Category Diabetes

NACCHO Sector News: 15 July 2025

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

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

Diabetes Awareness Week 2025: Community solutions saving lives, but the gap persists.

NACCHO is urging the nation to look beyond the headlines and acknowledge the lived experience and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with diabetes.

“The message is clear: the solutions are in community hands,” says Pat Turner NACCHO CEO.

Now is the time for government and partners to step up, back Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, and help us close the gap for good. We’ve proven community control works, now we need real, long-term commitment and funding to finish the job.”

Read the full media release.

Diabetes Awareness Week 2025

Diabetes Awareness Week 2025

How much salt is OK in drinking water? Without limits, Australia’s health gap widens in remote and regional areas

Most Australians consume far too much sodium, mostly in the form of salt (sodium chloride) in the food they eat.

The National Health and Medical Research Council recommends no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium a day, roughly one teaspoon of salt.

Yet the average Australian consumes nearly twice that.

In some regional and remote communities, salty drinking water is quietly adding to this problem – yet sodium levels in tap water are often overlooked.

Our new research reviewed 197 countries and shows when drinking water standards for sodium exist, they’re usually based on taste, not health.

Most follow guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) which, in its global campaign to lower sodium intake, has focused on diet but largely ignored drinking water.

Salty water is an overlooked health risk

Excess sodium is a major risk factor for high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and stroke. These are leading causes of death and disability across the world.

In 2013, these health risks led the WHO to set a global target to reduce sodium intake by 30% by 2025. The WHO has since extended this to 2030, due to slow progress.

Public health efforts to reduce sodium (salt) have focused mainly on food, not drinking water. This is because most tap water contains low sodium levels (usually below 20mg per litre).

But some natural water sources contain excessively high sodium. In Australia, this mainly affects remote and rural communities.

Read the full article.

The story behind TriMob, the triathlon club boosting First Nations participation

When Nat Heath started running triathlons in 2011, he noticed a significant lack of First Nations representation in the sport, so he created his own club to change that.

“From 2011 to 2019, I probably came across three First Nations people … participating in the sport,” Mr Heath said.

“It’s just very much a very white sport and (there’s) not much diversity in general.”
Mr Heath started First Nations charity and national triathlon club TriMob in 2020, aiming to provide better opportunity for First Nations participation in the sport.

“What we’re about is empowering First Nations people around their health and well-being by using the sport of triathlon or swim, bike, run,” he said.

“When we look at what is Indigenous health and well-being, it’s more than just a physical element.

“There’s the cultural connection, social connection, connection to country, and the sport actually allows all that, and that’s the big thing about what we do as an organisation.”

Read the full article.

The IronMob athletes at the Ironman Cairns in June – Kyal Atkinson, Anthony Rigby-Smith, Thomas Kelly, Olive Snell, Crystal Stephens, Kirsty Nichols and Malachi Murljacic.

The IronMob athletes at the Ironman Cairns in June – Kyal Atkinson, Anthony Rigby-Smith, Thomas Kelly, Olive Snell, Crystal Stephens, Kirsty Nichols and Malachi Murljacic.

Enhancing the Lives of First Nations Children and Families

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $9.8 million in child and family organisations to ensure all Australian children have the best start to life.

Ten Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations across the country will receive funding to deliver better and locally targeted early and preventative children and family supports.

Some examples include Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan, based in Cairns, which will receive $1.14 million to create a complete care system to expand community-controlled birthing services in remote and very remote communities in Far North Queensland. This project will also involve the provision of holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe care to support families throughout pregnancy.

Katherine West Health Board Aboriginal Corporation will also receive $1 million for the Big Rivers region in the Northern Territory to transition child and family service funding to Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, which will deliver localised community driven programs that make a real difference. This will involve working with Aboriginal leaders, service providers and families to map and evaluate existing child and family services.

Read the full media release

 

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.

 

NACCHO Sector News: 10 July 2025

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

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

Enough Talk, Time for Action: Nauiyu men redefining health care from the inside out

At the recent Lowitja Conference held on Kaurna Country, a powerful story was shared; not just about health care, but about community, culture, and what real leadership looks like when it’s driven from the ground up.

The Enough Talk, Time for Action (ETTA) project, presented by Cameron Stokes and Mick Heelan, spoke directly to a reality that many of us know too well: the health system has long fallen short for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. But in Nauiyu, a remote Northern Territory community on the Daly River, men are rewriting that narrative on their own terms.

Backed by a research team from Flinders University and deeply rooted in community leadership, ETTA worked with the Nauiyu Men’s Group to design and deliver culturally safe, community-led health checks; a model that is as healing as it is practical.

