Category Close the Gap

26 March 2024

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

The integral role of First Nations pharmacists: NACCHO and Pfizer leaders address the complex gap

Marking Thank Your Pharmacist Day on 21 March, Mike Stephens, Director of Medicines Policy and Programs at NACCHO, and Leigh Simmonds, Senior Manager of Patient Advocacy, CSR and RAP Leader, Pfizer delved into critical issues surrounding health equity and the role of pharmacists in First Nations communities.

The Health Industry Hub interview began with an acknowledgment of the latest Close the Gap data, revealing a sobering reality: only 5 out of 19 targets for First Nations people are currently ‘on track’. The pressing question of what contributes to these gaps and, more importantly, how progress can be made to bridge them was addressed.

“It shows the breadth of the challenge. To impact the social and cultural determinants of health requires a whole of government effort. It’s very important how we improve the culturally safe, responsive and appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people especially in relation to medications,” Mr Stephens stated.

A significant point of discussion revolved around the stark lack of diversity within the pharmacy workforce, particularly concerning the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists. With only 0.31% of registered pharmacists in Australia identifying as Indigenous, the duo stressed the critical need to address this workforce gap.

Pfizer’s partnership with NACCHO in supporting a new Graduate Pharmacist Scholarship program was highlighted. Ms Simmonds shed light on the motivations driving this collaboration, emphasising the shared commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and supporting the leadership development of Indigenous pharmacists.

“The partnership has been an evolution over time. Showing up and being part of the conversation and listening and learning from this incredible self-determination sector has been really important to the development of trust and this partnership,” Ms Simmonds elaborated.

“I hope that with the recipients of this scholarship we can develop a longer-term relationship. They can provide advice to Pfizer and NACCHO on their journey, and how we can have a longitudinal approach to the program which can either be replicated or reimagined,” Mr Stephens said.

To view the video interview go here.

Image source: Health Industry Hub.

 

Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project “keeping the fire burning: Blak, loud, and proud

The Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project is a world-first initiative that participants say is “keeping the fire burning: Blak, loud, and proud”. This year’s NAIDOC theme honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resilience, vitality, and fire. It is about the unapologetic celebration of Indigenous sovereignty, identities, culture, and wisdoms. Professor Pat Dudgeon says that embodying this spirit, “standing proud and resilient”, are the Indigenous scholars and Indigenous-identified allies in the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) – an Indigenous-led “groundbreaking initiative at the forefront of decolonising and Indigenising psychology education in Australia”.

“We can transform mental health so it includes Indigenous perspectives and knowledges,” she told National Indigenous Times.

“It is awesome, it is a world-first that we have this schools of psychology signed up and they are making changes in their curriculum and psychology programs, and they are ensuring there are places for Aboriginal psychology students.

“And, as importantly, that Indigenous perspectives and knowledges are going into psychology programs. Those things are happening because of this project. It shows them how.”

Currently, there are about 324 registered Indigenous Psychologists in Australia, constituting less than one percent of all registered psychologists. To achieve population parity, more than one thousand Indigenous Psychologists are needed in the discipline. The AIPEP has been “actively progressing the decolonisation of psychology university education and enhancing the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in psychology” since 2013.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Dr Joanna Alexi, Professor Pat Dudgeon, and Research Fellow Belle Selkirk. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme to transition to Community control

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), alongside partners the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) and Rural Doctors Network (RDN), is excited to be announced as the successful provider of the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS), as the scholarships transition to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control in mid-2024. In making the joint announcement with the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Yanyuwa woman, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, said “In his role chairing the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter devoted his life to improving health outcomes for First Nations Australians.

“Today, I am sure he would be very proud that the scholarship scheme named in his honour will soon be Indigenous led. This will ensure the next generation of First Nations health students are well-equipped to work with communities to provide quality, culturally safe and appropriate care for better health outcomes”.

Kamilaroi woman and IAHA Chairperson, Nicole Turner, said “many of our members have benefited in their studies as Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship recipients and IAHA is excited to work in partnership to support the next generation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce. We know the important role that financial assistance plays in student success, but we’re excited to wrap our culturally safe and responsive supports around recipients to ensure that they’re supported culturally, personally, and professionally, across their journey.”

Read the full press release here.

Image source: Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care.

Review of after hours primary care

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care is undertaking a review of after hours primary care policies and programs. The Review will consider the need for primary care after hours services, the current state of after hours service provision and successful models of primary care after hours service provision.

In late 2023 the department commenced a review of after-hours primary care policies and programs. The After Hours Review builds on several recent reforms and initiatives including the recommendations of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, the development of the 10 Year Primary Health Care Plan, and widespread changes to after-hours services arising from the COVID pandemic. Following a period of data and evidence analysis, the Review is now in its consultation phase, and the department has released a survey and discussion paper on the Consultation Hub.

This consultation process is open to the general public, however input is sought especially from primary care providers, including practice owners and managers, general practitioners, non-vocational doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners, allied health practitioners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, Primary Health Networks and others working in primary care. Input is sought from those who currently provide after hours services, as well as those who do not.

You can participate in this consultation either by completing the survey and / or by providing a written submission. You will have an opportunity to upload a written submission at the end of the survey. If you wish to provide a written submission without completing the survey, you can email your written submission to afterhours@allenandclarke.com.au.

The survey closes 20 April 2024. For more information, go here.

Image source: Shutterstock.

Young First Nations children in Cape York region get healthy start to life

First Nations families in the Cape York region are receiving more timely access to care thanks to a new program providing targeted support for women and children in their first 1,000 days. The First 1,000 Days Social and Emotional Wellbeing program is funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and aligns with the Better Health North Queensland (NQ) Alliance First 1,000 Days Framework. The program focuses on maternal and child health, and the social and emotional wellbeing of mothers, fathers, carers, and children to help reduce health inequities and ensure all children in the region have a healthy start to life.

In the Cape York region, Northern Peninsula Area Family and Community Services (NPAFACS) is delivering the program and since implementation has co-ordinated care for more than 40 NPA mothers and their young children. Without birthing facilities in the NPA, women either go to Cairns, Thursday Island, or Townsville to birth their babies.

“This can mean they are away from their communities, sometimes for many weeks, at this crucial time in their family’s lives,” said NPAFACS Project Manager Health Projects Ugari Nona.

“When we saw the opportunity to be part of the First 1,000 Days program, we knew it would help ensure that mothers, children, dads, and families had someone watching out for them and linking them to the resources they needed in those early days from birth to a child’s second birthday.

“Before we started the program, we went into our communities to hear from women about their birth experiences and the social contexts that either helped them and their children thrive, or imposed challenges on them, their babies, and their families.

“We heard from more than 62 women over eight groups and 19 men over two groups. One of our strongest findings is the importance of sustaining women’s connection to each other during pregnancy and birth, with one of their strongest desires to be able to birth our babies in the Northern Peninsula Area.”

To read the full article go here.

An aerial photograph of the five communities of NPA including Bamaga, Seisia, Injinoo, New Mapoon, and Umagico.

First family makes move into new affordable accommodation in Darwin

The Liddle family are the first of more than 40 First Nations families in greater Darwin to move into new affordable housing delivered by the Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation. Funded by a $20 million investment from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA), Sarah and Murray Liddle, as well as their four children, will move into their four bedroom home this week after suffering homelessness whilst searching for affordable accommodation for the last three months.

“This really is a dream come true for us,” Ms Liddle said.

“We have been living with family in a small home, just to stay off the streets.”

The NT has a homelessness rate 12 times that of the national average, with 88% of all people in the Territory suffering being First Nations. This is combined with additional barriers, including reports of discrimination at rental inspections and during the application process. Ms Liddle said the entire market is “so crowded” and that the family had to send their son to boarding school in Adelaide due to the impossible nature of studying in a house with 11 people.

“It’s been a huge sacrifice financially, especially since we can’t afford mainstream rental accommodation,” Ms Liddle said.

“Having a home again is huge for our family: now and for our children’s future. Being able to have a bit of money to save, and not counting our coins to make sure we can buy milk and bread for the kids before the next pay, is such a relief.”

NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the federal Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, said this was great news for the whole Liddle family.

“We know that having secure housing is so important and will make such a difference to people’s lives,” Senator McCarthy said.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

The Liddle family with the keys to their new home. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

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.

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are open now for Perth: 16-17 April 2024. 

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

25 March 2024

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

VACCHO urges support for ACCHOs to CTG

Victoria’s peak Indigenous health body says two Closing the Gap agreements in 15 years have brought little change when not backed by significant investment in self-determination and Aboriginal-led approaches. VACCHO used Closing the Gap day on Thursday to note the recently released Productivity Commission report, available here, highlighted the consistent failure by governments to prioritise placing Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands. This was conceded by PM Anthony Albanese when he told Parliament last month: “The old ways are not working”. “If we want to close the gap, we have to listen to people who live on the other side of it,” Mr Albanese said.

This week VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher called on all levels of government to increase their support for ACCOs for them to not just help communities survive – but thrive. “The key to closing the gap lies with the dedicated and determined teams at ACCOs who apply Aboriginal knowledge, culture, and innovation to strengthen families and transform lives,” she said. “There has been plenty of goodwill from governments since the first Closing the Gap statement of intent was signed back in 2008. “Despite the best intentions of many, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities continue to suffer, experiencing disproportionately poorer health compared to non-Indigenous people.”

The latest data shows a dramatic discrepancy in a number of key metrics for Indigenous people. Disturbingly, the suicide rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people also continues to rise, with 212 people dying by suicide in 2022 in NSW, Qld, WA, SA, and the NT – a 10% increase on the previous year. Across the country, reports have highlighted the vast discrepancy in suicide rates, brought on by factors including trauma, poverty, and a lack of adequate access to healthcare. In the major cities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people were almost two-and-a-half times more likely to die by suicide than non-Indigenous people. In very remote areas, 30.8 Indigenous people per 100,000 took their own lives in 2022.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Victoria’s peak Aboriginal health body urges support for Indigenous organisations to Close the Gap in full click here.

external view of VACCHO offices, spraypainted ATSI faces, art

Image source: VACCHO website.

