Category Members Good news stories

NACCHO is always looking to promote positive stories about our member organisations and staff making great contribution to improving the health outcomes of our mob

If your mob has a positive story to tell, send details to nacchonews@naccho.org.au

2 August 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.

NT organisations respond to latest Closing the Gap data

Organisations from the NT have responded to the latest Closing the Gap data which showed 14 of 19 metrics are not on target, arguing the government needs to “step away from business-as-usual and invest in First Nations led solutions”. On Wednesday, the latest Annual Data Compilation Report (ADCR) found progress towards four Closing the Gap targets were worsening, including Indigenous adults in incarceration, Indigenous children in out-of-home care (OOHC), and First Nations people dying by suicide.

The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) condemned the latest data, with the Territory recording the worst results of any Australian jurisdiction — eight out of 17 targets are actively worsening.

John Paterson, AMSANT chief executive said the latest data showed in many areas, governments were not delivering on their promise to “address the poor health, poverty and discrimination that our people continue to suffer due to the historical and continuing processes of colonisation”.

“The unacceptably high rate of suicide among Aboriginal people, and particularly our young people – who are more likely to go to jail and more likely than in previous years to die by suicide – should be urgently prioritised by all governments,” Dr Paterson said.

Catherine Liddle, the chief executive of the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) and co-convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, told ABC TV a fresh approach wasn’t needed, highlighting the success of ACCOs, who instead needed more support to help Indigenous communities.

“It’s not about finding a new pathway – certainly that’s not what the productivity commission is saying. It’s saying: share the decision-making – this is common-sense, governments talking to the people about the issues that impact them, and the solutions to solve that,” Ms Liddle said.

To read the National Indigenous Times article in full, go here.

For further details, readers are encouraged to view the full Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation Report.

John Paterson, AMSANT chief executive.

If this article brought up any concerns for you or someone you love, please reach out to the resources listed below for support. Immediate help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • 13 Yarn (13 92 76)
  • Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)
  • Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)
  • Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 + webchat)
  • Lifeline (13 11 14 + online chat)
  • MensLine Australia (1300 789 978)
  • NACCHO Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal
  • QLife – anonymous LGBTIQ support (1800 184 527 + webchat)
  • Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative celebrates National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day was celebrated on Thursday, August 1 at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative in Mooroopna. Over 150 children and their families came together for a day filled with joy, culture, and community spirit.

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative wrote on social media:

“A special shoutout to our four participating kindergarten kids who brought so much energy and excitement to the event!

“It was truly significant to facilitate this event on country, creating lasting memories and honoring our rich heritage.

“A huge thank you to our incredible staff who made this day possible. Your hard work and dedication are deeply appreciated!”

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is held annually on 4 August and is our day dedicated to celebrating our children. The 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme Strong in Culture, Stronger Together elevates the intention of Children’s Day, focusing on the strength of our children that comes from their connection to culture and mob.  

For more information, go here.

Image source: Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.

Frequent sorry business points to delayed Closing the Gap success says QAIHC

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are attending Sorry Business “weekly,” according to the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC). Paula Arnol, Gunggandji woman and QAIHC Acting Chief Executive Officer said that government progress on Closing the Gap targets has stagnated.

QAIHC regularly receives feedback from communities about the trauma and burden of frequently attending Sorry Business. There has been some improvement in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies born in Queensland with a healthy birthweight, but more progress is needed. The Productivity Commission has indicated that governments require a paradigm shift in their thinking.

“Although the Productivity Commission’s three-year review into Closing the Gap progress saw ‘pockets of good practice’ by governments, we need a true whole-of-government approach,” Ms Arnol said.

She notes the Queensland Government’s Budget commitment of $156.7 million to the ACCHO sector to strengthen the capacity and capability of the ACCHO sector was a positive step forward.

“The next step is to share decision-making with the ACCHO sector, as per Priority 2 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap that the Queensland Government signed,” she said.

“The review of the Closing the Gap targets clearly stated that a strengthened community-controlled sector, shared decision making, and shared data were the key to improved outcomes.”

“QAIHC is working towards this goal through its future plan, The Blueprint, and sees a strong ACCHO sector that is recognised as a core participant in our health system as essential to making real progress.”

To read the National Indigenous Times article in full, go here.

If this article brought up any concerns for you or someone you love, please reach out to the resources listed below for support. Immediate help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • 13 Yarn (13 92 76)
  • Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)
  • Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)
  • Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 + webchat)
  • Lifeline (13 11 14 + online chat)
  • MensLine Australia (1300 789 978)
  • NACCHO Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal
  • QLife – anonymous LGBTIQ support (1800 184 527 + webchat)
  • Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)

Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service and Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation receive funding to enhance end of life care and support

The NSW Government is investing more than $630,000 to deliver end of life and palliative care initiatives in co-design with Ballina’s Aboriginal community. As part of the End of Life and Palliative Care NGO Grants Program, Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service has been chosen as one of six organisations to share in more than $3.5 million in funding over four years to increase community capacity to engage with death and dying.