And it worked. Over a short period, 34 men — more than 30 per cent of the community’s adult male population — participated in health checks through pop-up clinics that were male-only, private, and run by familiar faces. These weren’t just medical appointments. They were acts of courage. Of reclaiming agency. Of saying, “We matter. And we’re going to look after our health in ways that make sense to us”.

Read the full article.

Image: ETTA.

Image: ETTA.

‘Carving our path with spirit, strength and solidarity’

Sally Block* writes: The MJA has published its second Special Issue on Indigenous health to coincide with the 2025 NAIDOC week.

The issue is called ‘Carving our path with spirit, strength and solidarity’. And like last year’s Issue, it’s edited by a team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Guest Editors.

The authors of the articles in this issue have been guided by the Guest Editors through the editorial and publication process. The MJA’s Editor-in-Chief Virginia Barbour said the Journal has a special place in being able to publish these articles and address the Journal’s historical power imbalances.

“At the MJA, we understand the privilege that it is to publish articles from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers,” Barbour said.

“We also understand that a journal like the MJA has a duty to acknowledge and address the imbalance of power that has led, in the past, to publication in the MJA being a hard and uncomfortable experience for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors,” she said.

* Sally Block is News and Online Editor at The MJA.

Read the full article.

MJA special Issue

MJA special Issue. Details of artwork: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2025/223/1

Webinar Series: Developing a National Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Strategy

Following the NACCHO Cardiovascular, Renal and Diabetes Sector Survey earlier this year, we are hosting a series of webinars seeking your input on the national strategy.

These webinars will explore chronic care coordination and how ACCHOs and mainstream services work together to deliver culturally responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Calling all program managers to please register for the Webinar relevant to your organisation’s location:

ACCHOs located in Very Remote and Remote areas (MMM 6-7):

ACCHOs located in Rural areas (MMM 3- 5):

ACCHOs located in Regional and Metropolitan areas (MMM 1- 2):

Webinar Series: Developing a National Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Strategy

Webinar Series: Developing a National Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Renal Disease Strategy.

Southern Cross University’s Birthing On Country initiative SISTABIRTH secures support of three Aboriginal health services

Southern Cross University’s Birthing On Country initiative – known as SISTABIRTH – has secured the support of three regional and remote Aboriginal health services to help deliver improved maternity care for Indigenous women across Australia.

The Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services selected to partner with Southern Cross University are: Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service at Ballina (NSW North Coast); Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation at Mt Gambier (southeast SA); and Urapuntja Health Service at Urapuntja (northeast of Alice Springs in remote NT).

The University’s federally funded, multi-faceted five-year Birthing On Country project aims to improve inequities in maternal and child outcomes in Indigenous communities.

Southern Cross University and the ACCHOs are working collaboratively to develop five-year plans for maternity services that are culturally safe and reflect the wishes of each local community. Each plan will also integrate “Indigenous-specific, evidence-based, localised” smoking cessation care through the University’s iSISTAQUIT program.

Read the full article

Bobbi Lockyer; Kym Yuke; Sylvia Ferguson with baby Anthony Walker Junior; Lisa Charmer; Suzanne Weir; and Deekeala “Lala” Glew. (Full caption details at the foot of the article). Image: Southern Cross University.

Bobbi Lockyer; Kym Yuke; Sylvia Ferguson with baby Anthony Walker Junior; Lisa Charmer; Suzanne Weir; and Deekeala “Lala” Glew. (Full caption details at the foot of the article). Image: Southern Cross University.

 

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.

 

NACCHO Sector News: 14 May 2025

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

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

New national screening program aims to prevent many lung cancer deaths

On 1 July, just seven weeks from now, Australia will become one of the few countries in the world to launch a national lung cancer screening program, hoping to save hundreds of lives a year by finding and treating lung cancer earlier.

Despite dramatic cuts to smoking rates in Australia, lung cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, behind breast, prostate, colorectal cancer and melanoma. It is the leading cause of cancer death every year.’

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the toll is higher, in every age group: it is both the most common type of cancer and the most common cause of cancer death. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are twice as likely as non-Indigenous Australians to both be diagnosed with and to die from lung cancer.

Peter Bligh, a Kullilli and Wakka Wakka man and director of cancer for the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), hopes the screening program will “turn the tide” for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

He is optimistic the program will be effective, so long as it builds on the strengths and resilience of communities and invests strongly in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce to address barriers like access, stigma and lack of cultural safety.

“It’s Closing the Gap in a way that’s meaningful for communities,” he told Croakey.

Read the full Croakey Health Media article here.