National Health Ministers Roundtable

Last Friday, 22 March 2024, the Albanese Government in partnership with the Lowitja Institute hosted the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Ministers Roundtable. The meeting brought together Health Ministers and Chief Executives from all states and territories, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collaboration members, and First Nations health leaders to discuss priorities for health system reform. The government acknowledged that it is only in working in partnership and acknowledging the depth of experience and leadership that the sector offers, that the health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations people will improve.

The Roundtable specifically focused on topics identified by the First Nations health sector, including:

  1. Closing the Gap
  2. Building a health system which is culturally safe and free of racism, and
  3. The National Health Reform Agreement

The Albanese Government said it was committed to changing the way we work with First Nations people in line with the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap,  and in collaboration with all jurisdictions, for the first time, are intending to develop a First Nations Schedule to the National Health Reform Agreement. In line with our Closing the Gap commitments, the draft schedule will be co-designed with First Nations stakeholders, so it includes the right actions and reforms that best suit the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Albanese Government is committed to building and strengthening the community-controlled health sector, as committed to under Closing the Gap Priority Reform 2.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Aged Care is identifying opportunities to transition grants in programs that explicitly target First Nations health outcomes to First Nations-led organisations. As part of this process and as a first step, we are transitioning the well renowned Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme from the Australian College of Nursing to First Nations control. From July 1 2024, Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) will lead the management of this successful scholarship program.

You can view the Department of Health and Aged Care media release First Nations health leaders and Health Ministers gather to progress Close the Gap reform agenda in full click here.

A/g CEO NACCHO Monica Barolits-McCabe speaking at the Lowitja Institute ATSI Health roundtable 22.3.24

Acting CEO NACCHO Monica Barolits-McCabe at the Lowitja Institute health roundtable “we are over five times more likely to not complete care than non-Indigenous Australians – this must stop. We must find a solution and this includes funding reform.” Image source: X Jayde Fuller.

More required to fight against TB

As a ‘Progress Snapshot’ was unveiled at a parliamentary breakfast earlier today to mark World Tuberculosis Day (Sunday 24 March 2024), there is renewed hope the deadly disease can be eliminated in the region with increased funding, according to Results International (Australia). With progress getting back on track from COVID-19 setbacks, the snapshot analysis by Results International (Australia) reveals deaths have declined across several countries in Asia and the Pacific between 2021 and 2022. Amid COVID-19 disruptions, TB deaths rose globally after more than a decade of decline but that trend is reversing as testing and treatment increases. The snapshot shows an increase in diagnoses ranging from 22% and 64% in the Philippines, PNG, Indonesia, Vietnam, Timor-Leste and Cambodia between 2021 and 2022, enabling more people to seek treatment.

It comes as the federal government announces $17m for TB Alliance and partners to develop more effective treatments for TB and help ensure they reach the communities who need them. Results International (Australia) CEO Negaya Chorley said: “We welcome the Australian Government’s funding boost for the next generation of tuberculosis treatment. This investment will help develop more effective treatments, support Australia’s neighbours to strengthen their health systems, and make a difference in the fight against TB.

“Tuberculosis is preventable and curable but remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases that kills someone on average every 20 seconds. “While TB is rare in Australia, it remains a threat. Over the past year, clusters of outbreaks have emerged in Australia, while TB remains at crisis levels for many of our neighbours in Asia and the Pacific. “There is still a way to go to eliminate TB globally but it is entirely possible as recent progress has shown. During the early COVID-19 years, TB deaths rose for the first time in more than a decade as the new pandemic derailed global gains in the fight against TB but we are getting back on track as deaths decline, and testing and treatment rises.

To view The National Tribune article Govt funding welcome but more required in the fight against tuberculosis in our region in full click here.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium which causes TB

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium which causes TB. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Image source: NHMRC website.

Ways to improve life expectancy

Australia has one of the highest life expectancies in the world with an average life expectancy of 83.2 years in 2021, giving it the rank of fifth among OECD countries. According to a 2023 report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), over the past five decades, life expectancy in Australia has increased by 13.7 years for males (81.3 years) and by 11.2 years for females (85.4 years). Globally, life expectancy has increased by more than six years between 2000 and 2019 – from 66.8 years in 2000 to 73.4 years in 2019. Those figures, from the World Health Organisation, are due to higher rates of infant deaths and poor health associated with poverty. These problems aren’t confined to the third world. The US, with the biggest economy in the world, ranks in the mid 40s for life expectancy (which stands at 77 years). This is because “Americans suffer higher death rates from smoking, obesity, homicides, opioid overdoses, suicides, road accidents, and infant deaths. Plus, there’s deeper poverty and less access to healthcare. This explains why Americans on lower incomes “die at a younger age than poor people in other rich countries”.

In Australia “life expectancy at adult ages varies substantially according to level of education”. Among men and women of all ages, “life expectancy in 2016 was lowest among those with no educational qualification and rose with increasing education”. Life expectancy at birth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is considerably lower than it is for other Australians. If we want to see the national life expectancy improve, boosting education and Aboriginal health are places to start.

Last July, a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, found that by adopting eight lifestyle habits by the age of 40, you might live for an additional 24 years. The researchers ranked then in order of greatest impact:

  • Being physically active
  • Being free from opioid addiction
  • Not smoking
  • Managing stress
  • Having a good diet
  • Not regularly binge drinking
  • Having good sleep hygiene
  • Having positive social relationships.

Added to this list is finding a life purpose. Over the last decade, research into “life’s purpose” as a modifiable lifestyle factor – like exercise, diet, smoking and drinking booze – has bloomed. Getting a purpose in life is something you can take up – as a preventative health measure – or abandon. It’s about coming up with a make-do response to the big unanswerable questions, such as: Why am I here? What is the point of this life?

To view The New Daily article Ways Australians could improve their life expectancy in full click here.

backs of 3 older Aboriginal men & 2 Aboriginal youth sitting in red desert dust

Photo: David McLain/ Getty Images/Aurora Creative. Image source: The Guardian.

Stroke Foundation dedicated to CTG

On National Close the Gap Day (Thursday 21 March 2024), the Stroke Foundation said it was renewing its dedication to tackling health disparities affecting Indigenous people, with the focus remainsing on progressing towards genuine reconciliation and narrowing the health divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous people suffer a disproportionate burden of stroke, striking them at a younger age. They are twice as prone to hospitalisation and mortality from stroke compared to non-Indigenous Australians.

The Stroke Foundation said it is vigorously striving to address this issue, marked by the completion of its Reconciliation Action Plan in 2023, a significant stride towards effecting change. Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy, says the foundation is determined to achieve better and equitable health outcomes for Indigenous Australians. “Our Reconciliation Action Plan aims to close the health gap that exists through recognising and addressing the specific challenges and health concerns that impact Indigenous Australians,” she said.

The Stroke Foundation said it was excited to release a podcast interview in partnership with North Eastern Public Health Unit and 3KND (Kool and Deadly), discussing various aspects of stroke and prevention. The initiative aims to amplify the importance of stroke education while sharing stories from the organisation’s work thus far. As part of its efforts to attain health equity, Stroke Foundation is also engaged in a Yarning project. This initiative seeks to understand the stroke requirements within Indigenous communities. It mirrors the foundation’s dedication to forming strong partnerships, fostering self-determination and leadership, and tackling health disparities associated with stroke incidence and prevention. “We are actively engaged in community consultations across Alice Springs, Rural New South Wales, and Rural Tasmanian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Dr Murphy said. “Our goal is to empower these communities by incorporating their insights, traditions, and leadership into the development of culturally safe stroke prevention resources.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article Stroke Foundation commemorates Close the Gap Day with information session and Podcast release in full click here.

You can also read a related ABC News article Indigenous Australians suffering strokes 16 years younger than non-Indigenous people, new study finds in full here.

stroke survivor Indigenous mother-of-four Charlotte Dodds waited 20 hours to get a stroke diagnosis in regional NSW. Image source: ABC News outside weatherboard house

Indigenous mother-of-four Charlotte Dodds waited 20 hours to get a stroke diagnosis in regional NSW. Image source: ABC News.

RACGP says dedicated to ending health inequities

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has reiterated its commitment help Close the Gap by 2030 and empower more First Nations people to become GPs. According to the new 2024 Close the Gap report, right now, just 0.3% of the nation’s medical specialists are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – a sobering reminder of how much change is needed to achieve true health equity. Currently Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy at birth is around eight years less than non-Indigenous Australians, 46% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have at least one chronic condition, 37% of children are overweight or obese, and 37% smoke daily.

But marking Close the Gap Day on Thursday 21 March 2024, RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Chair Dr Karen Nicholls said there is hope. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare must be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led, and our community-controlled organisations should be supported to deliver services,” she said. “We want to do everything we can to support the growth of the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs. When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a say in the policies and practices that affect them, the outcomes are better, resources are better-used, and we move closer to closing the gap in health equity.”

This is echoed in the report, which states that community controlled health services improve wellbeing outcomes within Indigenous communities. Dr Nicholls said she is ‘incredibly proud’ of the success the RACGP’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs in training have achieved. One significant achievement came with the recent release of results from the RACGP 2023.1 Clinical Competency Exam (CCE), which showed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs in training are excelling. It found 100% of self-identified candidates passing the lasted CCE – the final exam on the pathway to Fellowship of the RCGP (FRACGP).

To view the RACGP newsGP article RACGP voices support for Indigenous health equity in full click here.

ATSI medical student Vinka Barunga in training 2017

Worora woman Vinka Barunga was became the first Aboriginal doctor in Derby, WA. Image source: NITV News.

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.