Bullinah, established by the Goori people in and around Ballina, is well-placed to implement the project as they have regular engagement with more than 2000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients each year. Working with the community, Bullinah will use its $632,250 grant to develop culturally safe place-based education and promotional material, as well as the provision of culturally safe grief and loss counselling support and practical supports.

Waminda South Coast Women’s Health & Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation is also set to receive $670,019 in funding to deliver End of Life and Palliative Care initiatives in co-design with the Waminda Aboriginal community.

David Harris, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty said, “This palliative care and end of life project will be complemented by the existing cultural and social connection, and social and emotional wellbeing programs within Bullinah’s service.”

To learn more, go here.

Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service.

Warruwi Community Health Centre official opening

The community of Warruwi has celebrated the official opening of the Warruwi Community Health Centre that has been run by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Red Lily Health Board (Red Lily) for the past two years. The Red Lily Health Board consists of representatives from areas including Warruwi, Minjilang, Gunbalanya, Jabiru and surrounding homelands.

June Nadjamerrek, Red Lily Chair said, “The Board would like to recognise Mr Lami Lami from Warruwi for his original vision for a community-controlled health service in West Arnhem.

“Many of the current Board members were inspired by his example and so pleased to see his dream become a reality in his homeland in September 2022.

“It is now time to come together to celebrate this achievement.  This milestone provides the Board, staff, community members, stakeholders and all supporters the opportunity to thank those that have contributed to improving health in the community, and hear more ideas for future improvements.”

The health centre is staffed by a permanent team of clinicians including an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, doctors, experienced registered nurses and a midwife who are supported by local staff to deliver better health outcomes for people in West Arnhem.

To read the article in full, go here.

Image source: West Arnhem Regional Council.

Improved dental services for NSW ACCHOs

Patients at 15 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across NSW will benefit from improved dental services following a $1,705,000 funding boost.

These one-off grants will see selected metropolitan, regional and rural ACCHOs replace, update or purchase additional dental equipment such as an intra oral camera, prosthetist services dental chairs and x-ray machines.

The additional funding will ensure ACCHOs can tailor their services as needed, allowing them to both improve and increase their ability to provide holistic health care to the community now and into the future.

Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Health said, “Oral health can influence general health. A healthy mouth ensures people can eat, speak and socialise without discomfort and embarrassment.

“A targeted funding boost to allow ACCHOs to update or replace their equipment helps address disparities experienced in vulnerable population groups and will have a positive impact on the overall population’s health and wellbeing.”

To learn more, go here.

Image source: Shutterstock.

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 now open for:

  • Port Macquarie: 20-21 August
  • Dubbo: 22-23 August.

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 July 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.

300+ enrol in health worker traineeship program

More than 300 people have enrolled in a First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program (FNHWTP), the federal government announced last Friday (5 July 2024) during a Joint Council on CTG meeting on Kaurna Country. The program was launched in March this year by NACCHO, and aims to certify up to 500 Indigenous people as either AHWs or AHPs by 2027.

NACCHO CEO Pat Turner said they were witnessing “remarkable progress” in only four months since the program was launched, “This initiative not only equips trainees with essential skills and wrap-around supports through culturally nuanced programs, but also bridges critical gaps in our healthcare system. Critically, growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and human services workforce is key to achieving CTG Targets in health, wellbeing and education.”

Delivered by ACCH Registered Training Organisations, and involving on-the-job experience, 51 trainees have already completed the program, which has been designed by Indigenous organisations in partnership with the government, who have contributed $54.3m. Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS), is one of the ACCHOs helping deliver Indigenous health practitioners under the FNHWTP. KAMS provides wrap-around support for students, with the extra funding from the program resulting in significantly boosted completion rates, with the end goal being a building a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Self-determination in healthcare closer to a reality with over 300 enrolments in health worker traineeship program in full click here.

Pat Turner addressing Joint Council of Closing the Gap meeting in Adelaide

NACCHO CEO and Lead Convener of the Coalition of Peaks, Pat Turner at the Joint Council on Closing the Gap. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

TAMS secures funding for new facility

Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS) is one of 10 Indigenous health services to get funding for infrastructure projects across NSW. TAMS has secured $4.3m to buy land and build a new primary health care facility in Tamworth. The organisation long ago outgrew it’s current facility in Peel Street, but had to date been unsuccessful in securing the necessary funding to build a new one.

The funding is part of $100m the Federal Government is investing into 33 Indigenous health infrastructure projects across Australia. The investment will go towards constructing new clinics, renovating existing clinics, and building staff housing for workers to make it easier for Aboriginal people to access health services. Improved clinics and safer housing will also make working in ACCHOs more attractive to health professionals.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said, “ACCHOs provide crucial medical care and are often the only health service available in rural and remote communities. The new and upgraded clinics will make it easier for First Nations people to access primary health care.”

To view the New England Times article TAMS secures funding for new facility in full click here.

Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service street sign

Image source: New England Times.

Cheap or free medicine access depends on postcode

Recent research shows policies designed to ensure Indigenous Australians have equitable access to medicines aren’t being accessed uniformly across the nation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s access to a free or discounted medicines under the Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment program is patchy and depends on where a person lives.