First Nations leaders urge ‘bold’ reforms on truth, treaty and closing the gap

The Albanese government must use its historic mandate and standing with the electorate to deliver the remaining reforms of the Uluru Statement, namely treaty and truth-telling, Indigenous leaders say.

Pat Turner, NACCHO CEO who has spent decades working with governments to improve the lives of First Nations people, said the returning Albanese government “can’t rest on their laurels”.

“I’m really pleased that the Labor government has been returned,” she told Bridget Brennan on ABC News Breakfast on Tuesday.

“The alternative was unthinkable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

But as one of the architects of the Closing the Gap national agreement, she said she was putting the government on notice because “there is so much to be done”.

Ms Turner said she wanted the federal government to take a stronger role in lifting the age of criminal responsibility, deliver needs-based funding to the community-controlled sector and finalise the Coalition of Peaks’s economic development partnership with Treasury.

“Closing the Gap is every minister’s responsibility, not just Malarndirri McCarthy’s, it belongs to every minister in the federal cabinet,” she said.

Read more here.

Pat Turner, NACCHO CEO on ABC News Breakfast.

New ABS data reveals 1 in 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are living with diabetes, one of the highest rates in the world

1 in 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are living with diabetes. 1 in 5 don’t even know they have it.

At NACCHO, we are taking action. In partnership with the Bupa Foundation, we’re training up to 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in culturally safe diabetes prevention, supporting local, community-led care.

This partnership invests in our people and recognises that solutions must come from within our communities. It’s a bold step to close the health gap, reduce preventable deaths, and build a stronger health workforce across the country.

Diabetes is the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and the fourth for men. But with the right training, early detection, and culturally safe care, we can change the story.

Learn more here.

Watch Dr Jason Agostino, NACCHO Senior Medical Advisor on NITV (from 02:48 onwards).

Image source: NACCHO

Strong Born, Strong Communities: New FASD Guidelines empower healthy futures

The University of Queensland has released Australia’s first national clinical guidelines for the assessment and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), aiming to improve early intervention, reduce stigma, and increase access to support across all communities.

The release of the guidelines aligns with the Strong Born campaign, launched by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and supported by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education.

Gudanji-Arrernte woman and NACCHO CEO Pat Turner said the campaign is focused on raising awareness and reducing shame around FASD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The Strong Born campaign is about raising awareness and understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and reducing stigma and shame,” Ms Turner said.

“Growing strong healthy mums and bubs leads to healthy communities.”

The new guidelines are expected to support national efforts like Strong Born by equipping more practitioners with the tools to identify and support individuals with FASD, particularly in regional and remote communities.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

Helping Indigenous families navigate genomic health

Being diagnosed with a genetic disease can be challenging for many people and their families, but it is hoped new resources will help them feel more empowered and less alone.

After working with First Nations communities over a decade, National Centre of Indigenous Genomics deputy director Azure Hermes said she had heard many stories from people navigating genomic health services.

“Patients and families were saying ‘I’m finding it difficult to understand what a genetic counsellor is, I don’t know what their job is’, or ‘I don’t know the questions I should ask’,” the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji woman told AAP.

The centre, alongside community organisations and with support from Australian Genomics, developed a series of animations, live videos and fact sheets exploring rare disease, DNA, genomics research and what to expect during appointments at a genetic health service.

The resources are being translated into Yolngu Matha, Anindilyakwa, Torres Strait Island creole, Warlpiri and Pitjantjatjara languages.

Read more here.

Navigating the health system after a genetic disease diagnosis can be complex, Azure Hermes says. (Image: Azure Hermes/AAP PHOTOS)

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.

NACCHO Sector News: 9 May 2025

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

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

Community-led solutions key as new data reveals Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suffer one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world

Almost one in six (15.5 per cent) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have diabetes and one in four (25.7 per cent) have abnormally high total cholesterol levels, according to data released this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

“One in six adults with diabetes, and that being higher in remote areas is shocking,” says Dr Jason Agostino, NACCHO Senior Medical Advisor.

“They’re some of the highest rates of diabetes in the world and three times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.”

Early detection is critical – “With new treatments available, people with diabetes can live long, healthy lives, but the first step is to visit your local clinic for a health check to understand your risk.”

NACCHO is committed to strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce to tackle chronic diseases like diabetes.

“Through the First Nations Traineeship Program, we are on track to train 500 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners.

“Improving access to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services is also key to reducing diabetes rates.”

You can read the National Indigenous Times article here, the Australia article here, and the AAP article here.

Image source: NACCHO

Labor’s win an opportunity to accelerate action on health outcomes in the NT

The peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory has welcomed Labor’s win in the federal election, calling it an opportunity to “accelerate action” on closing the gap challenges.