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are open now for Sydney and Perth:  

  • Sydney 19–20 March 2024
  • Perth 16–17 April 2024

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

22 March 2024

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

SHPA meets up with NACCHO on Close the Gap Day

NACCHO and The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) have collaborated for years to achieve medicines access equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all healthcare settings, especially in hospitals. In recent years, NACCHO and SHPA have made the case for public hospital pharmacies to be included in the Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment program, so that they can supply important medicines to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when discharged from hospitals while removing cost barriers. In 2023, the Australian Senate agreed to this, and a recent Department of Health and Aged Care report also supported this. NACCHO and SHPA will continue to collaborate to see this policy change be adopted and implemented.

On National Close the Gap Day, SHPA met up with NACCHO to discuss other programs and policies that impact medicines access and use for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. SHPA was also proud to provide a copy of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to NACCHO, launched last year, which proudly describes SHPA’s commitment to engage and collaborate with NACCHO to strengthen our shared policy positions.

You can find more detail about the CTG PBS Co-payment program on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website here.

Mike Stephens with Jerry Yik holding SHPA RAP

Mike Stephens, NACCHO Director, Medicines Policy and Programs with Jerry Yik holding SHPA’s RAP.

Delivering dialysis in remote communities webinar

From 4–5pm (Canberra time) Tuesday 26 March, NACCHO is hosting a webinar with staff from Purple House and Kimberley Renal Services to describe some key things to consider when establishing a dialysis unit for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and give an opportunity to ask questions.

This is to support communities submitting an Expression of Interest for nurse-led dialysis units in remote communities as part of the Better Renal Services commitment. This commitment is for up to 30 four-chair dialysis units for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with end-stage kidney disease.

You can register for the webinar here.

2 images: outback & dialysis chair; NACCHO logo; text "Delivering diaysis in remote communities webinar - Join us Tuesday 26 March - 4-5 pm (Canberra Time)

World Indigenous Cancer Conference

The third World Indigenous Cancer Conference took place in Naarm (Melbourne) this week, 17–20 March. It was a packed house, with around 540 very enthusiastic attendees from Australia, Canada, France, NZ, Sweden, the UK, and the US, who have chosen to work to achieve equity in cancer outcomes for their Peoples.

Conference attendee Waulu McCartney, a proud Wamba Wamba Wurundjeri woman from Victoria, said “I like working with my people – in health promotion, health awareness and their keeping information up to date so they can make informed decisions for their own care. It means a lot when you’re helping your own people.” McCartney shared her personal connection with cancer, motivating the work that she does as a project officer in chronic health with VACCHO, “I’ve had multiple family members that have had cancer in the past. My grandmother had lung cancer, my dad has had multiple skin cancers chopped out, my mum has had skin cancers chopped out, multiple family members that have passed away from cancer, had cancer or they are fighting cancer at the moment. It is big in community. People don’t talk about it but, once you ask the question, you realise how prevalent it is in community.”

Another conference attendee, Kiandra Brown, a Gunditjmara woman, is also a project officer in chronic health with VACCHO. Brown, who works on the Beautiful Shawl Project, a community-led initiative in breast screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women said, “I’ve grown up in the community, working with community and a lot of my family work in the health sector, and I have family affected by health issues so that motivates me to do this work. Working on the beautiful shawl and seeing the work that we do and the results of it, it’s that saying ‘Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands’ that just keeps me going.”

To view the Croakey Health Media article What is at the heart of our work to improve cancer outcomes? First Nations Peoples share stories and motivations in full click here.

VACCHO trade table at cancer conference

VACCHO staff at the conference. Image: Danielle Manton. Image source: Croakey Health Media.

Qld students complete anti-tobacco program

A total of 18 participants from Gympie State High School attended and successfully completed The Deadly Choices 6-week senior anti-tobacco program. North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health says it aims to “educate more young people in the coming school terms about the importance of tobacco awareness and the dangers of vaping, “We hope this program will further support out ongoing No Durri for This Murri campaign, which was been highly successful along the coast and is widely recognised across the state.”

The Deadly Choices Tobacco Education Program explores the historical journey of tobacco use, its acceptance, and its impacts on community. Promoting key behavioural change through education around smoking, is a way of empowering youth towards informed decision making and avoiding the harmful impacts of smoking and vaping.

It’s hoped graduates of the program will advocate against smoking among their peers and likewise be equipped to support peers, family and community members to start their quit journey. Deadly Choices envisions this program will lead to happier, healthier Mob, as well as creating smoke-free environments.

Learn more about the Deadly Choices Tobacco Education Program here.

Gympie State High School participants of The Deadly Choices 6-week senior ant-tobacco program

Gympie State High School participants of The Deadly Choices 6-week senior ant-tobacco program.

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.

Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day

Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day (LSAD) is held on 22 March every year. It is a day to honour all those affected, at risk, or who have a mutation that causes Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome (previously known as HNPCC – Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer) is an inherited genetic mutation which gives people an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers throughout their lifetime.

Every person inherits genes from both their parents and Lynch syndrome is caused by a fault in a gene that normally functions to protect a person from getting cancer (known as the ‘mismatch repair’ genes). The ‘faulty’ gene increases a carrier’s risk of developing brain, colon, kidney, liver, skin, stomach, and uterine cancers. Where it runs in a family, Lynch syndrome can present itself as many different cancers across multiple family members.

People with Lynch syndrome, for example, have a 70-90% risk of developing bowel cancer. Around 30% of bowel cancer patients have a family history or genetic inheritance, both of which significantly increase a person’s risk of developing bowel cancer. If a person is diagnosed with Lynch syndrome their parents, children, and siblings have a 50% chance of having bowel cancer. Other blood relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews) are also at increased risk. Identifying people that are carriers of Lynch syndrome allows for early and increased surveillance, the option of preventative surgery and the ability to determine increased cancer risk in the extended family.

You can find more information about Lynch syndrome here, and read a related AMA InSight+ article Lynch syndrome: the cancer risk nobody’s heard of here.

NACCHO created tile for Lynch Syndrome Awareness Day 22 March 2024 You Are Not Alone, Get Tested, Be Informed; Lynch Syndrome logo

World Water Day

World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on 22 March every year to highlight the importance of fresh water and promote the responsible use of water and access to safe water for everyone.

Water can create peace or spark conflict. When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal, or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries. More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water. As climate change impacts increase, and populations grow, there is an urgent need, within and between countries, to unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource. Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle.

The theme of World Water Day 2024 is ‘Water for Peace’. When we cooperate on water, we create a positive ripple effect – fostering harmony, generating prosperity, and building resilience to shared challenges. We must act upon the realisation that water is not only a resource to be used and competed over – it is a human right, intrinsic to every aspect of life. This World Water Day, we all need to unite around water and use water for peace, laying the foundations of a more stable and prosperous tomorrow.

You can find more information about World Water Day here.

You can also read the following related articles:

  • Heatwave and drought a dangerous mix for dialysis patients in remote communities – The Guardian here.
  • Bottled water trucked to remote Ali Curung Aboriginal community as drinking water crisis continues – ABC News here.
  • Delivering safe water to Aboriginal communities – Murdoch University here.
  • Survey Reveals How Unsafe Tap Water Affects an Aboriginal Community in Australia – Northwestern University Institute for Policy Research here.

tile text: 'UN Water 22 March World Water Day 2024 Water for Peace'

World Tuberculosis Day 

World Tuberculosis Day is commemorated on 22 March every year to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease

The theme of World TB Day 2024 – ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ – conveys a message of hope that getting back-on-track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible through high level leadership, increased investments, and faster uptake of new World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. Following the commitments made by Heads of State at the United Nations High Level meeting in 2023 to accelerate progress to end TB, this year’s focus shifts to turning these commitments into tangible actions.

To help countries scale-up access to TB preventive treatment, WHO will release an investment case on scaling up the roll out of TB preventive treatment.

You can find more information about World Tuberculosis Day on the WHO website here.

You can also read a related article Tuberculosis outbreak leads to 13 confirmed infections in remote South Australian communities here.

tile text: 75 Health for All; Yes! we Can EndTB - World Tuberculosis Day 2024 - 24 March - World Health Organization

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are open now for Sydney and Perth:  

  • Sydney 19–20 March 2024
  • Perth 16–17 April 2024

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

18 March 2024

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

ACCHOs driving change to make every baby ‘Strong Born’

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) are behind a nationwide effort to promote the Strong Born campaign, a powerful initiative that aims to raise awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and safe breastfeeding practices.

The Strong Born initiative was launched by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), with the support of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), in 2023.

Pat Turner, NACCHO CEO said growing strong healthy mums and bubs leads to healthy communities. “Our communities need to understand the risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and where to go for support if they need it.”

Whilst Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is often referred to as ‘the invisible disability,’ for many individuals and families across Australia it is a very visible part of daily life and a significant public health issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and all Australians.

To further explain the importance of the Strong Born campaign, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy stated, “FASD is not confined to a particular community or demographic; it is a disorder that crosses socioeconomic, racial and educational boundaries. That said, the AMA tells us that in some high-risk Indigenous communities the prevalence may be as high as 12 per cent. All kids deserve the best start to life and the Strong Born campaign is an important campaign to keep raising awareness and taking the shame out of talking about these complex issues.”

An important aspect of the campaign is about growing a strong and healthy next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and reduce shame and stigma in communities, around FASD.

Victorian ACCHO, Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service (DWECH) is doing formidable work in this area. They have adopted and adapted the Strong Born campaign to provide a more locally nuanced approach to better reach their community. An example of their approach to breaking down stigma using the Strong Born materials, features beautifully photographed, local women and children on a highway billboard. The first of its kind, that we know of. The exposure to the billboard, according to the Victorian Government’s traffic volume report, is an average of 1,900 vehicles each day.

ACCHOs are the best placed to offer services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disabilities including, FASD.

Further Strong Born grants are expected to be distributed to additional ACCHOs in 2024.

Read the Partyline article here.

Victorian ACCHO, Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service’s local application of the Strong Born Campaign.

World Indigenous Cancer Conference 2024

“Indigenous Australians are 14 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and 20 percent less likely to survive at least five years after diagnosis compared with non-Indigenous Australians.”

