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.
Federal budget allocation will expand access to STI testing for thousands in remote communities
The Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney welcomes the Federal Budget announcement of ongoing funding to support a Medicare rebate for molecular point-of-care testing for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in remote communities across Australia.
The budget decision was based on a submission by the Kirby Institute, with support from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and means that remote health services can continue to offer highly effective and timely tests for STIs.
This rebate is the first Medicare item to provide health services with reimbursement for an infectious disease point-of-care test and will provide a sustainable and enduring funding model for the future.
Dr Louise Causer from the Kirby Institute says that offering a Medicare rebate for this type of testing “reflects the need for point-of-care testing in remote and very remote locations across Australia, where centralised laboratories are often thousands of kilometres away. It also addresses a major inequity in healthcare access, by providing timely diagnostics for infectious diseases in Aboriginal communities.”
Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy CEO of NACCHO, says that the item also recognises the need to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). “The item listing is a formal recognition of the staff time and costs associated with offering these tests. It means that there is now no cost disincentive to providing STI tests. This allows health services to be self-sufficient and have greater ownership and control over the way pathology services are provided to their community.”
To read the article in full, go here.
An Aboriginal Health Worker using the GeneXpert testing platform to conduct an STI test as part of the TTANGO trial.
Three metrics could reduce Indigenous health gap by a third
The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) report has found the social determinants of health could be the key to closing the Indigenous health gap. Released ahead of NAIDOC Week, Australia’s Health 2024 offers insights into the size and sources of the health gap for Australia’s First Nations people from 2017 to 2019.
AIHW found the observable health gap was 24% — slightly down from 26.9% in 2013. Almost two-thirds (65%) of the gap is explained by five social determinants of health and six health risk factors.
The social determinants explain around 35% of the health gap. The largest effects are due to differences in employment status and hours worked (14%), household income (13%) and highest level of school attainment (8.9%).
The health risk factors explain around another 30% of the health gap. The largest effects are due to differences in current smoking status (13%) and overweight and obesity status (11%).
The report says changes to just three metrics would bring the gap down to 14%.
“If First Nations adults were to have the same average levels as non-Indigenous adults on just 3 of these critical factors — that is, the same average equivalised household income, same average employment rate and hours worked, and same average smoking rate — the health gap would be reduced by more than one-third from what is seen in the data,” it said.
The Medical Journal of Australia is also celebrating NAIDOC Week with the release of a special edition in collaboration with the Lowitja Institute. It features 12 research papers, editorial pieces and reviews focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge.
To read the article in full, go here.
Image source: Shutterstock.
How Shane Charles found his calling in Community Services
Know the saying, ‘65,000 years strong’? This couldn’t be truer of Shane Charles, a proud Yorta Yorta man whose determination and resilience have shaped his path as a Community Services student at VACCHO.
VACCHO spoke with Shane this NAIDOC Week about his story so far – and what being Blak, Loud and Proud means to him.
Shane didn’t start out dreaming of a career in Aboriginal community services. Having left school at Year 8, he thought education was off the cards. But this month, he’s graduating from VACCHO’s Registered Training Organisation’s nationally accredited Diploma of Community Services, prouder than ever.
Shane’s passion for Aboriginal community service, particularly in mental health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), is deeply personal.
‘I’ve been through the system and came out the other side, which is very empowering for me,’ Shane says. And it’s these experiences that drive his desire to support others – and to study.
Today, he helps run Dardi Munwurrro’s Men’s Healing and Behavioural Change Program – a program he once participated in as a client.
‘I did their NJP program, an 18-month residential behaviour change program. Three years later, they offered me a position,’ he recounts.
‘I want to be someone that I needed when I was going through hard times. It’s a way I can give back to my community and help show these men that there’s a different way.’
With so much already achieved, it could be easy for Shane to sit back and take a breather. But that’s not his style. He plans to continue his work with the men’s group – and further his education.
‘I want to do more mental health training to really hone my skills,’ he says. And with an enrolment in VACCHO’s Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs starting in mid-August, Shane’s not wasting a minute.
‘Once my studies are done, I’ll be overqualified for whatever I choose to do,’ he says confidently.