On Thursday, the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) congratulated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his election win, saying they “look forward to continuing to work” with the Government to “strengthen First Nations health outcomes as a matter of priority”.

The latest data for the NT showed life expectancy for First Nations women has gone backwards, as well as targets around employment, birthweight, early childhood education, child development, and youth engagement.

There has also been a regression in the targets around adult incarceration and youth detention, whilst the target to increase the rate of babies born at a healthy weight is also unlikely to be met.

“This election result presents an opportunity to accelerate action on those challenges,” AMSANT said.

Read more here.

Image: Josh Bean/Unsplash.

Positive reforms to GlassesSA for Mob

The DHS Concessions Department recently made further significant reforms to the GlassesSA subsidised spectacle scheme in keeping with their ongoing commitment to increasing access to free or low-cost glasses for Aboriginal people in South Australia.

In 2020, GlassesSA had made prescription glasses free for Aboriginal subsidy applicants but there were still Centrelink eligibility limitations, and many instances where remote area applications were being rejected based on a technicality.

Too many people with poor vision were missing the simple fix of glasses, so AHCSA’s Eye Health Project Officer (EHPO) took steps to work with DHS to fully understand these issues with the Scheme and their ground level impacts and the urgent need for a solution.

These efforts included:

  • Raising at meetings of the SA Aboriginal Eye Health Working Group (SAAEHWG), of which GlassesSA hold membership;
  • Setting up independent meetings between EHPO & the Department of Human Services (DHS), and bringing in key outreach optometrists.
  • AHCSA collaborating with DHS to modify the Aboriginal-specific GlassesSA promotional material
  • EHPO travelled throughout SA with the new posters/flyers to conduct a statewide GlassesSA promotional ‘roadshow’, to promote the Scheme to a lot more locations, seek feedback from GlassesSA participating providers along the way, and report all the feedback and findings to GlassesSA at the end.

Read more here.

Image source: AHCSA

Wuchopperen launches positive push for Flu vaccinations

Wuchopperen Health Service in Cairns has launched its “YES! I’m Ready for Flu Season” campaign, promoting flu vaccinations through empowering, community-driven messaging.

Moving away from fear-based approaches, the campaign focuses on protecting health and culture through positive choices. It features trusted Wuchopperen staff members, helping build confidence through familiar faces.

“A flu vaccination each year helps to keep our community and ourselves healthy,” said Dr. Nicci Roux, Director of Medical Services.

“It protects us against the flu virus going around this year, and is especially important protection for our elders, pregnant women, and young kids.”

Read more here.

Image source: Wuchopperen Health Service

Registrations for SNAICC’25 are now open!

The SNAICC National Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Entertainment Centre in Meanjin/Brisbane from 7-9 October 2025.  The theme this year is Our Culture. Keep it Strong. We Belong, highlighting the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. This event is one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conferences in the country with over 2000 delegates from more than 400 organisations.

SNAICC’25 gives community organisations, policy makers, researchers, educators, front line support workers, government representatives and students the opportunity to gather and share knowledge and experience while renewing commitment to building systems and practices that support children and families to thrive.

Register now (Early Bird rates available until 30 May).

Image source: SNAICC

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.

NACCHO Sector News: 5 May 2025

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

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

‘An urgent issue’: Diabetes’ impact on First Peoples set for focus at international congress

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience a disproportionately high rate of diabetes, being three times more likely to live with the condition than non-Indigenous Australians.

In 2018-19, around 7.9% of First Nations Australians had diabetes, with over a third of adults affected. This chronic disease was responsible for 7.3% of deaths among Indigenous Australians in the same period, with Type 2 diabetes being a major contributor to illness and death, particularly in remote areas.

This disparity will be a key focus at next year’s International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress in Naarm.

Read the full article here.

Yarn with me: Implementing Clinical Yarning in the Midwest

Training in an innovative framework designed to improve communication with Aboriginal patients is to be rolled out across the Midwest.

The Clinical Yarning model was developed in 2016 by a team from the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) and The University of Western Australia and based on the research yarning framework developed by Professor Dawn Bessarab from the UWA Medical School.

WACRH Clinical Yarning project lead Associate Professor Ivan Lin said the framework had shown promising results in pilot tests, with increased clinician knowledge, confidence and skills communicating with Aboriginal patients.

Read the full article here.

Sources: WACRH Clinical Yarning project

sources: WACRH Clinical Yarning project

Major milestone for First Nations medical pioneer

The country’s only Indigenous co-owned medical imaging provider has marked a significant milestone for regional healthcare in Western Australia.