These stark statistics were quoted by Professor Gail Garvey AM last week, in the leadup to the Third World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC), to be held in Naarm (Melbourne) from 18-20 March.

While there are differences between countries, disparities in cancer rates and outcomes are evident for First Nations Peoples around the world. The international gathering at the WICC this week will be a chance to exchange ideas, make connections and explore solutions across the globe, as well as to demonstrate the global collaborative strength and power of Indigenous peoples.

The program will encompass topics aligning with the conference theme of Process. Progress. Power. Attendees will hear from speakers addressing both challenges and progress across the cancer continuum, from prevention and screening to survivorship and palliative care.

To learn more, go here. You can also read the Croakey Health Media article here.

Close the Gap Campaign Report launch

Join Lowitja Institute and the Close the Gap Campaign Alliance to launch the 2024 Report – Voyage to Voice, Treaty, Truth and Beyond, online Wednesday 20 March. Each year the Close the Gap Campaign – a community-led campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equity – develops a report profiling examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, innovation, and leadership from all corners of Australia.

The last year has seen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, individuals, and organisations working tirelessly to push for better outcomes and recognition for our communities. Despite the setbacks we have encountered, the 2024 report – developed by Lowitja Institute and centred around the theme of Voyage to Voice, Treaty, Truth and Beyond – refocuses the narrative on our peoples’ strengths and successes, showcasing an unwavering commitment to our communities’ wellbeing.

The report launch will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders, Close the Gap Campaign members, and Parliamentarians to reflect on the year that has been, and to refocus on the tasks ahead of us in the pursuit of our wellbeing, sovereignty, and self-determination. Speakers will include representatives of the campaign and of organisations profiled in the report for their outstanding successes.

To register, go here.

Northern Land Council welcomes NT water investment

A significant investment by both the Federal and Northern Territory Government’s has been welcomed by the Northern Land Council, with enhancing water infrastructure considered vital to help address extreme water insecurity in the NT.

The announcement last week, which will see an extra $53.1 million invested in water security projects across the Territory, will include infrastructure upgrades in Maningrida and Yirrkala, assessments in Gunyangara, and planning and investigation work to identify new water sources in Numbulwar.

The Northern Land Council (NLC) which covers the northern mainland of the NT, and encompasses most of the Indigenous population in the Territory, has, along with all the other land councils, long emphasised the need for Aboriginal people to be consulted regarding the prioritising of essential service upgrades in their own communities.

The NLC drove this point home last week when chair Matthew Ryan welcomed the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, as well as Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour, to meet with the council’s 83 members.

Mr Ryan said the water announcement was a positive step, as the works in Maningrida, Yirrkala, Gunyangara and Numbulwar were all urgently needed.

However, a significant amount of work remained, with the NLC prepared to work with both the Federal and Territory government to make this a reality.

“There is still a long way to go to ensuring Aboriginal people have access to the same standards of essential services that non-Aboriginal people have in this country,” he said.

“We’ve had enough of a top-down approach. The government needs to listen to Aboriginal communities if it wants to improve local water, power, and sewerage services.”

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

NLC chair Matthew Ryan speaks alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. (Image: Wayne O’Donoghue).

First Nations Women in Leadership Summit

The First Nations Women in Leadership Summit is set to take place in Meanjin (Brisbane) and online Wednesday May 22 to Thursday May 23. The Hatchery’s inaugural First Nations Women in Leadership Summit is a platform to amplify the voice, wisdom and power, and promote the inherent leadership and resilience of First Nations women. An opportunity for women to gather in a united forum, this summit is a celebration of the vital role First Nations women hold as carers, teachers, healers and leaders in their workplaces, families and communities. Through storytelling, reflection and connection, this summit will build on a strong First Nations network of women and empower these women as leaders at the forefront of social change.

Speaking from the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) sector is proud Wiradjuri woman, Chair of the Board at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Alisha Agland.

To register, visit the website.

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.

ACCHO Governance Workshops 

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are open now for Perth:

  • 16–17 April 2024

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

8 March 2024

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

International Women’s Day Breakfast speech

Earlier this morning Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Foreign Affairs delivered a speech at the International Women’s Day (IWD) Breakfast. Senator Wong said the breakfast keeps growing because “we have a great hunger to acknowledge women’s struggle, to celebrate women’s success, and to honour those women who have shown us the way.” Senator Wong said she wanted to focus on the women who have shown us the way, including Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, who is being farewelled at a state funeral in Adelaide today. Senator Wong said she “had the honour of working with Lowitja on Women for Wik. She shared stories of her life with grace and generosity that few of us in would have conjured if faced with the same circumstances.

“Lowitja didn’t know that was the name her mother had given her until she was in her 30s. She had a chance encounter in Coober Pedy with an aunt and uncle who saw her family resemblance, who exclaimed: “That’s Lily’s girl!” Following that encounter, Lowitja’s mother waited for days by the side of the road, in the Oodnadatta dust; waiting for her daughter to come home. But when she did, after 30 years apart, they discovered that they had no language in common. They could only speak to each other through their eyes. Because Lowitja had been stolen from her mother when she was two years old. She was raised by missionaries who underfed her, tolerated only the English language, told her she would amount to nothing, and forbade any discussion of her family.

“Lowitja confounded a lifetime of prejudiced expectations. She was the first Aboriginal nurse at the Royal Adelaide. A leader in the Aboriginal legal and land rights movements and head of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. She negotiated groundbreaking legislation with the Keating Government. She became the first Aboriginal Australian to address the United Nations General Assembly. And she played an instrumental role in the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, which I hope brought some catharsis. Lowitja was an icon and role model for so many of us, and especially for First Nations women around Australia, for what could be achieved and also the way to achieve it.”

To view Senator Wong’s IWD Breakfast speech in full click here.

Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue as a trainee nurse

Dr O’Donoghue was initially refused admission to the Royal Adelaide Hospital to complete nursing training. Photo: Lowitja O’Donoghue Collection. Image source: ABC News.

More trainers and assessors for health workforce

Yesterday the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy MP, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health had issued a joint media release Creating a First Nations training workforce for health workers, saying the Albanese Government is delivering more trainers and assessors for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce, to supply more workers to communities, sooner.

The government is providing up to $1.2m over two years for the First Nations Trainer and Assessor Demonstration Project, to be delivered through NACCHO. The project will support 40 First Nations health workers to complete a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and will:

  • provide them with skills to train others
  • leverage First Nations expertise to strengthen the workforce
  • create career pathways.

The project will ensure a pipeline of First Nations trainers who can deliver Aboriginal health worker and practitioner qualifications, including for the Albanese Government’s First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program. The Traineeship Program will train 500 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners to provide culturally appropriate care to First Nations people. The outcomes from the First Nations Trainer and Assessor Demonstration Project will be evaluated, with the goal to replicate the approach and build a skilled and capable First Nations trainer and assessor workforce in other community-controlled sectors.

You can read the joint media release Creating a First Nations training workforce for health workers in full here.

Aboriginal Health Worker trainees being taught techniques with pig's trotter

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Health Practitioner trainees. Image source: Batchelor Institute Facebook page 6 August 2021.

Latest CTG data show only 5 of 19 targets on track

Lana has just eight weeks until her latest child is due. This is her fourth pregnancy supported by the Queensland’s Birthing in Our Community Program, which provides wholistic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expectant mothers and families. “I wanted to find a model that was really aligned with the values of my family and the community of my children, with a strong focus on culture, a strong focus on women, a strong focus on connection to community” she said. Ensuring First Nations babies are born at a healthy weight is one of the targets of the National Closing the Gap Agreement.

The first Closing the Gap policy was launched in 2008 after campaigning from Indigenous health organisations and was agreed to by state, territory and federal governments. It began with six targets and then expanded in 2016 to include school attendance. After back-to-back annual results showed the gap was not closing, and in some cases getting much worse, with some about to expire, there was a push to refresh this policy with a new agreement. In 2020, the targets were expanded substantially to 19 national socio-economic targets across 17 socio-economic areas. Seven years remain to reach most of the targets designed to ensure First Nations people are on a level playing field with non-Indigenous Australians.

The agreement aims to bolster the involvement of First Nations to co-design solutions. It commits all levels of government to work with Indigenous organisations that are collectively known as the Coalition of Peaks. The first drop of Closing the Gap target data for 2024 provided updates for eight of the 19 socio-economic targets, reiterating the agreement was not on track. The next update will be in July. Last month, the Productivity Commission released a damning assessment of governments to implement the National Agreement on CTG. In its first review of the agreement, it found governments have “largely not fulfilled their commitments,” continuing the pursue their business-as-usual models. It went on to say they “have failed to grasp the nature and scale of change required”. The commissioners said that without fundamental change, the agreement would fail.

You can view the ABC News article Latest Close the Gap data shows only five out 19 targets for Indigenous Australians are ‘on track’ in full click here.

3 young ATSI children in burnt orange clothing sitting in grass field

Lana had her three children in a culturally safe service, helping families mitigate pregnancy risk. factors. Image source: ABC News.

June Oscar leaves enormous shoes to fill

Commissioner June Oscar AO will leave enormous shoes to fill when she finishes her term as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Social Justice Commissioner early next month. One of the major achievements of her term – progressing gender justice for First Nations women and girls through the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project – will endure well beyond Commissioner Oscar’s departure.

Australia has not had a nationally consistent approach to responding to First Nations women, girls and gender-diverse mob, nor the national mechanisms required to strategically invest in First Nations-led initiatives to progress First Nations gender justice and equality. Without this capacity, policies designed for First Nations women and their communities will continue to fail, undermining Australia’s goal of addressing First Nations disadvantage. Commissioner Oscar has brought attention to this critical gap and has—together with First Nations women from around Australia—developed a way forward to creating future where women and girls’ knowledges, experience and participation are valued, their hopes and ambitions answered, and their human rights, upheld.

