.”

Attending other health services throughout the state, RACGP said the main concerns raised about rural healthcare include improving access for patients, and how to best attract medical professionals to the regions. COVID-19 exacerbating workforce challenges, and creating changes across general practice, which are expected to be felt for years to come.

“There is a level of isolation that many practitioners, medical students, as well as nursing and allied health staff and other colleagues are feeling. There’s a sense of burnout,” Dr Raman said.

Read the full News GP article RACGP tours WA to discuss doctor shortage here.

National Road Safety Action Grants Open

Grants to help reduce road fatalities and injuries are now open. On Friday 28 July Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown announced the opening of the National Road Safety Action Grants Program. The program will deliver key non-infrastructure commitments critical to the delivery priorities outlined in the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 and National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25.

The program will provide funding across five key focus areas critical to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roads:

  1. Community Education and Awareness, including workplace road safety.
  2. Vulnerable Road Users
  3. First Nations Road Safety
  4. Technology and Innovation
  5. Research and Data

Applications for the first two focus areas (Community Education and Awareness, and Vulnerable Road Users) are now open. The program is open to a range of organisations including not-for-profit and research, as well as local, state, and territory governments.

Application for the next two streams (First Nations Road Safety, and Technology and Innovation) are expected to open later this year.

Applications for focus areas one and two close Friday 25 August.

For more information go here.

Image source: The Conversation.

AIDA and AMA sign agreement to help close health gap.

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding, cementing a shared commitment towards tackling serious health inequalities affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to empower future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors.

“Clinical safety is cultural safety, and it is essential we continue to improve outcomes for our people. By uniting in purpose, we can continue to unlock endless possibilities through our work towards a shared vision of a culturally safe healthcare system,” said AIDA President, Dr Simone Raye.

AMA President, Professor Steve Robson said the new agreement would unlock further collaboration with AIDA and foster growth of a culturally safe expert medical workforce.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a right to affordable and culturally safe healthcare, no matter where they are in Australia,” he said.

Read more here.

AIDA President Dr Simone Raye and AMA President Professor Steve Robson. Image source: AIDA Facebook.

What does ‘Culture First’ mean to you? SEWB Gathering 4 gets underway.

The fourth Social Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Gathering is in full swing, kicking off yesterday Monday 31 July and is on until Wednesday 2 August in Darwin. Delegates from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies, community organisations, leaders, and experts from across Australia joining forces to discuss social and emotional wellbeing topics, centered around the theme ‘Culture First.’ The upcoming referendum was a key discussion yesterday, with the question ‘How does the Voice and political issues impact on SEWB?’

Taking to the podium Professor Tom Calma said, “I emphasis youth because this referendum is about the future. Young Australians will be a driving force in this referendum, they have been spared the miseducation and misinformation that was received by their parents and grandparents.”

Image source: Centre of Best Practice Facebook.

Sector Jobs

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.

Key Date: World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week runs from Tuesday 1 August to Monay 7 August. The global campaign aims to raise awareness among decision-makers, workplaces, and the wider community about the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits.

Key messages of the campaign include:

  • Breastfeeding is easier when everyone steps up to support mothers.
  • Women everywhere need paid maternity leave.
  • Breastfeeding is easier when workplaces provide support and dedicate time and space to breastfeed or express milk.

NACCHO’s Strong Born Campaign, in collaboration with the National FASD Campaign Working Group, aims to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the harms of drinking alcohol while pregnant and breastfeeding.

Messaging surrounding breastfeeding includes:

“No alcohol during pregnancy or when breastfeeding is the safest way for mum and baby.”

“If breastfeeding bub, they can get charged up too and get really crook.”

Strong Born Campaign resources are available here.

May 18 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: ATSICHS Brisbane celebrates 50 years of service

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: ATSICHS Brisbane celebrates 50 years of service - feature tile

The image in the feature tile is the first Aboriginal Islander Community Health Service (AICHS), a converted fruit and vegetable shop front in Red Hill, Brisbane in 1973.

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase important work 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.

 ATSICHS Brisbane celebrates 50 years of service 

On May 14, 1973, the Aboriginal Islander Community Health Service (AICHS) was established in a converted fruit and vegetable shop at Red Hill. A dedicated group of volunteer community members and general practitioners, including Aunty Pamela Mam, Uncle Steve Mam, Uncle Denis Walker, Aunty Susan Chilly, Aunty Frances Cockatoo, Uncle Don Davidson, and Uncle Les Collins, worked tirelessly to get AICHS up and running.

In 1976, AICHS relocated from Red Hill to South Brisbane to accommodate its growth. However, the Grey Street location soon became insufficient. In 1985, AICHS moved to 10 Hubert Street, Woolloongabba, an area with a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

In 2008, the organization changed its name to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By 2009, operations expanded to Woolloongabba, Woodridge, Northgate, and Acacia Ridge.

Throughout its 50-year history, ATSICHS Brisbane has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. Today, they offer medical clinics, dental services, a Birthing in Our Community hub, youth services, social and emotional wellbeing services, an aged care facility, and various family and child support services, including the Family Participation Program, Jajumbora Children and Family Centre, Ngumpi Uruue, Deadly Kindy programs, and Family Wellbeing Services.

To read more, click here.

How will The Voice impact First Nations’ health?