The program has gone some way to reduce inequities in access to health care, with Indigenous Australians using more prescription medicines and chronic disease services, making more GP visits and having fewer hospitalisations for chronic conditions.

Despite these benefits, uptake varies dramatically depending on where an Aboriginal and Torres Islander person lives. 10 years after the policy was introduced there are parts of northern Australia where less than 30% of the Indigenous population has ever received a CTG script.

To view The Conversation article Indigenous people can get cheap or free medicines. But we show access depends on your postcode in full click here.

female pharmacist explaining script to Aboriginal man

Image source: RACGP newsGP.

Improving food security in remote communities

The Federal Government has announced their intention to address food scarcity in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Partnering with state and territory governments as well as Aboriginal health organisations, the government has invested $11.8m over two years to develop a strategy, which will see face-to-face consultation with communities.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, said the prevalence of affordable, fresh, and healthy food for everyone was vital, but especially important for children and older people, “Proper change will take state and territory governments working together with First Nations health organisations. We want people to have their say on what will work to improve the price, quality of food and other essential groceries in remote communities.”

Local land councils and Indigenous corporations from remote communities have long called for help with skyrocketing prices for everyday items – sometimes up to 50% more than even regional supermarkets – as well as often not being of the same freshness, quality, and nutritional value.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Consultations to improve food security in remote communities set to begin in full click here.

Milingimbi Store

Milingimbi Store. Photo: Blue Mountain Gazette. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Aunty Dulcie earns lifetime achievement award

Dulcie Flower was just a few months into her nursing career when she encountered a patient she knew had suffered a grave injustice. On this day in 1950s Cairns this revered Elder in the Torres Strait Islander community of Cairns, was in the custody of a policeman who Dulcie says had given him a split and bloodied lip. Aunty Dulcie’s  formal complaint at the police station led to an abrupt end to her stint in the emergency department.

But far from stunting her career in health care, it set the then 18-year-old on the path to bringing about great change in the way First Nations people are looked after. Having been made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019, the now 85-year-old is the recipient of this year’s NAIDOC lifetime achievement award.

Aunty Dulcie saw recalled a female relative who died young, having developed septicaemia following a miscarriage, leaving two little girls motherless, “The health system just didn’t seem to look after the people in the north in the same way that they did the people of the south.”

To view the ABC News article From nurse to Indigenous rights icon, Aunty Dulcie Flower earns NAIDOC lifetime achievement award in full click here. 

Aunty Dulcie Flower standing on beach looking out to the sea

Aunty Dulcie Flower. Photo: Christopher Testa, ABC Far North. Image source: ABC News.

Filicide study shows action needed to keep kids safe

Content warning: this article contains information that may be distressing. Please refer to the services at the bottom of this article for support.

The myth that parents kill their children in random acts of violence has been dismissed by groundbreaking research, highlighting the need for a whole-of-society response. Filicide – or the killing of one’s child – is the second most common type of domestic homicide, after deaths involving an intimate partner. While other forms of domestic homicide are declining, Australia’s filicide rate remains at about 20 cases a year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were disproportionately killed in filicide cases, with the issue being rooted in racism, colonisation and intergenerational trauma, the study found.  Researchers found a lack of culturally safe services, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led services that are better placed to provide support are often under-resourced. “The safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and women needs to be prioritised through urgent investment in Aboriginal-led solutions and services,” the report said.

The study highlighted the need for focus on regional and remote parts of Australia, with domestic and family violence being more frequent and severe in such areas. Major cities are home to 72% of the general population compared to 58% of filicide offenders. In close-knit communities, it may be hard to discreetly access victim or perpetrator services and reporting violence may be uncomfortable or unsafe due to a lack of anonymity. The researchers said any risk of intimate partner violence towards women needed to be seen as a risk of violence towards their children.

To view the CBR City News article Filicide study finds action needed to keep kids safe in full click here.

For more detailed information about the research referred to in this article you can access the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Network data report: Filicides in a domestic and family violence context 2010–2018 here.

toy bunny left on cracked footpath

Photo: Lukas Coch, AAP Photos. Image source: CBR City News.

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.

13 Yarn (13 92 76)

Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)

Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)

Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 + webchat)

Lifeline (13 11 14 + online chat)

MensLine Australia (1300 789 978)

NACCHO Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal

QLife – anonymous LGBTIQ support (1800 184 527 + webchat)

Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)

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.

5 July 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.

$100m towards Indigenous health infrastructure

The federal government will today (Friday 5 July 2024) announce $100m worth of support for 33 Indigenous health infrastructure projects across the country. The investment will go towards the construction of new health clinics, as well as renovating existing ones and constructing housing for workers. Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Malarndirri McCarthy, said “Roughly half of all First Nations people receive their medical care through an ACCHOs, so it is essential that these clinics are fit for purpose, and ensuring health workers have access to accommodation will help ACCHOs to hire and keep staff, resulting in greater access to health care services for First Nations people.”

The grants were co-designed with NACCHO on behalf of the ACCHO sector. The announcement comes as the government is pressured by ACCHOs to embrace self-determination in healthcare after a scathing productivity commission report, earlier this year found progress to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) reforms were “weak”.