Spartan First Imaging has celebrated the installation of a Siemens Healthineers SOMATOM go.Top CT scanner at its Kalgoorlie clinic.

The investment would help deliver advanced, high-resolution diagnostic imaging to the expansive Goldfields region, while advancing a sustainable, community-first approach to care.

The installation represented a growing demand for high-quality, sustainable diagnostic imaging services in the Kalgoorlie region, where Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities face distinct healthcare challenges, compounded by the demands of a dense mining workforce and the prevalence of acute injuries and complex chronic conditions.

Read the full article here.

Decorative image

Image: Spartan First.

Connected Beginnings launches in Kununurra with Mother’s Day picnic at White Gum Park

Kununurra mums will be celebrated at a special Mother’s Day event at White Gum Park where they can have a free professional photo shoot with their children.

Connected Beginnings is organising a Mother’s Day Picnic in the Park which will include mini family photoshoots, pampering sessions, children’s activities and a barbecue lunch.

The program’s early years co-ordinator Calyca Rogers said the Mother’s Day picnic would be the community launch of Connected Beginnings. The program aims to connect Aboriginal families with the health, education and family services available to make sure their children, aged zero to five, are meeting their developmental milestones.

Read the full article here.

Gloria Djanghara, Zhemirah Roberts, Zherahn Ward, Leilani Wilson Credit: Connected Beginings

Gloria Djanghara, Zhemirah Roberts, Zherahn Ward, Leilani Wilson Credit: Connected Beginings

 

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.

NACCHO Sector News: 22 April 2025

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

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

What is Closing the Gap?

Australia has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. On average, Australians live to see their 83rd birthday. But for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, life expectancy is about eight years less. Closing the Gap is a national agreement designed to change that. By improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations, they can enjoy the same quality of life and opportunities as non-Indigenous Australians.

According to the latest Productivity Commission report, there’s been some progress. Eleven out of 19 targets have seen improvement. But only five are currently on track.

There are some encouraging signs: more babies are being born at a healthy weight, and more young people are finishing Year 12 or an equivalent qualification.

But some areas, like suicide rates and adult incarceration, are going backwards.

“We need to stick at it,” Pat Turner NACCHO CEO and Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor says.

“Closing the Gap is not about statistics. It’s about real lives and strong families and brighter futures… It’s about reassuring that our children grow up to be healthy and proud and connected to their culture”.

Read the full article here.

Pat Turner speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

Working together for healthy homes

Earlier this month, Minum Barreng: Indigenous Eye Health Unit (IEHU) partnered with Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation to co-host the “Working together for healthy homes” workshop in Tennant Creek.

IEHU welcomed Community members, representatives from NACCHO, Katherine West Health Board, and Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation, and other key stakeholders to discuss actions for improving healthy homes across the region over the next 12-24 months.

Image source: IEHU

New research highlights rural diabetes gaps

New research is sounding the alarm on the urgent need to improve diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The study, supported by the Australian General Practice Research Foundation and Diabetes Australia, analysed health data to understand outcomes for more than 5000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across 427 general practices between 2011 and 2022.

Despite strong engagement in general practice, the study revealed rural patients are continuing to experience increased risk of complications, such as heart disease and kidney failure, due to blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

The research team stresses that blood pressure, weight management, and support for rural health services must now become national priorities.

In response, the team is developing a digital tool to support culturally safe care planning, helping GPs and patients set realistic, personalised health goals.

Read more here.

The team is developing a new digital tool to support culturally safe care planning and help GPs and patients work together on realistic, personalised health goals.

Food insecurity prompts store upgrade for remote community

Residents in the Northern Territory town of Alpurrurulam will see their local store receive an upgrade as part of the federal government’s food security upgrade policy.

The independently owned Warte Alparayetye Store will receive $915,000 in funding to expand its refrigeration facilities and dry and frozen food storage to help the community during the wet season.

The government previously announced a $9.6 million Store Efficiency and Resilience Package to give more than 15 remote stores funding.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Gunbalanya’s Adjumarllarl Store, 300 kilometres east of Darwin and 60 kilometres northeast of Jabiru, will receive over $341,000 for the purchase of a freezer and refrigeration units. They will also be able to upgrade their point of sale.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the package is “not just building resilience, it’s an investment in the health and wellbeing of First Nations people, and part of our broader commitment to Closing the Gap”.

Read the full article here.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour (left) and Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy.

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.

NACCHO Sector News: 17 February 2025

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

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led study sees 30% achieve diabetes remission

A new study has shown that community-driven health programs can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people successfully manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes.