Selwyn Button says the Voice will amplify Aboriginal people’s health concerns and lead to improved outcomes. Image source: ABC Radio National

According to Selwyn Button, the Chair of the Lowitja Institute, when Aboriginal Health organisations are actively engaged and consulted regarding their own health, it leads to improved outcomes. He said, The Voice should help amplify these results.

In an interview this morning Selwyn stated, “The whole notion of NACCHO and the community-controlled health organisations right across the country are about responding to the needs of the community.”

The whole concept of community control evolved from within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The government was failing to provide adequate services and neglect basic health needs. This prompted action and leadership to form services that were meeting the health needs of the community in culturally safe spaces.

For example, the Aboriginal Islander Community Health Service (AICHS) in Meeanjin country celebrated 50 years of service on 14 May 1973. At that time a group of volunteer community members and general practitioners saw the need for better services and better access to services and formed the AICHS. They opened the doors to patients in a converted fruit and vegetable shop in Brisbane’s, Red Hill.

Selwyn noted that “in many cases, they were shunned by government, poorly funded and not provided with resources at the time but they kept going because they could see the need and community was responding.”

In instances where Aboriginal communities and health organistions have been engaged and in control of their own health, notable improvements have been witnessed, and The Voice has a crucial role to play in strengthen these positive outcomes.

To hear the interview, click here.

AMSANT supports Uluru Statement from the Heart

AMSANT Acting Chair, Rob McPhee.

AMSANT Acting Chair, Rob McPhee.

The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory announced their support for The Voice yesterday in a media release yesterday. In it they state:

The Board of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT) has reconfirmed its strong support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its recommendations regarding the establishment of a constitutionally enshrined ‘Voice to Parliament’ alongside a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling. At its meeting in Katherine on 12th May, the AMSANT Board considered current circumstances impacting on the recognition and achievement of the Statement’s objectives.

“Our Board Directors are strongly of the view that the Uluru Statement From the Heart provides the nation a precious opportunity to begin to resolve our unfinished business and to achieve fundamental change for our people”, said AMSANT Acting Chair, Rob McPhee. “The vision and goodwill that has been offered to the nation through the Statement requires and deserves our trust. The AMSANT Board emphasised its strong endorsement of the First Nations-led process that culminated in the National Constitutional Convention at Uluru in May 2017, bringing together First Nations delegates from across Australia to meet and to form a consensus position on the form that constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should take.

To read the full media release from AMSANT, click here.

Don’t use sugar substitutes for weight loss, WHO advises 

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) does not provide long-term benefits in reducing body fat for adults or children. While there may be a slight short-term reduction in body weight, it is not sustained over time.

“Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not help people control their weight long-term,” said Francesco Branca, director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety. “We did see a mild reduction of body weight in the short term, but it’s not going to be sustained.”

The guidance applies to all people except those with pre-existing diabetes, Branca said. Why? Simply because none of the studies in the review included people with diabetes, and an assessment could not be made, he said.

The review also highlighted potential undesirable effects associated with long-term use of sugar substitutes, including a slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

However, it is important to clarify that this recommendation does not assess the safety of consumption. Branca emphasized that the guideline focuses on the inability of scientific evidence to demonstrate positive health effects in terms of obesity reduction, weight control, or the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Reducing the use of non-sugar sweeteners is an important prevention strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health, particularly in the prevention of diabetes. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic disease conditions, globally, with the greatest burden falling on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To see the report, click here

Sleep Matters

A 2021 report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states there is a high prevalence of sleep problems among Australian adults and explores their correlation with chronic health conditions. The report sheds light on the impact of both excessive and insufficient sleep on the heightened risk of various ailments such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

In considering the broader context of health in Australia, it is essential to recognise the specific challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and that these disparities extend to sleep health, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing a higher prevalence of sleep problems compared to the general population.

Studies indicate that sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea, disproportionately affect Indigenous communities. For instance, research shows that the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults is approximately three times higher than in the non-Indigenous population.

The relationship between sleep problems and chronic health conditions is particularly consequential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. According to available data, Indigenous Australians are more likely to experience conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Sleep disturbances contribute to these health disparities, as they can exacerbate existing chronic conditions and hinder overall well-being.

Whilst a lot more funding and resources are required to understand and support sleep problems, an initiative called, Dreamy, developed by Common Ground a First Nations, not-for-profit organisation. Dreamy aims to support better sleep with their collection of sleep stories created by First Nations storytellers. ​

These contemporary stories bring an 80,000-year-old oral tradition into the digital space, helping people of all walks of life to quiet their minds, drift into dream, and disconnect from their devices by connecting to Country.

To experience Dreamy, click here.

To read more of the implications of sleep health in First Nation Australians, click here.

 

One Mindful Minute

Image source: Photo by Chris Thompson on Unsplash

ICTVPlay, in collaboration with Adrian Thomas Music, present a mindful minute designed to bring a feeling of pride, happiness, and relaxation into your busy day.

In attempt to address the sense of chaos in these times of constant change and uncertainty, ICTV has provided a short, one minute meditation that helps to establish a strong connection with yourself and your mental well-being. ICTV recognizes the importance of bringing attention to the restless nature of our minds and bodies through the practice of meditation. By embracing this practice, we can attain a greater sense of inner calm, mindfulness, and feeling grounded.

To try it out for one minute! One Mindful Minute.

 

Sector Jobs

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.