NACCHO CEO and lead convener of the Coalition of Peaks, Pat Turner, said she was pleased the funding was being delivered in line with the National Agreement, and in genuine partnership with ACCHOs, “This funding supports the critical role that ACCHOs play and the contribution they make every day in improving health outcomes for our people. Ms Turner said the flailing infrastructure could compromise the delivery of healthcare, as well as posing a risk to patients and staff, and act as a deterrent for future staff seeking employment. The Government’s injection of $100m is a welcome support for those services under funding pressures to better serve their communities.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article Government pledges $100m towards Indigenous health infrastructure in full click here.

Pat Turner

NACCHO CEO and Lead Convener Coalition of Peaks, Pat Turner. Photo: AAP. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Moorundi medical centre construction underway

Construction is underway on a new community health clinic on Adelaide Road in Murray Bridge. The $10m Moorundi Aboriginal Community medical centre is being built, following 20 years of planning and advocacy and a $9m federal government investment. Thanks to a partnership between Aboriginal health workers and non-Indigenous GPs, Moorundi has grown into an organisation with more than 40 staff in Murray Bridge, Raukkan and Victor Harbor.

Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Limited CEO Steven Sumner said when completed, the new centre will offer health care for all community members, “It’s not just Indigenous people that come to us, we have non-Indigenous people that come to our service because they like the way its delivered but we have our own people that still love other services within Murray Bridge and other areas, so just by giving them that choice I think that allows them to take care of their health a lot better.”

Sumner said his team collaborates with other organisations to offer career pathways for young Indigenous people, “We’re trying to channel our school leavers especially, into the health field. If there’s an opportunity there, we’ve taken on trainees for the last six years and have had some really good success with retention, so that’s what we’re about. We’re about the future, not just the past.” He is expecting the keys to be handed by June 2025 with an opening date soon after.

To view the 5MU article Work Underway on Murraylands Moorundi Clinic in full click here. 

Moorundi CEO Steven Sumner

Steven Sumner, CEO of Moorundi. Photo: Jennie Lenman / ARN. Image source: 5MU website.

AMA praises push for soft drink sugar tax

The AMA has praised a federal parliamentary probe into diabetes which has recommended a sugar tax on all soft drinks to help address the nation’s obesity and diabetes rates. The AMA says the parliamentary inquiry into diabetes grasped an opportunity to recommend a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, which could help prevent obesity and raise crucial funds to tackle chronic disease.

“A sugar tax would have a huge impact on Australia’s health system and the AMA’s modelling suggests a sugar tax could result in government revenue of $4b across four years, which could be used to fund further preventative health activities,” AMA President Professor Steve Robson said.

“We are 100% behind this sugar tax on sugar-sweetened beverages because we know it could help
reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Australia, as well as reducing other chronic diseases. “Prevention is better than cure and this inquiry has realised we need to be ahead of what is a national health crisis.” Research shows a tax of this nature is estimated to result in 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, 4,400 fewer cases of heart disease, and 1,100 fewer cases of stroke over 25 years. It is a simple but effective way to improve the lives of Australians.

To view the AMA media release AMA welcomes sweet push on sugar tax reform in full click here.

bottles of different soft & energy drinks with sugar cubes representing the amount of sugar in each drink

Image source: Public Health Association Australia website.

More support needed for remote communities

New research led by the University of Adelaide reveals remote Indigenous communities need improved infrastructure and services to support residents and visitors. Funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), the research explores how movement between remote communities and urban centres is vital for many Indigenous Australians, however mobility patterns can add pressure to already underfunded infrastructure and services in remote communities.

Findings reveal that remote Indigenous populations are growing and ageing; incomplete data on remote community population and mobility means real needs are unmet; and inconsistent population movement affects community requirements particularly in regard to funding and housing. Population projections undertaken for the research, suggest the Indigenous population will continue to grow strongly in outer regional, remote, and very remote Australia by more than 10% between 2021 and 2026.

This predicted growth is concentrated in the older cohorts from age 45 to 49 years and older, indicating a rapidly ageing Indigenous population. This will have implications for the type of housing, infrastructure and services that will be needed in remote communities. Real needs of the community are being unmet due to inadequate existing data on remote community populations and mobility.

To view The University of Adelaide article More support needed for remote Indigenous communities in full click here.

aerial photo of far western town Eulo, Qld

Far western town of Eulo, Qld. Image source: The University of Adelaide Newsroom webpage.

Diabetes Inquiry recommendations need adoption NOW

The Federal Government must urgently implement the recommendations outlined in the final report of the Diabetes Inquiry held by the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sports, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has said.

Professor Jennifer Martin, President of the RACP, said that if implemented, the recommendations would help provide vital medical support to people living with diabetes and obesity and would help significantly improve their quality of life, “The implementation of these recommendations will be transformative for people living with diabetes and obesity. The Committee has rightly recognised that people living with diabetes often have to contend with very high prices and long waiting times when trying to access vital medical supports that can greatly help with insulin and weight management. Consistent with our recommendations, the Committee has called on the Government to fund longer MBS consultations, support telehealth and broaden case coordination models for people with obesity and diabetes.