Led by Waminda, the research empowered women through Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs), blending group support, cultural food education, and self-management strategies. As a result, 28% reversed their diabetes, while others significantly improved their health.

Health experts praise this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led model, highlighting its role in re-engaging people with healthcare. The success of this approach reinforces that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities take the lead in health solutions, real and lasting change happens.

To read the full article, go here.

Study participants and members of the South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda). Photo: Supplied

Yarning circles empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to lead community healing

In a significant step towards strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Western Australia’s Midwest, researchers have engaged over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through 60 yarning circles.

These gatherings provide a culturally safe space for men to share experiences, fostering open dialogue and mutual support. Insights from these discussions are being utilised to develop a community-informed plan that promotes healing, resilience, and stronger family connections. This initiative empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to lead positive change, reinforcing cultural identity and strengthening community bonds.

To read more, go here.

Daniel Warner and Levi Thorne say yarning circles help men open up. (ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Brianna Melville)

BDAC strengthens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Bendigo

The Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) has reinforced its commitment to Aboriginal health by hosting a community-led forum to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

Emphasising a ‘no wrong door’ approach, BDAC ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Bendigo receive seamless, culturally safe care. The forum brought together community members, health professionals, and stakeholders to drive collaborative solutions and strengthen Aboriginal leadership in healthcare.

By prioritising community voices, BDAC is helping shape policies and programs that support better health equity and self-determined healthcare for Aboriginal people in the region.

To read more, go here.

Jason Jackson, Hailey Taylor (designer) Stewart Carter are part of the Wellbeing team at BDAC. Picture by Enzo Tomasiello

Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices: Delphina Day’s advocacy in Parliament

Delphina Day, a proud Tjungundji, Wik, and Peppan woman from Weipa, has taken her heartfelt message to Australia’s Federal Parliament through a national storytelling initiative. In her address, she passionately highlighted the critical need for enhanced mental health support within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, drawing from her personal experiences and cultural heritage.

Delphina’s journey from Weipa to the nation’s capital exemplifies the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Her advocacy not only amplifies the voices of her community but also fosters a deeper understanding among political leaders about the unique challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians face. By sharing her story, Delphina contributes to a growing movement that seeks to bridge cultural divides and promote policies that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This initiative underscores the importance of Indigenous representation in national dialogues, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is acknowledged and respected within Australia’s political landscape.

To read more, go here.

Delphina Day makes space for Cairns City Lions against Manunda Hawks in the recent AFL Cairns women’s competition (Image: AFL Cairns)

Indigenous researcher support grant opportunity – closing 20th February

Grant funding to support research projects led by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher. The intended outcomes of the grant being an expanded knowledge base and research capacity in Australia; and economic, commercial, environmental, social and/or cultural benefits for Australia.

To view the grant, go here.

Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.

Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.

NACCHO Sector News: 10 February 2025

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

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

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service welcomes government health investment but says more is needed

The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS) has welcomed the Cook Labor Government’s $21.7 million investment in regional health, including funding for the Broome Health Hub, Derby Wellness Centre, and a planned detox centre in Broome.

KAMS CEO Vicki O’Donnell praised the support but highlighted the need for further funding, especially for youth alcohol and drug services, expanded rehabilitation, and more health infrastructure in Halls Creek, Bidyadanga, and Fitzroy Crossing.

KAMS continues to advocate for greater community control and ongoing support for mental health and well-being programs to meet the needs of Kimberley Aboriginal communities.

To read the full article, go here.

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service chief executive Vicki O’Donnell. Credit: KAMS/RegionalHUB

Wahluu Health: A Positive Step Towards Closing the Health Gap in Bathurst

The establishment of Wahluu Health at the Kelso Community Hub in Bathurst marks a significant advancement for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

By providing culturally appropriate healthcare services, Wahluu Health is poised to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region. This development reflects a commitment to community well-being and the preservation of cultural practices that have historically promoted health.

The introduction of Wahluu Health is a promising step towards closing the health disparity gap and fostering a healthier future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in Bathurst.

To read more, go here.

Shona Kennedy, the manager of Wahluu Health, at the Kelso Community Hub. Picture by Rachel Chamberlain

Strength and survival: The siblings turning a new tide on mental health

The Naru Surf Gathering has become a powerful event promoting mental health and suicide prevention among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surfers and supporters, the gathering blends cultural connection with physical activity, creating a safe space for sharing stories and fostering community resilience.

The event highlights the strength of cultural identity and community support in addressing mental health challenges, showcasing how traditional practices and modern activities can unite to create positive change. Participants leave feeling empowered, connected, and supported, reflecting the growing movement towards holistic, culturally grounded well-being initiatives.

To read more, go here.