In 2020, the Wiyi Yani U Thangani report, available here, was tabled in federal Parliament, following consultations with 2000 First Nations women and girls across the nation. In May last year, over 900 First Nations women and girls gathered at the landmark Wiyi Yani U Thangani National Summit. At the end of the Summit, delegates published a Communique, that outlined their recommendations, and youth forum representatives published a Youth Statement. Delegates called on governments to commit to developing and implementing a new National Framework for Action – now called the Change Agenda – that will provide a ‘Blakprint’ for delivering lasting change. This month, the Change Agenda will be released for the endorsement and implementation by community, government and other stakeholders, and a new Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice will be established at the Australian National University to drive the Agenda forward.

To view the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Letter from the President: March 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO ends term with launch in full click here.

portrait shot of June Oscar AO, green top, black jacket, black rimmed glasses, pearl earrings & necklace

June Oscar AO. Image source: Her Canberra.

UQ research to address healthcare inequalities

Researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) have secured more than $1.9m from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to develop patient-centred models of care to improve health services for LGBTQIA+ people. Professor James Ward from the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Dr Megan Ross from the RECOVER Injury Research Centre will lead separate research projects enabled through the MRFF’s 2023 Models of Care for Sexuality and Gender Diverse People and People with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics scheme.

Professor Ward will co-design three Indigenous-led studies, including an Australian-first accreditation program to improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous LGBTQIA+ peoples living in South East Queensland. The project will document the health care aspirations and needs of Indigenous LGBTQIA+ peoples and map current clinical care pathways to inform a non-discriminatory, gender neutral and stigma-free model of care to be implemented within the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.

The research will help inform the BLAK Rainbow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service accreditation program to improve health service delivery. Dr Ross will collaborate with LGBTQIA+ individuals, healthcare experts and primary care institutions to strengthen understanding of key barriers in healthcare services and establish an interconnected network of inclusive primary care providers. The project will examine healthcare and workforce settings, and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities to improve access to inclusive primary healthcare, and support the capacity of healthcare teams to deliver safe and affirming services.

You can view the UQ article MRFF supports UQ researchers to address healthcare inequalities in full click here.

Aboriginal & pride flags flying against blue sky

Image source: National Indigenous Times.

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.

World’s Greatest Shave – March 2024

Blood cancer is Australia’s hidden cancer crisis. There are 140,000 families facing blood cancer right now. And it takes the lives of 16 Australians every day.

Every year, 1,000s of Australians step up to Shave, Cut, or Colour their hair and take part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave campaign. It’s the ultimate act of support for people facing blood cancer. Every dollar raised helps provide families with practical and emotional support to get them through the many challenges that blood cancer can bring, and powers Australia’s brightest research minds, bringing us closer to our goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.

For more information about the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave campaign click here.

You can find:

  • more information about Leukaemia on the Our Mob and Cancer website here
  • a range of resources about blood cancer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families here
  • the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia: an overview here

Free, specialised governance workshops for ACCHOs will be delivered in multiple locations across the country during 2024 and 2025. 

Registrations are open now for Sydney and Perth:  

  • Sydney 19–20 March 2024
  • Perth 16–17 April 2024

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

  • Delegation of powers 
  • Finance for Boards
  • Governance documents
  • Managing conflicts of interest 
  • Managing risk  
  • Principles of good governance  
  • Structure and role of boards and sub-committees 

To register, go here.

For more information, please contact NACCHO using this email link.

14 February 2024

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

NOT Valentine’s Day without National Condom Day

It’s not Valentine’s Day without National Condom Day!

So, let’s celebrate safe sex and healthy relationships.

Today NACCHO recognises the tireless efforts of all those in the sector who:

  • promote the use of condoms as the most effective way of helping prevent STIs
  • elevate the importance of consent in healthy, safe relationships
  • encourage regular STI testing among everyone who is sexually active.

We see your work and celebrate your commitment to shame-free, positive, respectful sexual health education and services. Thank you!

If you’d like support, or have a great story to tell about something that has worked in your community, please reach out to NACCHO’s Sexual Health Team using this email link.

We promise to send shirts and other goodies to everyone who reaches out to us!

You can find out more information about National Condom Day 2024 here.

NACCHO generated tile envelope with card coming out with text 'Happy Valentine's (crossed out) National Condom Day

PM’s CTG Speech on anniversary of National Apology

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered his Closing the Gap speech at Parliament House yesterday, saying “the Apology [to the Stolen Generations] was the very first order of business of the Rudd Labor Government. There are many moments I am proud of as a parliamentarian, but that extraordinary day 16 years ago remains my proudest. And amid the catharsis it made possible, it set in place the annual report card that is Closing the Gap.”

“It is important to reflect on the Apology, and the courage and grace of the survivors who made it possible. As Prime Minister Rudd implored us that day: Let us turn this page together … and write this new chapter in our nation’s story together. Anniversaries matter deeply. But what will shape the future is the actions we take now. Sixteen years after the Apology, only 11 out of 19 socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are improving. Just four are on track to meet their targets.”

“What should give us pause is that outcomes have worsened for four critical targets – children’s early development, rates of children in out-of-home care, rates of adult imprisonment, and tragically suicide. We can take some heart from the fact that in some areas that are off target, they are not uniformly so. Early childhood development, adult incarceration rates and out-of-home care aren’t on track at a national level, but have shown improvement in some regions and jurisdictions. That’s a positive, albeit a slender one. The Productivity Commission has made it clear that the old ways are not working. Decades of insisting that Government knows best, has made things worse. We must find a better way – and we must do it together.”

You can view Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Closing the Gap speech delivered at Parliament House, Canberra yesterday in full here.

blue sky, Australian flag, part of Aboriginal flag

Photo: Lukas Cosh/AAP Photos. Image source: Daily Liberal.

Well Behind on CTG – why Voice was needed

Another year, and another Closing the Gap report comes before the parliament and the Australian people. This year, however, the scene is somewhat different. The 2024 Closing the Gap report is the first since Australians resoundingly rejected the proposal to enshrine a First Nations Voice to Parliament in the Constitution.

That proposal would have given Indigenous peoples across this country a much greater say in the decisions that affect us, and given us more control over our own affairs and in our own communities. But it failed at the ballot box. Every jurisdiction (bar the ACT) voted “no” to putting this idea into our Constitution, ensuring its longevity and stability, and allowing our input into our affairs to become mainstream.

With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that in this year’s Closing the Gap report, the government outlines that just four of the 19 targets are on track to be bridged. Yes, four out of 19. That’s a little more than one in five. Not only that, but four measures have got worse. Government is continuing to fail our communities. And we all had a chance to fix it.

The government has announced some welcome measures, including creating a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People – a long overdue initiative. It’s also committed to building remote training hubs and improving community wifi services for around 20 remote communities. Small measures, but they don’t address the structural nature of our powerlessness.

You can view The Conversation article The government is well behind on Closing the Gap. This is why we needed a Voice to Parliament in full here.

at podium PM Anthony Albanese & Indigenous Australians minister Linda Burney looking to the left

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese &and Indigenous Australians minister Linda Burney. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP. Image source: The Conversation.

Creation of National Commissioner for Kids

Early childhood campaigners have welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of the creation of a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.

Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive By Five campaign said Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, including Thrive By Five partner SNAICC, had been advocating for this for years. “We congratulate SNAICC and their partners on their tireless advocacy in this space and look forward to continuing to work alongside them and governments to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families can access affordable, culturally-appropriate early years education,” said Minderoo Foundation’s Jay Weatherill.

“The Commissioner will listen to and advocate for children and young people to ensure they grow up safe and connected to their family and cultural identity.” SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said the Commissioner will be a champion for Indigenous children, young people and families and will hold governments to account. “They will help turn the tide of our children being over-represented in out of home care and youth detention,” Ms Liddle said.

“They will be able to investigate and make strong recommendations on issues that affect our children, ensuring their safety and rights are upheld. “This significant commitment to our children should have bi-partisan support nationally and in all states and territories. Our children deserve this.” Mr Weatherill said while increasing the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in early childhood education is one of the few Closing The Gap targets on track, more improvement was needed.

You can view the Minderoo Foundation media release New Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children the Culmination of Years of Advocacy by Indigenous Orgs in full here.

7 ATSI kids on road in Aurukun

Local children play stick ball on a street in Aurukun, in far North Queensland. Photo: Jono Searle, AAP Image; Image source: Canberra City News 14 February 2024.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Forum

The Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing (OMHW), Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services (Winnunga) and Thirrili Limited are holding a community forum for the ACT and regions’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This will be an opportunity to come together to talk about issues regarding Indigenous mental illness and suicide.

Presentations will be made by Winnunga Nimmityjah, Thirrili and Wesley Lifeforce.

The Honorable Emma Davidson MLA, Minister for Mental Health will open the forum and Brendan Moyle, Director, ACT Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will facilitate.

WHEN: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Friday 15 March 2024

WHERE: The Terrace, EPIC, Flemington Rd, Mitchell, ACT

Please register your attendance via email to either OMHW here or Winnunga here by close of business Friday 8 March 2024.

You can view the flyer for the forum here.

banner with painted rock from the Centre of Best Prac in ATIS Suicide Prevention

Image source: The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention website.

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.

ATSIHN key dates banner, top of rectangle navy line, second line yellow, ochre ATSI dot art, 3rd line text in navy blue 'Key Dates' - white background

Key Date Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Each year in Australia around 1,815 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In most cases the cancer will be diagnosed at an advanced stage, where it is very difficult to treat. That is why every Australian needs to know more about ovarian cancer and its early symptoms.

Ovarian Cancer Australia’s priorities during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month are to:

Educate. Only 31% of Australians know that ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of any female cancer in Australia. This devastating disease suffers from a lack of awareness and progress, we will continue to spread evidence based information every Australian should know about this disease.

Advocate on behalf of those impacted by ovarian cancer for more research funding, better laws and policies, greater access to affordable treatment options and ultimately better outcomes for all those affected.

Elevate the voices of women impacted by this disease by sharing their stories, their real life experiences and getting these stories in front of as many eyes and ears as possible.