“Over the past few decades, we have seen a gradual but steady increase in the rates of people living with diabetes, especially type two diabetes, and obesity across Australia. This has put an immense amount of pressure on families, patients themselves and also Australia’s health care system. Making access to essential therapeutics and other forms of medical care more affordable for people living with diabetes and obesity will have immense impact and the Government must act now.”

To view the RACP media release Physicians urge Government to swiftly adopt recommendations of diabetes inquiry to support patients in full click here.

patient arm connected to a monitor, 'diabetes' written on notepad

Image source: Health Times.

Indigenous perspective on plant-based medicine

In this final episode of BLA.C.K. Medicine, a health podcast for Indigenous peoples by Indigenous peoples, host Dr Mikayla Couch shares an Indigenous perspective on plant-based medicine, as she chats with Bundjalung man and Gardening Australia presenter Uncle Clarence Slockee about the medicinal and health benefits of Indigenous plants.

As holistic solutions to health issues increase in popularity, Indigenous plant-based medicines are enjoying a boom. But as the benefits become more widely acknowledged, corporations enter the picture, demand grows, and prices do too. It is of national significance that we maintain control over our native species.

Horticulturist Uncle Clarence Slockee walks Mikayla through the beneficial properties of some common plants that are making waves in the health industry. The rainforest plum, for example, is really high in antioxidants, really high in vitamin C. People are understanding just how good they are for you. So it pushes the price up, but it’s one of those things you can grow yourself.

To listen to the NITV Radio SBS BLA.C.K Medicine podcast episode Bush medicine: The healing properties of Indigenous plant-based medicine in full click here.

Horticulturalist Uncle Clarence Slockee

Horticulturalist Uncle Clarence Slockee. Image source: SBS NITV Radio 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.

1 July 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.

Health care must be ‘by community, for community’

On the eve of the Indigenous Health Special Issue of the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), available here, in partnership with the Lowitja Institute, Professor Kelvin Kong was a guest on the MJA podcast to discuss his work with ear disease, the importance of representation and cultural safety, and his optimism for the future of Indigenous health care.

Professor Kong regularly travels to remote Australia to provide ear, nose and throat services to Indigenous people, where he sees firsthand the dichotomy in health outcomes for ear disease in this country, “…the non-Indigenous population have a completely different prevalence and incidence and outcome from ear disease than Indigenous kids. And yet this is in the same hospitals, in the same health district, in the same country that we live in, that we’re seeing this real distinct difference.”

Professor Kong emphasised the importance of culturally safe health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with a need for representation at all levels of health care to ensure that health care is “by the community, for the community. Health to us is how do we make our kids successful and out of hospitals? How do we make sure that our mental and spiritual wellbeing is very encompassed? How do we make sure that we progress in society to be able to live the dreams that we want to dream and be a part of and engaged in society? And that’s being healthy and well.”

You can listen to the podcast with Professor Kelvin Kong here and view the InSight+ article Health care ‘by the community, for the community’ with Professor Kelvin Kong in full click here.

Professor Kelvin Kong

Professor Kelvin Kong. Image source: InSight+ website.

Wathaurong moves from strength to strength

Big things are happening at Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. Last week Geelong council progressed Wathaurong’s application to rezone the site of its headquarters in North Geelong to allow for the construction of a new $43m centre, allowing the organisation to have all its services at the one site. Wathaurong also played host to Victorian Minister for Employment and Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward, who met with the organisation’s staff and board to officially open the recently installed Aboriginal Access Point and view designs of the new hub.

Since forming between 1978 and 1980, Wathaurong has provided a central point for the Indigenous community in the Geelong area, providing health, community and family services and a way for Aboriginal people to connect. Through that time, the organisation has evolved, grown and sometimes been forced to reassess its direction. Wathaurong CEO Simon Flagg began his career at the co-operative in 1996 as an Aboriginal Worker trainee before embarking on a 20-year career as a public servant. Since taking up the head role in 2021 he has worked to return the organisation’s focus to community building rather than service delivery.

During her visit, Ms Ward said it was fantastic to see a strong community working together to become even stronger, “When you’ve got people who absolutely understand the strengths in the community, understand how to build on that, but also understand the challenges a community might experience, it creates that environment where things can happen easier and faster. To be able to have an access point where you know you’ll be treated respectfully, safely, and be able to find your pathway is really important and it’s wonderful to see how well they’re doing it here.”

To view the Voice Ocean Grove article Wathaurong moves from strength to strength in full click here. 

Member for Lara Ella George, Wathaurong CEO Simon Flagg and Minister Vicki Ward at the official opening of the Aboriginal Access Point Barwon service.

Member for Lara Ella George, Wathaurong CEO Simon Flagg and Minister Vicki Ward at the official opening of the Aboriginal Access Point Barwon service. Photo: Louisa Jones. Image source: Voice Ocean Grove website.