James and Amber with their mother Val Saunders (middle). (ABC News: John Gunn)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food health plan to fight diabetes

A landmark $842.6 million funding package aimed at transforming health outcomes in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with a strong focus on addressing the diabetes epidemic in Central Australia has been announced.

A key highlight is introducing an affordable food strategy designed to reduce the high cost of groceries in remote areas—often double that of capital cities. The initiative will ensure that the prices of 30 essential products in over 76 remote stores match those in urban centres, making healthy food more accessible and affordable. This is expected to significantly reduce diabetes and other chronic diseases driven by food insecurity.

The plan was developed in close consultation with Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory and reflects a strong partnership approach.

To read more, go here.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro in Alice Springs on Friday. Picture: Gera Kazakov

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.

Sector News newsletter: 10 December 2024

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

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

NACCHO Welcomes the First Nations Health Care in Prisons National Review

NACCHO, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, welcomes the publication of the National Review of First Nations Health Care in Prisons.

This landmark report sheds light on the inequities in health and well-being experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in places of detention and outlines vital recommendations for transformative change.

As the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), NACCHO endorses the recommendations of the Review, subject to three fundamental principles, including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Approach that ensures solutions are driven and determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Pat Turner, CEO of NACCHO stated: “We cannot continue to accept the unacceptable. Access to culturally safe and effective health care is a basic human right. Yet, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prisons and youth detention continue to face significant health inequities.”

To read the full article, go here.

iso-republic-two-hands-in-handcuffs-lean-on-bars-of-a-prison-cell

Person in handcuffs in prison cell. Image credit: https://isorepublic.com.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diabetes prevention pathway

A new partnership between the Bupa Foundation NACCHO will see over 500 of its health workers receive diabetes prevention training to support improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NACCHO chief executive officer Pat Turner said that by training over 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers through this partnership, the organisation is able to address diabetes prevention directly within communities.

“Culturally informed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led training is essential to reversing the impact of diabetes and improving health outcomes,” Ms Turner said.

To read more, go here.

Male having blood pressure taken. Image supplied by NACCHO.

Male having blood pressure taken. Image supplied by NACCHO.

Roadmap sets sights on digital equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by 2026

The Australian Government, guided by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG), is working to address the barriers to digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in remote and regional areas. The roadmap developed by FNDIAG is a key step towards achieving Target 17 of Closing the Gap, which seeks equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations peoples by 2026.

Key developments include:

  1. Prioritising First Nations Voices: The roadmap underscores the importance of First Nations-led solutions and highlights the role of First Nations media in amplifying Indigenous voices and addressing digital disparities.
  2. Place-Based Solutions: The roadmap centres on First Nations communities, ensuring that strategies are informed by lived experiences and tailored to local needs.

To read more, go here.

Phone and electricity lines. Image credit: Kenny Eliason, Unsplash.

Phone and electricity lines. Image credit: Kenny Eliason, Unsplash.

Albert Bevan: Western Australian and Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2024 winner

Having witnessed the mental health challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Albert realised he needed further skills to positively address these challenges.

During his training, Albert was enrolled in a Certificate IV in Mental Health at Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services and employed at Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Services.

Having completed his qualification, Albert now works as a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Officer. His training gave him a greater understanding of mental health, and the importance of being able to identify, address, manage and provide support for mental health.

In his speech at the award presentation, Albert said “The beauty of it all is, I think I am so blessed to come from a landscape that is kind of the oldest art museum on the planet”.

To read more, go here.

$6 Million Boost To Junior Rangers Program

The government is delivering on its commitment to support on-Country learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary and secondary students with a $6 million investment in additional projects under the Junior Rangers program.

The funding will help build on the program’s success in boosting school engagement and retention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, providing practical land and water management skills, and supporting pathways for young people to pursue future careers as Indigenous rangers.

Delivered by Gadhungal Marring, the program has engaged 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary students in immersive cultural learning since the project began in February.

To read more, go here.

Gudjaga-Laali Junior Rangers. Image credit - https://www.gadhungalmarring.com.au/gudjaga-laali-junior-rangers

Gudjaga-Laali Junior Rangers. Image credit – https://www.gadhungalmarring.com.au/gudjaga-laali-junior-rangers

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.

18 November 2024

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

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

Joint Council reaffirms commitment on closing the gap

Led by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Tony Buti, the Joint Council on Closing the Gap convened with representatives from federal, state, and territory governments, alongside key figures from the Coalition of Peaks, an organisation representing over 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations nationwide.