Reflecting on the NAIDOC theme, “Black, Loud and Proud,” Shane has as a simple – yet profound – reflection.
‘For me, it’s about being connected to yourself, to your family, to your Community and to the Spirit.’ For Shane, connection is the essence of strength and resilience.
To read the VACCHO article in full, go here.
Image source: VACCHO.
Kambu Health celebrates NAIDOC Week with inaugural Gala Ball
Kambu Health hosted its inaugural NAIDOC Gala Ball 2024 at the historic Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in Tulmur (Ipswich) on Saturday. The event, celebrating cultural heritage, unity, and achievement within the Indigenous community, was attended by more than 300 guests. The evening’s theme, “Our People – Our Community – Our Health – Our Way,” was brought to life through a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and a celebratory atmosphere.
Gomeroi woman and Kambu Health CEO, Simone Jackson was pleased with the celebrations, acknowledging the important role Kambu has served in the community for 48 years.
“It’s so special tonight to bring the Ipswich, West Moreton and surrounding communities together to celebrate NAIDOC Week,” Ms Jackson said.
“We’re the first cab off the rank having it the day NAIDOC actually starts.
“It’s just wonderful to have the community acknowledge our staff and the services… as well as having a laugh with Kevin – it was great!”
Renowned Ngarrindjeri comedian Kevin Kropinyeri, served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through a night filled with laughter and celebration.
The event also featured an Awards Ceremony, recognising local champions for their significant contributions to the community.
To read the National Indigenous Times article in full, go here.
More than 300 people from the Ipswich community attended Kambu Health’s inaugural NAIDOC Gala Ball 2024. (Image: Joseph Guenzler).
Youth mental health initiatives in the Kimberley
Content warning: this article contains reference to suicide. Please refer to the services at the bottom of this article for support.
Delivering vital mental health programs in the Kimberley is a high priority of youth organisation zero2hero, as suicide continues to be the leading cause of death for Aboriginal children in the area.
The WA based youth mental health organisation has recently been named one of this year’s Telethon beneficiaries, with this new funding being allocated to placing a heavier focus on vulnerable young people in regional WA.
As part of a 12-month strategy, zero2hero aims to positively impact the mental health of more than 1,600 young people in the Kimberley in a three-phase rollout to provide mental health education well before crisis point.
The strategy includes a series of workshops at local schools, a free suicide prevention workshop, and sponsorships for young people to attend Camp Hero LEADERSHIP, a lifechanging program for young leaders.
Already this year, zero2hero has impacted 1,100 primary and high school students from Broome and Kununurra with dedicated school and Camp Hero programs, with more dedicated programs and safe TALK suicide alertness training scheduled for later this year.
Scarlett Boon-Shillinglaw, 15, was one of the Kimberley-based students who attended the camp, sharing that she felt empowered to return to her community as a lifesaving connector.
“This camp has taught me how to assist and support my friends and peers who may be struggling,” she said.
To read the article in full, go here.
If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support. The four organisations in blue offer immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Image source: Business News.
Indigenous leaders hope music festival events will prevent family, domestic violence in Kununurra
The one-day music festival might seem like a fun, carefree community event but for Indigenous groups and traditional owners in Kununurra, 3,000 kilometres north of Perth by road, it has a serious purpose.
Miriwoong woman Margaret Moore said she was heartened to see families and children having fun, especially those she knew lived in tough circumstances.
“It’s a big thing. It touches my heart,” she said.
Petina Pitt-Lancaster, who manages a women’s shelter that organised the alcohol-free Badayijeng Ninggoowoong-woorr Festival said the aim of the event was to encourage families into a positive social environment.
“Over the years everything is about crisis intervention, crisis driven, crisis funding,” she said.
“There’s a lot of work done around separation and court systems and sending people to jail. We’re trying to get in the space before that happens.
“We want people to go home tonight with their family with smiles on their faces and feeling really good about themselves.”
Indigenous leaders hope such events also empower victims to use programs and the justice system to help put themselves on a better path.
To read the ABC News article in full, go here.
Family and domestic violence support services:
If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0
People enjoyed letting their hair down at the event.(ABC Kimberley: Ted O’Connor).
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