And of course none of this can be done without raising funds to ultimately change the future.

You can find out more about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month on the Ovarian Cancer Australia website here.

tile text 'February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month'; teal ribbon

Image source: Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) Australia. Image source: CEH Australia Twitter post 6 February 2024.

13 February 2024

The NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.

We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.

16th anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations

On this day, February 13, 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Today, on the sixteenth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke at the National Apology Day Breakfast:

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we are meeting.

I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.

I also pass on my respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are with us here this morning.

And I particularly want to acknowledge every member of the Stolen Generations who are here with us today.

It is such an honour for me to be here with you.

Just as it was an extraordinary honour for me to be able to play a part in that extraordinary day sixteen years ago.

The apology was the very first order of business of the newly elected Rudd Labor Government.

It was the fulfilment of a priority.

It was the overdue acknowledgement of a great hurt.

It was the act of a nation that will no longer turn its back.

And it was our ears and hearts finally open for all who had for so long been telling us a difficult truth.

Survivors speaking for themselves, speaking for those who couldn’t.

Our nation was lifted by the courage of everyone who spoke up.

Everyone who told their stories and took on the burden, and so often the trauma, of revisiting their childhood.

And courage is what we saw in every member of the Stolen Generations who came here that day and faced the very institution that had failed you and failed you profoundly.

Alongside your courage, you showed us grace, almost beyond imagining.

Perhaps most importantly, you showed us that when we have an honest reckoning of the past, we give ourselves a better future.

And a big part of that is the healing that began sixteen years ago with just one word – Sorry.

Easy now to remember that the uttering of that word by an Australian Prime Minister was not inevitable, and was controversial at the time.

It was the right thing to do.

We always talk about healing in the present tense because it is ongoing.

It is in every sense a work in progress.

A task that takes in not just our history, but also our future.

We try to reconcile the past, not as an exercise in blame, but as a necessary step to move forward.

You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been, to put it really simply.

I can tell you, there are many moments that I’m proud of as a Parliamentarian.

That extraordinary day sixteen years ago, remains my proudest.

That was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Of course, the new chapter has not been straightforward, a fact that has been emphasised by the latest Closing the Gap Report.

Closing the Gap and the Government’s implementation plan have rightly been returned to February.

Closing the Gap is part of a new chapter that the Apology made possible. They belong together.

And when we confront the many challenges in closing the gap we should always look to the courage of the survivors who have made it all possible.

You have our respect and you have our gratitude.

We will keep tackling these challenges.

The courage shown by my Minister for Indigenous Australians in leading the campaign along with Patrick Dodson, who we do miss, indeed very sincerely, his wisdom in this building. 

The courage in taking forward a referendum to recognise First Nations people in our constitution in the form in which they themselves requested, through the gracious Uluru Statement from the Heart, is one that was a necessary step going forward as well.

We were disappointed by the result.

We respect the outcome.

But it does not diminish one bit our determination to listen to First Nations people about how to close the gap.

It was never the end.

It was the means to the end.

The end is reconciliation.

The end is closing the gap in life expectancy, in education outcomes, health outcomes, housing outcomes.

This gap in all of these areas diminishes us as a nation.

And the Productivity Commission, no less, has confirmed that the key to advancing is indeed listening to people who are directly affected as we move forward.

So we will keep tackling these challenges.

We will continue to work each and every day with our commitment to First Nations people and to reconciliation, undiminished.

Empowered by the courage of those First Nations people who I was proud to stand with and humbled by their grace and dignity during and after that referendum campaign.

I do thank every single survivor who showed us a new path ahead.

We will keep walking along this path and we’ll do so together.

Because I firmly believe that the Australian people want reconciliation.

But they want us to move forward as a nation.

And they recognise that the gaps which are there in so many aspects.

And we know, we’ll hear later today, only four of the nineteen. That’s not a pass mark for us as a nation.

And all of us, regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum, need to recognise that we need to do better.

We must do better because First Nations people deserve this.

But the Australian nation, founded as we are on the concept of a fair go, and respecting each other regardless of our origins, deserve this as well.

Thank you.

Federal government launches program to create 3,000 jobs in remote communities

The federal government has announced a new Remote Jobs program that aims to create 3,000 jobs in remote Australia over the next three years. The government described the $707 million investment as “the first step” in delivering their “commitment to replace the failed Community Development Program (CDP) with real jobs, proper wages, and decent conditions.”

Beginning in the second half of 2024, the new program is designed to help build the remote workforce and reduce the reliance on the fly-in-fly-out workforce. The government has vowed to implement it “in partnership with First Nations people” to “build skills and experience and deliver services that communities want.”

“For too long, people in remote communities have missed out on economic opportunities and have been stuck in cycles of poverty,” said Linda Burney, Indigenous Australians Minister.

“People in remote communities should have access to the benefits and dignity of work – for themselves, their families, and the next generation. This is about putting communities in the driver’s seat to create local jobs and businesses.

“Rates of unemployment in remote communities are unacceptable and this is the first step in turning that around.”

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Linda Burney and Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Image: AAP.

National Condom Day Webinar: Contact tracing for sexual health teams in ACCHOs

Join the NACCHO Community of Practice Team on National Condom Day, Wednesday 14 February, to discuss the art of contact tracing. The presentation will cover definitions, resources, and guidelines. As well as ‘Contact Tracing in my Community’ presentations with guest speakers from various ACCHOs, including Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation and Kimberly Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS).

To register, go here.

If you are unable to make it, please still register to receive a copy of the recording.

Giving kids a deadly start in literacy and numeracy

The Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) Indigenous Game Changers research program is working with the Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation to deliver evidence-based programs to support the literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are invited to sign up for two free online programs running in 2024:

Deadly Home Reading

A free home-based reading program that supports early literacy development for children in Years K-2.

Deadly Futures

A free online numeracy and literacy tutoring program for children in Years 3-4.

For more information go here.

Image source: Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation.

Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services for regions in SA, QLD, and WA

The Department of Health and Aged Care Forecast Opportunity and DRAFT Grant Opportunity Guidelines (GOGs) for the funding of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Treatment Services in the regions of Ceduna (SA), Bundaberg-Hervey Bay (QLD), East Kimberley and the Goldfields (WA) are now published on GrantConnect.

This is a grant opportunity to develop community-led design and delivery of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services across the four regions. Funding of up to $49 million (GST exclusive) will be distributed to implement this project over an initial period of two years, with the option to extend for a further two years at the discretion of Commonwealth.

For more information go here.

Australia’s first Indigenous medical imaging service aims to close the health gap

Spartan First and TeleMed Health Services have announced the establishment of Spartan First Imaging (SFI), Australia’s first Indigenous medical imaging service (radiology and nuclear medicine).

In a statement, Spartan First Imaging said that while transformative advancements in medical imaging technology are revolutionising healthcare globally, access to these technologies is not universal.

“Nowhere is this more apparent than in rural and remote regions of Australia, where healthcare inequality results in widening of the gap. SFI’s vision is to confront this gap head-on through innovative and technological healthcare strategies,” the new service said.

The facility will be situated in Kalgoorlie-Boulder supporting the existing nuclear medicine service founded by TeleMed Health. This will be followed by the introduction of a comprehensive suite of diagnostic modalities.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

TeleMed director Peter Tually. Image: Laurie Benson (Albany Advertiser)

 

NACCHO tile; NACCHO logo top left; text Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Sector Jobs & www.naccho.org.au/sector-jobs in white font; red background; NACCHO Aboriginal dot art branding along right-hand side of tile

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.

 

12 December 2023

The image in the feature tile is from ABC News.

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.

Remote communities set to receive better internet and mobile services

Mob living in remote communities are set to receive better internet and mobile services in a government bid to improve poor rates of digital inclusion. Projects to provide wi-fi and fixed wireless in regions including Haasts Bluff and Wilora, in the NT, are among 136 granted $170 million in federal funding. The projects span regional, rural and remote Australia, including 44 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

RMIT University-led research released in September showed 43% of Indigenous communities have no mobile service. Some communities only have a shared public phone or no telecommunications at all, according to the Mapping the Digital Gap report. The national divide in digital access between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians is 7.5 points out of 100. That gap widens to 24.5 points for remote Indigenous communities and 25.4 points for those in very remote communities. Australia’s Closing the Gap targets aim for First Nations people to have equal levels of digital inclusion by 2026, though there has been limited data to track progress over the last decade.

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said inadequate access was a critical issue.

“It means you can’t call the local health clinic and police in an emergency or even buy food with your EFTPOS Card,” Senator McCarthy said.

“This major investment in remote and regional connectivity will be a game changer in ensuring more communities can stay connected and safe with essential and reliable phone services.”

The funding is part of the Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spot programs, with an extra $106 million from states, territories and industry.

Read the NITV article here.

Image source: AAP Image/Dan Peled Source: AAP / DAN PELED/AAPIMAGE.

A short history of Condoman

HIV Awareness Week 2023 concludes with a celebration of one of the most successful and enduring Community Controlled public health campaigns ever. Join Professor Gracelyn Smallwood for ‘A Short History of Condoman’. It’s a humble story from a compassionate leader. If you are interested in watching the full webinar, please reach out to us at BBVSTI@naccho.org.au

There is also a ‘taster’ video below.

NACCHO acknowledges Professor Smallwood’s generosity in sharing her knowledge and helping to preserve the exceptional story of where Condoman began.

Elders Circus for all “types and stripes”

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) Elders’ Circus has been running for 10 years. Circus Nexus, conductor of the program, says it’s a connected circus community “for folks of all types and stripes.” The circus classes are designed to teach participants trust, confidence, teamwork, and collaboration.

Elders’ attend a weekly session supervised by VAHs physiotherapist Josie Ley. Sessions comprise fun group circus activities, including juggling, throwing balls, swinging, and movement. The sessions are highly engaging, fun and a rewarding form of weekly exercise combined with a chance to yarn with friends.

VAHS’ wonderful Community Programs team members Margaret and Cameron facilitate and encourage attendance – providing healthy and delicious morning tea and lunch plus transport.