The meeting underscored the critical importance of collaboration to address the systemic challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in areas such as youth justice, healthcare, housing, and education.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, echoed the need for structural reform and sustainable solutions aligned with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Senator McCarthy highlighted recent developments in Indigenous health initiatives, including the First Nations Health Worker Traineeships Program.

“These traineeships are having a tangible impact,” she said.

“They bring trusted healthcare access to rural and remote areas, ensuring Indigenous Australians receive care that respects their cultural needs. Indigenous health should be led by Indigenous people, and this program enables communities to address health challenges on their terms.”

The Joint Council concluded with a clear call for every minister and government official to take concrete steps toward realising the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, saying the success of these initiatives hinges on the unified efforts of federal, state, and local governments working in partnership with Indigenous leaders and organisations.

To read more, go here.

Leaders from across the nation gathered in Perth on Friday to reaffirm their dedication to addressing the gap in Indigenous inequality. (Image: Rhiannon Clarke)

Lung cancer screening to save thousands of lives

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) will begin in July 2025, with the hope that it will save lives by detecting cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The NLCSP is working in partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to make sure the screening program is culturally safe, equitable and accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The program is targeted at people aged between 50 and 70 and who have no signs of lung cancer, have a history of smoking and are still smoking or have stopped in the last 10 years.

The NLCSP will use low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans to look for lung cancer. The Health Minister Mark Butler announced the program in May 2023 – allocating $264 million for the program that has the potential to save 12,000 lives in the first decade of the program.

Read more here.

Image source: Canva.

Yabilinya miya (learn together) program to support Koori women’s breastfeeding journey

Yalbilinya miya (learn together) breastfeeding program is designed by Aboriginal women for Aboriginal women. Research on perspectives and experiences of breastfeeding among Koori women living on Wiradjuri lands (Wagga Wagga), and recommendations for supports. This knowledge will inform the development of a holistic breastfeeding program led by Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation which will support Koori mums through their breastfeeding journey.

The Wiradjuri midwife, Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) and antenatal GP leading the program will receive lactation training and use this knowledge to support mums who participate in the project. A tailored breastfeeding education program run by our Wiradjuri midwife and antenatal team will develop relevant information and resources around the key themes found in the initial research stage of the program. Including a weekly breastfeeding program with new mums, breastfeeding mentors and Elders, dedicated breastfeeding support phone line to call or text to speak with someone in the team, designated breastfeeding appointments through the RivMed clinic, a breastfeeding pack including an electric breast pump, a Wiradjuri designed cover-up, nipple shields, storage backs and information about the benefits of pumping, and lastly, RivMed will design a Koori women’s breastfeeding space at the clinic.

Read more here.

Image source: Lowitja Institute.

Sports club scraps soft drink for research into childhood type 2 diabetes prevention

In a community-led push to prevent type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, Garbutt Magpies Sporting Association in Townsville has switched to serving only water alongside healthy food at its Friday night activities for local children.

Elders and researchers have collaborated on an innovative $50,000 culturally-responsive type 2 diabetes prevention program pilot through James Cook University and Townsville University Hospital.

Professor Usman Malabu is the head of Translational Research in Endocrinology and Diabetes at James Cook University, and is lead investigator on the study.

He said type 2 diabetes was 18 times more likely among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people than non-Indigenous children and could lead to life-threatening complications such as kidney failure.

Consumption of an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and a lack of public health awareness were key factors leading to the higher rate of type 2 diabetes in regional and remote areas, he said.

The focus of the program has been encouraging physical activity, serving fresh food and educating participants about healthy eating. But for 10-year-olds Ashleigha Massey and Makayla Poynter, the focus on Friday nights was having fun and playing sport, not research.

Makayla said she did not mind the shift to water, noting her aunt had diabetes.

“We would not like for our teeth to get yellow, and we want to stay healthy,” she said.

“We have fresh buns, and steak and lettuce and tomatoes. It’s fun.”

Read more here.

Garbutt Mapgies members Ashleigha Massey and Makayla Poynter embraced the move away from soft drink. (ABC News: Georgia Loney)

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.

2024 NACCHO Members’ Conference

The 2024 NACCHO Members’ Conference will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December as part of a broader program commencing on Sunday 1 December with the NACCHO Men’s Health Day, NACCHO Youth Conference on Monday 2 December and the 2024 NACCHO Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday 3 December. A Conference dinner will be held on Wednesday 4 December.

If you are thinking about coming to the NACCHO Conference, the only way to register is via the NACCHO Website – www.naccho.org.au/conference. We are using the secure Cvent system for registrations. NACCHO will not call you directly about registering for the conference.

 If you have any queries, please contact the NACCHO Conference Team: conference@naccho.org.au

To register, go here.