Cultural safety needed in medical specialist training

Dr Paul Saunders, a proud Biripi man, academic, doctoral student, and former medical practitioner says that while there is growing attention and priority regarding cultural safety in Australian health care, an equally significant concern is mounting vis‐à‐vis the capacity of medical professionals to provide care that is deemed culturally safe by Indigenous peoples.

It is increasingly evident, says Dr Saunders, that health inequities within Indigenous populations “are primarily due to unequal power relationships, unfair distribution of the social determinants of health, marginalisation, biases, unexamined privilege, and institutional racism,” prompting the need for attention at a variety of levels within health care, including at the systemic, organisational and individual levels. Along with medical schools and pre‐vocational medical training institutions, specialist medical colleges have a considerable responsibility to ensure their organisation and training programs commit to developing medical professionals who can demonstrate cultural competence within clinical contexts.

Unlike traditional components of medical training that adopt well defined competencies to determine progression, cultural safety training is nebulous. This is due to ambiguities surrounding the concept of culture and cultural safety, which focus heavily on introspection and critical consciousness of power differentials within societal structures and systems, including health care. It is purported that such disparities in power are directly linked to the colonisation of Indigenous lands and have constructed and maintained health inequities that disadvantage Indigenous peoples. European‐based systems (eg, health care) were forcibly introduced during colonisation, often conflicting with Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. The manifestation of such epistemological, ontological and methodological conflict is inequity regarding access to, and participation in, such public systems, resulting in disproportionate outcomes.

The Medical Journal of Australia article Fulfilling cultural safety expectations in specialist medical education and training: considerations for colleges to advance recognition and quality by Dr Saunders, available here, is part of the Indigenous Health Special Issue of the MJA available here.

Dr Paul Saunders & front of Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, Western Sydney University

Dr Paul Saunders. Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, Western Sydney University. Image source: Western Sydney University website.

Better to Know sexual health resource for mob

Better to Know is a sexual health resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It provides information about common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), what to do if you have an STI and where to get tested. It contains information that deals with both men’s and women’s business.

The Better to Know website includes a range of resources and information including:

  • information about STIs
  • a list of STIs
  • how to notify a partner if you have an STI
  • being told you may have been exposed to an STI
  • how to register for a sexual health check-up reminder
  • where to find available services such as ACCHOs, HIV organisations, clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services

You can access the Better to Know website here.

Towards genomics-guided precision cancer medicine

Delivering cancer control at scale for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a national priority that requires Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and codesign, as well as significant involvement of the Aboriginal community‐controlled health sector. The unique genomic variation observed among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may have implications for standard and precision medicine. Yet, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are absent from, or under‐represented within, human reference genome resources, genomic studies, cancer studies, cancer cell lines, patient‐derived xenografts and cancer clinical trials.

Genomics‐guided precision cancer medicine offers an opportunity to reduce cancer health disparities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through personalising prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long term management. Here, we describe what is required to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can receive the benefits of precision cancer medicine.

Equity of access to care, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer workforce, and appropriate genome reference resources are important for safe and effective cancer medicine. Building Indigenous data sovereignty principles and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance into research is required to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and collective interests. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community engagement should be undertaken to develop an understanding of the unique cultural and ethical considerations for precision cancer research. Local and national genomic health research guidelines are needed to define a consensus best practice in genomics research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To view The Medical Journal of Australia article Towards precision cancer medicine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer health equity in full click here. The below image is from a Lab+Life article Next-gen genomics reveals diversity of Indigenous Australians published earlier this year and available here.

Aboriginal people in traditional face paint / dress; Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background

Image source: Lab+Life website.

IUIH program making cataract surgery accessible

Ian Delaney was struggling with everyday life as his vision deteriorated. “In my right eye everything was very blurry,” said the 70-year-old Quandamooka man. “Not having clear vision was a problem making simple things like walking around the house hard. I had to be careful not to trip or fall over.” First Nations people suffer blindness at about six times the rate of non-Indigenous people, which Mater Hospital ophthalmologist Jon Farrah said was shocking, “We’ve got six times the rate of poor vision in the Indigenous population, we’ve got 90% that’s treatable and about a third of that is actually cataract blindness. It’s pretty important to address it.”

The effects of cataracts like Mr Delaney’s can be debilitating, but public waiting lists can be long, hospital settings overwhelming and specialist appointments inaccessible or expensive, so cataracts can go untreated. But through the cataract pathway program, run by the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and Mater Hospital, groups of up to 30 patients are having their eyesight restored. More than 1,000 cataract operations have been performed so far under the program.

IUIH optometrist Celia McCarthy said while it can be stressful and intimidating to go to hospital, bringing in groups of patients to the Mater Springfield can make the waiting room feel less scary. Being supported by health workers they know builds trust in a system that hasn’t always been accessible for First Nations people, she said. IUIH also provides transport and support for patients on the day of surgery, as well as any follow up appointments, to ensure the most appropriate and holistic care for each person.

To view the Health Times article Sights set on cataract surgery for Indigenous people in full click here.

Aboriginal woman in hospital bed having eye checked after cataract surgery

Only 59% of Indigenous people requiring cataract surgery will receive it. Photo: Daniel Jesus Vignolli, Fred Hollows. Image source: Insight 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.