Learn more about the program here.

The NACCHO Elder Care Support team had the privilege of attending the final Elders Circus for the year run by VAHS and Circus Nexus.

Keeping Yarrabah’s health in local hands

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation (GYHSAC) in Yarrabah, south-east of Cairns, has realised great success in preventing workforce shortages by doing what the ACCHO sector does best: local solutions tailored to local problems. GYHSAC’s clinic is thriving due to two linked policies: hiring from the local talent base and providing training, recognising potential rather than qualifications and ensuring positions that are not filled by locals are filled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, before going wider. In the GYHSAC Annual Report, CEO Suzanne Andrews said, “We work in, and with our community, to protect, educate and safeguard our members, and where possible we have always provided employment and training opportunities to our community members.”

The focus on local hiring is exemplified by two young Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs), Clevanna Messer and Stanley Yeatman, both with ties to Yarrabah. Ms Messer is an Aboriginal health worker with a long family history of looking after the health of mob. She specialises in child health and has worked at Gurriny Yealamucka for five years. Clevanna recently deferred a nursing degree after completing the first two years.

“I really like child health; I love working with the team and I love working here,” Clevanna said.

Stanley Yeatman, another Aboriginal Health Worker from the Yarrabah region working with GYHSAC in early childhood health, said working in child health was incredibly rewarding.

“When we see kids that are non-verbal, and then we get to help prepare them for services like speech pathologists, and for them to have a support when they start school… just seeing them growing and learning and becoming better with speech, with development, I think that’s one of the highlights for us, helping them grow developmentally,” he said.

Read the full Sector Leader article by QAIHC here.

Image source: Sector Leader.

Milestone anniversaries in QLD

Three QAIHC member services celebrated landmark anniversaries looking after their mob this year. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane celebrates its 50th anniversary in May this year. Over the decades, ATSICHS Brisbane has made significant strides in healthcare, community services and early childhood education, expanding their medical clinics, creating new services, and ensuring more community members have access to quality healthcare. They also pioneered the introduction of community-controlled kindergartens, opened the dedicated First Nations aged care facility, Jimbelunga Nursing Centre and have made a significant impact for our community in the areas of child protection, youth justice and family wellbeing.

Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation has celebrated 30 years looking after mob in the Mareeba, and more recently, Atherton and Kuranda communities. In an interview for Mareeba’s The Express, CEO Gail Wason said, “It all started with a collective of people coming together with the same common cause. We had our kids coming in and out of hospitals, and the community felt like they were being treated as second-class citizens.” Today, Mulungu has nearly 120 staff, up from 3 in 1993, many of whom are from the local community and have ‘grown’ with the business.

Finally, The Northern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Alliance (NATSIHA) is celebrating 20 years as the regional peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations in Far North Queensland.

Read more here.

QAIHC Deputy Chair Rachel Atkinson and ATSICHS Brisbane CEO Renee Blackman. Image source: Sector Leader.

Extinct language Kalkutungu revived

Ninety-four-year-old Cecil Moonlight is the last living fluent speaker of the Kalkutungu language. Thanks to the efforts of Uncle Moonlight, several linguists, and Kalkutungu peoples who have worked across decades, the officially extinct language is set to be revived with a new generation.

“You can’t have culture without language. It is beyond words how powerful, emotional and spiritual it is to be able to use our language again,” Kalkuntungu man William Blackley said.

“Now this language will be revived among students in outback Queensland.”

In 2024, students in prep all the way through to year 9 at Spinifex State College in Mount Isa will learn the full Kalkutungu language as part of their curriculum.

Mr Blackley said the revival of his people’s language would go a long way to empowering local Kalkutungu culture.

“Language has power to affirm our practices from the past,” Mr Blackley said.

“As Aboriginal people, we believe that ancestors are always with us.

“And now that we can speak language, we can go out on country and we can speak to our ancestors in language, or if we go to a sacred site, we can tell them who we are.”

Read the full ABC News article here.

Mr Blackley (centre) teaches Spinifex State College students about Kalkutungu culture. Image source: Spinifex State College.

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.

8 December 2023

feature tile: image of 2 AHWs Carbal Medical Services (QLD) injecting ATSI baby in thighs; text 'Giving mob budgets and control over health services would close the gap better than Canberra bureaucrats'

The image in the feature tile is from the Carbal Medical Services (Qld) website, Aboriginal Health Workers – Improving Crucial Health Outcomes In Our Community webpage here.

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.

Let communities control their own destiny

Canberra’s most senior public servant has urged his colleagues to relinquish power over Indigenous funding decisions and allocations to First Nations communities themselves. Professor Glyn Davis, who is secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, told the Institute of Public Administration Australia on Tuesday this week (5 December 2023) that giving Indigenous communities budgets and control over their employment, health and housing services would close the gap better than Canberra bureaucrats.

In the wake of the failed Voice referendum, the federal public service boss told sector leaders he expected a more hybrid delivery of Indigenous services to evolve after repeated failures of private models tackling Indigenous disadvantage. Professor Davis said that after 40 years of increased outsourcing, the future of public administration was now up for debate. “Empowered communities provide a vital way to address consistent program failure,” he said. “We will never close the gap if public servants in Canberra think we can solve the housing, employment and educational challenges of (Indigenous communities).

Professor Davis’ comments follow a damning Productivity Commission draft report on the Closing the Gap Indigenous program, which was highly critical of federal attempts to work more collaboratively with communities. The report described engagement as “tokenistic”, citing unrealistic time frames for meaningful community input from agencies, who provided limited feedback on how input had shaped policy decisions.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Let Indigenous communities control their destiny, Canberra’s top public servant says full click here.

satellite view of remote Aboriginal community Papunya, 240 kms from Alice Springs

Professor Davis cited Papunya, 240 kms from Alice Springs as an example of why a change in thinking and approach are needed. Image source: BushTel Papunya Profile, NT Government.

2023 HIV Awareness Week Trivia Champions

Yesterday’s 2023 HIV Awareness Week Trivia competition was a resounding success – 36 teams registered and 19 teams completed all trivia questions on the day. Some interesting results from the quiz included:

  • 10/19 teams successfully answered the question: What is unusual about an echidna’s penis? 1. It is wider than it is longer 2. It can rotate 360 degrees 3. It has four heads 4. It is green
  • 4/19 teams were able to correctly answer one of the more difficult questions: What is the name of the HIV surface protein that binds with the CD4+ Receptor of the human immune cells?  1. P17 2. P24 3. Gp120 4. Gp41
  • only one question got 19/19 correct responses: There is often no sign or symptoms that you have HIV, and many people with HIV feel well for years? True or False
  • only 3/19 were able to correctly answer the following two questions: 1. What is the most consumed manufactured drink in the world? 2. How many vaginal tunnels does a female Koala have?

Everyone put your hands together for AWAHS – Albury Wadonga Aboriginal Health Service, who are the 2023 HIV Awareness Week TRIVIA CHAMPIONS!

In second place we have Wurli Wonderers – Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, Katherine, NT

And bronze goes to ST Mob – Central Australian Aboriginal Congress – Santa Teresa Clinic, NT

We asked you all to show up in your best sexual health costumes and you took us seriously! But there could only be one winner… a big shout out to Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service who took home Best Costume (voted by Dr Dawn Casey, NACCHO Acting CEO).

Congratulations also to Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service for winning Best Prop for Dinosaur Bone (which can’t be posted here – if you know, you know 🦴).

VOTING is now open for People’s Choice, using this link.

We hope you all had a fabulous time, and we can’t wait for next year! 🤩

Steven Oliver, NACCHO staff dressed up for HIV Awareness Week Trivia

NACCHO 2023 HIV Awareness Week Trivia host comedian Steven Oliver and NACCHO staff dressed for the event. Image source: NACCHO.

Experts respond to NDIS review recommendations

Findings from an extensive review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), available here, have been released with ideas on how to transform it. Scott Avery, Policy and Research Director, First Peoples Disability Network said “the barometer for judging the NDIS review is the extent to which it advances a vision for a disability services sector that is anti-ableist and anti-racist, and accommodates a First Nations culture inclusive of people with disability in both word and action.”

Mr Avery said “There is one overarching recommendation that is specific to First Nations people with disability which is for the establishment of an alternative commissioning process to be creating in partnership with First Nations representatives, communities, participants and relevant government agencies. This can be read alongside the recommendations of the disability royal commission to make the NDIS more inclusive of First Nations decision-making in its governance and leadership.”

“What is understated in this report and others,” Mr Avery continued, “is the extent of the organisational change the NDIS and other organisations in the disability sector need to own to give meaningful effect to the dream of an authentically inclusive scheme. First Nations people with disability have been lending their wisdom and voice to one inquiry or another for what has seemed like a generation. Each inquiry has delved deeply into the trauma stories from our community, but at the same time has placed decision-making on implementation into a holding pattern. Disability community leadership and self-determination seems to be the consensus recommendation both the NDIS review and the disability royal commission have landed on. Can we now just get on with it please?”

To view The National Tribune article Recommendations to reboot the NDIS have finally been released. 5 experts react in full click here. Below is the The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Government Services address to National Press Club of Australia yesterday on “The NDIS Review”.

Cultural lens on pandemic preparedness

The success of Indigenous communities and health services in protecting Elders during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia is known all over the world. What we know less about are the experiences and perspectives of those who were shielded. An interesting research project, presented at the recent HEAL 2023 Conference, sought to capture some of these experiences using yarning circle workshops. The research team, led by Professor Pat Dudgeon AM and Professor Helen Milroy AM from the Bilya Marlee School of Indigenous Studies, at the University of WA, also sought and received insights about how future public health responses could be improved. Their findings will help form a submission to an ongoing inquiry into Australia’s COVID-19 response.