28 June 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.

New Aboriginal-led service for mob affected by FV

Aboriginal communities have worked with the Victorian government to deliver a new, Aboriginal-led service to support people affected by family violence  (FV) in the Barwon / Wadawurrung Country area. Victoria’s Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Vicki Ward, this week officially opened the Aboriginal Access Point Barwon service, which is being operated by Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

Ms Ward said the state government is “investing in needed Aboriginal-led family violence supports that are culturally safe and tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal people”. The service is fully staffed by an Aboriginal workforce who provide culturally safe support for local Aboriginal families affected by family violence, living on Wathaurong, Gulidjan and Gadabanud Country, in the Geelong, Bellarine and Colac regions.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative CEO Simon Flagg said the Co-operative “welcomes the investment into culturally safe support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our region. This service, alongside services that Wathaurong already provides with The Orange Door, will allow us to support our community who are experiencing or at risk of family violence.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article Aboriginal-led service to help people affected by family violence on Wadawurrung Country in full click here.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative CEO Simon Flagg. Image: Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative CEO Simon Flagg. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

VACCHO framework aims to improve cancer outcomes

The Victorian government has announced their support of a new initiative to improve cancer outcomes for Indigenous people in the state, as well as helping to close the gap in cancer research and care. Yesterday (Thursday 27 June 2024), Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced $3.87m towards Framework Respect – a culturally responsive and safe framework to boost participation in cancer clinical trials – led by VACCHO in partnership with local ACCHOs.

VACCHO CEO and cancer survivor, Jill Gallagher said VACCHO’s journey strategy “provides the roadmap for improving cancer outcomes” for Indigenous Victorians. “This commitment means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will have greater access to the latest approaches to detect and treat cancers, with ACCOs providing that access,” the Gunditjmara woman said.

This framework will form part of the Cancer Clinical Trials Program 2024–2028 and is on top of the $7.8m plan by the government to “support the development and implementation” of VACCHO’s Aboriginal Cancer Journey Strategy 2023–2028. “Equity in healthcare must be a priority, and we can’t ignore the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander have worse outcomes when it comes to cancer – this funding will help address that gap,” Minister Thomas said. “These new guidelines will ensure that health services have a clear and consistent framework when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in clinical cancer trials in a meaningful and respectful way.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article New funding a roadmap to improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians in full click here.

van painted with Aboriginal art outside VACCHO office building

Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Murdered First Nations Women report due soon

A major investigation into violence against First Nations women and children will soon be released, almost two years after the Senate referred an inquiry to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee. The inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children has since published  87 submissions and held multiple hearings.

Jade Bradford, a Ballardong Noongar freelance journalist based in WA, has been following the inquiry closely, and undertaken a thematic analysis of some of the key issues raised by submissions. Ms Bradford  found that while many different organisations and individuals from different places and contexts have made submissions to the inquiry, three clear themes emerged from hre systematic view:

Truth telling is foundational, including truth telling about the connections between colonial violence and the violence experienced by First Nations women. In their submission QAIHC cited research suggesting that the decision made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women on whether or not to disclose violence was directly related to the cultural safety of services.

Self-determination was another key theme was the importance of self-determination in all responses, whether in prevention, or policy and service development and delivery. In their submission the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC) said “ACCOs, especially ACCHOs, should be recognised as preferred providers for government funded services to address family violence, in recognition of their greater service effectiveness, their higher levels of employment of Aboriginal women, and their formal structures for involving Aboriginal communities in general and women in particular in decision-making.”

Investment in social and cultural determinants of health especially poverty and housing, and a lack of cultural safety in policy and services was highlighted in many submissions, including the one from CAAC, “Increased investment in housing for both remote and urban areas as an important underpinning strategy to support women’s independence and address mental health and social and emotional wellbeing issues, including family violence.”

To view the Croakey Health Media article Truth telling and self-determination are critical for addressing violence against First Nations women and children in full click here. 

Michael, Rose and Orlyn at the graveside of their mother

Michael, Rose and Orlyn at the graveside of their mother, Constance Watcho. Photo: David Maguire, Four Corners. Image source: ABC News website.

Important Stronger Bubba Born surveys

The Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) has developed two very important surveys to evaluate and improve the Stronger Bubba Born program. Both surveys are anonymous and will take about 10–15 minutes to complete.

One survey is for Health Care Professionals and is titled Co-design of stillbirth prevention and care resources for diverse communities in Australia. It is a part of the evaluation of the Cultural Adaptation of the Safer Baby Bundle (inclusive of Stronger Bubba Born and Growing a Healthy Baby). This survey is aimed at clinicians who provide maternity care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and/or migrant or refugee women. You can access this survey here or by clicking on the QR code below:Stronger Born Bubba QR codeThe second survey is titled Developing resources for a safer pregnancy: a survey for Indigenous women. This is targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are 16 years of age and above and are either currently pregnant or were pregnant in the previous 3 years. Due to ethics requirements, the QR code can’t shared here but will be sent out to ACCHO practice managers to promote within house.