At the  HEAL 2023 Conference, Amie Furlong, from the University of Canberra, and Selina Edmonds, chair of the Miya Kaadadjiny (Learning Sanctuary) Community Centre in WA, delivered a joint presentation based on research undertaken to gain a better understanding about measures to keep Aboriginal Elders safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older people are more likely to be negatively impacted by COVID-19, and previous research and experience on disasters has shown that pandemic responses need to be “fair, equitable and dignified for Aboriginal people”, Edmonds told the conference.

Aboriginal people have often been left out of critical planning and decision-making in the past, Edmonds said. It is important to include their voices in disaster response and management plans. Furlong said the lessons from this research will help provide practical suggestions and lessons learned about the pandemic for governments and organisations working in public health and emergencies.

To view the Croakey Health Media article Bringing a cultural lens to pandemic preparedness: Aboriginal Elders share their learnings from COVID in full click here.

gum leaves, wattle, woven basket, painted emu eggs

Artwork on display at the yarning workshops. Photo: Angela Ryder Am and Carolyn Mascall.

Fewer complaints about bad behaviour

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra)’s end of year report has some good news for medical professionals, with an 8.6% drop nationally in notifications made about bad behaviour and 1.5% of registered health practitioners having a concern raised about them in 2022-23. The 17,096 notifications made across the country related to 13,584 individuals. 

Ahpra said the sustained increase in reports over the past two years reinforced its blueprint for reform, which has already seen a public review of the criminal history registration standard, the rollout of specialist investigators and an expansion of the Notifier Support Service, staffed by social workers.   

Ahpra’s CEO Martin Fletcher said  more work was needed to increase the rates of practitioners identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander working in the nation’s health systems. In 2022-23, only 10,813 health practitioners identify as Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander – just 1.2% of all registered health practitioners, and well short of the 3.8% representation in the general population.  

To view the Medical Forum article Fewer complaints about bad behaviour in full click here.

doctor in scrubs giving the finger

Image source: Medical Forum.

ALP and NZ U-turn on Indigenous affairs

The Voice referendum dominated the national discourse for much of this year. The result was a major setback for the government. Where does that leave the PM’s policy on Indigenous affairs? When asked about his commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart on 15 October, he simply expressed his respect for the outcome of the referendum. There was no mention of treaty or truth telling.

No doubt ALP strategists are currently considering their political options. It would be surprising if they weren’t also analysing NZ’s latest election. The previous Labour government took many steps aimed at improving the lives of Indigenous NZers. These included establishing a separate Māori Health Authority, commissioning He Puapua (a report on meeting the goals in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), promoting the use of the Māori language, and pursuing ‘co-governance’ (the sharing of certain governance arrangements between Māori and non-Māori). However, many of these steps proved controversial and were opposed during the election by National, ACT, and NZ First.

The election was a disaster for the Labour government. Its support crashed to just 27%, down from 50% in 2020. The number of its parliamentary seats nearly halved. There are many explanations offered for this wipeout – but the explanation that may trouble the ALP in Australia’s post-referendum environment is that significant sections of the kiwi electorate rejected Labour’s progressive agenda on Māori issues. Given the Voice referendum and the kiwi election, ALP strategists may worry that pursuing too progressive an Indigenous agenda in Australia could come at a significant electoral cost.

To view the Pearls and Irritations John Menadue’s Public Policy Journal article The ALP and NZ’s U-turn on Indigenous affairs in full click here.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

Uluru Statement from the Heart. Image source: Pearls and Irritations blog.

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.

7 December 2023

The image in the feature tile is from ABC News.

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.

Important steps to preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages

The Albanese Government is investing more than $14 million to support primary schools to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in classrooms across Australia. Expressions of interest are now open for the First Nations Languages Education Program which aims to teach and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The Program has been developed in partnership with First Languages Australia (FLA), the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The initiative recognises that each community will have different aspirations and needs for teaching and sustaining First Nations languages. As well as funding a local language plan, it will also support up to 60 First Nations Language educators in primary schools across Australia.

The Program aims to progress Target 16 of Closing the Gap, to support a sustained increase in the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages being spoken. Communities that register their interest will first work with FLA to develop a local language plan.

“It’s important to know that Indigenous languages, from the oldest continuing cultures on earth, will be taught in classrooms around the country,” Said Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians.

“All students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous will benefit from this program that will ensure First Nations languages thrive into the future.”

Expressions of interest are open until 28 February 2024.

Learn more here.

Image source: ABC News Keane Bourke.

Joint Council strengthens their resolve to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap

The Joint Council on Closing the Gap met for the first time since the referendum held on 14 October 2023 on the principle of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution through a Voice. Joint Council reflected on the importance of the full implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap in the wake of the referendum.

“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people overwhelmingly voted for a Voice. We voted for change and to improve our life outcomes,” said Mr Scott Wilson, Acting Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks.

“The Coalition of Peaks, through their work with government and as individual organisations, remain resolute in our commitment and dedication to bring about the change our communities voted for.”

Joint Council heard updates on the progress of Policy Partnerships in Early Childhood Care and Development, Housing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages and the need to accelerate the work together to deliver tangible changes on the ground in these areas. Members also discussed progress on the commitment by all government under Priority Reform Three to establish or identify an Independent Mechanism to monitor government funded mainstream agencies, organisations and institutions. In the meeting, the Coalition of Peaks raised the importance of the mainstream funding intergovernmental agreements that relate to closing the gap and making sure they make a bigger contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Read more here.

Image source: Coalition of Peaks.

Tasmania raises age of criminal responsibility to 14

Indigenous groups, legal experts and advocates have commended a commitment by the Tasmanian government to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14. They have however noted it falls short of their calls for the raising to be immediate, with the Tasmanian government pledging to implement the reforms by 2029. On Tuesday, the Tasmanian government released their Youth Justice Blueprint 2023/24, committing to raising the age to 14 – without exceptions – as well as raising the minimum age of detention to 16.

Change the Record’s Maggie Munn congratulated the Tasmanian government on the decision, urging them to work with people who are involved at the coal face of youth and Indigenous welfare.

“I implore the Rockliff government to work with experts and communities on the ground to pass legislation as soon as feasibly possible,” they said.

“It is crucial that this legislation meets its intent: to divert children away from the criminal legal system and to give them all the support they need to have a safe and healthy childhood, where they have every opportunity to thrive.”

Read the full article here.

Maggie Munn. Image source: The Australian.

Staying Moving Staying Strong

Culturally suitable resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with a variety of health conditions have been released by Arthritis Australia. The newly released materials, developed through the Staying Moving Staying Strong (SMSS) project, have been designed to assist Indigenous peoples who suffer from chronic health conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout. Arthritis Australia says Australia’s Indigenous population faces significant challenges in accessing healthcare services, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experiencing elevated rates of conditions including arthritis and autoimmune disorders. They say the prevalence of arthritis among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples stands at 17%, compared to 13% among non-Indigenous Australians.

Brooke Conley, proud Ngiyampaa woman and physiotherapist said participating in the SMSS project was extremely rewarding.

“I hope to see the resources benefiting Aboriginal people by empowering individuals with knowledge and fostering self-management,” Ms Conley said.

Marion, a SMSS participant who lives with osteoarthritis used to think that the condition only affected the elderly. When she experienced knee pain and difficulty keeping up with loved ones, she looked for answers, discovering that osteoarthritis can impact individuals of all ages.

“Look after yourself…(be) aware of prevention type stuff, eating the right food, doing the right exercise, even down to buying the right shoes,” she said.

“…What things can you take that are medicated but also natural stuff as well. We as Aboriginal people have our bush medicine, our emu oils and plant-based oils that help keep that pain away.”

Learn more about Staying Moving Staying Strong here and read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Staying Moving Staying Strong osteoarthritis resource booklet.

Illawarra Koori Men’s Support Group creating culturally safe spaces to connect for two decades

Illawarra Koori Men’s Support Group began in 2003 with the simple goal of being a place for people to open up and start a conversation. It started with between 30 and 40 members in Kenny Street, Wollongong. Now, the men’s group is the foundation of Gawura Aboriginal Corporation, which also includes a women’s support group and other programs such as Brothers Against Domestic Violence, behavioural change program changeV, Illawarra Aboriginal Men’s Physical health and Training (IAMPHAT) and Koori Youth Aboriginal Kultcha Konnection (KYAKK).

“The reason I want to keep this group going is because when you look around and read the papers there’s that many Aboriginal fellas that are committing suicide, they’ve got no one they can talk to and we need to try and stop that,” Uncle Gee, Illawarra Koori Men’s Support Group founder said.

Connecting with Aboriginal youth is crucial for the group to ensure their sense of belonging and exposure to positive cultural influences.

“Many of them don’t have fathers in the house, or they have fathers and don’t seem them for three or four years at a time, so we really need to help them out,” Uncle Gee said.

“They’re looking for a father figure, someone they can talk to and help them back on track.”

Read the full article here.

The Illawarra Koori Men’s Support Group. Image source: Region Illawarra.

Safer summer initiatives for at-risk youth

Central Australia is gearing up for a safer summer with new programs aimed at ensuring the well-being and engagement of young people. In Alice Springs, a culturally-led diversion program is set to roll out, catering to around 50 at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the upcoming months. These efforts are part of the ongoing implementation of the $250 million plan, which federal authorities say will ensure a better and safer future for Central Australia. Oonchiumpa will provide customised, culturally-led activities and interventions, including therapeutic camps and day trips for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people identified as particularly at-risk.

The camps, held on-Country, will bring together Elders, young people, and their families in various locations across Alice Springs, aiming to address challenges and forge new pathways for the well-being of young people, supported by the community. These efforts are aimed at helping family and kinship bonds, while linking young people to essential services encompassing health, wellbeing, and family support. Activities will include Arrernte Boxing, sports programs, movie nights, water activities, art and music sessions, games, bush trips, and cultural camps. In remote regions, the Central Desert Regional Council, MacDonnell Regional Council, Mutitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation, and NPY Women’s Council will coordinate activities, including the Hoops 4 Health regional basketball competition in Mutitjulu.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Image source: Hoops 4 Health.

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.