Please contact the NACCHO Maternal and Child Health team via email here if you have any questions.

culturally-sensitive resources for ATSI women to have a safer pregnancy

Culturally-sensitive resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Image source: Stillbirth CRE website.

Workforce Wellbeing Guide for Kimberley ACCHOs

The Workforce Wellbeing Guide: A self-reflection and self-care resource for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Kimberley was written in Rubibi (Broome). It was developed by the Wellbeing Informed Care – Kimberley (WIC-K) research project in collaboration with the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS), and the University of WA (Rural Clinical School of WA and School of Indigenous Studies).

The WIC-K project team would like to thank the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) workers, and Aboriginal Health Workers who contributed their time, knowledge, and lived experience to the development of this guide.

You can access the Workforce Wellbeing Guide on the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing blog here.

cover of KAMS Workforce Wellbeing Guide for Kimberly ACCHOs

Image source: TIMHWB blog.

OAMS staff visit Nikinpa Aboriginal Child and Family Centre

Orange Aboriginal Medical Service (OAMS) staff Linda, Facilities & Assets Maintenance Manager and Ri, CQI Coordinator recently travelled to Toronto near Newcastle, NSW, to visit the Nikinpa Aboriginal Child and Family Centre. The centre brings together a range of education, health, and family support and early childhood services to improve local Aboriginal families’ overall health, education and wellbeing.

It was an exchange of ideas meet up where Emma, Centre Manger and Jennifer DCJ Program Director gave a centre tour and talked about their various free programs such as women’s art therapy, nutrition and healthy lifestyle activities. They also host events such as community breakfasts, and many other organisations, such as the AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group), who use their space to hold regular meetings.

A highlight was a viewing of the artwork from members of the Nikinpa art group. One member of the artists group is Aunty Brenda Simon is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Gulargambone. All seven of Brenda’s children were taken from her by government authorities in the 1970s, and her story is now the subject of a powerful new documentary, The Last Daughter, on Netflix. Aunty Brenda attends the art group each week and says painting leaves has helped build connections in her community.

You can find more information about the Nikinpa Aboriginal Child and Family Centre on the Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation website here and watch a trailer to The Last Daughter here.

collage 3 images, 4 women, woman with artwork, painted gumnut leaves

Images from the OAMS staff visit to the Nikinpa Aboriginal Child & Family Centre. Photos supplied by OAMS.

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.

27 June 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.

FASD Strong Born Grants are Back!

Applications Open: 26 June 2024 
Applications Due: 19 July 2024, 23:00 AEST / 11pm Canberra time  

NACCHO invites applications for the third round of the FASD Strong Born Campaign grants. ACCHOs can apply for funding to raise awareness, enhance resources, and strengthen workforce capability around fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).  

Funding and Activities: ACCHOs can apply for grants of up to $60,000 (GST excl.), depending on annual client numbers. Example activities include:  

  • Creating locally relevant communications materials and resources by using existing ‘Strong Born’ campaign materials. This covers translation services, design, printing, and publishing costs.  
  • Hosting FASD community events and yarning circles.  
  • Conducting FASD information and awareness sessions for staff and community members.  

Refer to the funding guidelines for more information on eligible activities.  

Eligibility: 
All ACCHOs are strongly encouraged to apply, regardless of whether they currently deliver FASD-specific programs or received funding under Grant Rounds 1 or 2 in 2023.  

Timeline:  

  • Applications Open: 26 June 2024  
  • Applications Due: 19 July 2024, 23:00 AEST / 11pm Canberra time  
  • Applicants Notified: August 2024  
  • Implementation Period: September 2024 to May 2025  

How to Apply: 
To apply, please complete the short application form, below. Key documents to assist with the application process include:  

Questions: 
Please reach out to the NACCHO FASD Grants team at fasdprograms@naccho.org.au with any questions – we are here to help!  

  

Victorian Rural Health Awards: Recognising Excellence in Rural Health

The Victorian Rural Health Awards, hosted annually by RWAV since 2005, hour the outstanding contributions of rural health professionals across Victoria. These awards celebrate the exceptional work of medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers, and practice managers in rural communities. 

In a significant win for our community, Ms. Shannon Balfour, from Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative in Mooroopna won this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Award.  

This award highlights significant contributions in providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities. 

Shannon Balfour, is a proud First Nations woman and manages the Woongi Unit at Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative in Shepparton-Mooroopna. She oversees a range of mental health and social and emotional well-being programs, including Alcohol and Other Drug support, counselling, post-discharge care, family violence support, and other healing initiatives. Shannon has enhanced group yarning sessions, clinical care, language lessons, and holistic well-being approaches.  

She has forged partnerships with mainstream services, secured a psychiatrist, linked Woongi to First Nations discharge plans, and collaborated with the University of Melbourne and local TAFE for student placements. Shannon’s efforts have significantly increased service use by the local First Nations community. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Management for the Bridge Youth Services in Shepparton and actively engages with the local community. 

Big Congratulations Shannon and Rumbalara!  

For the full story, click here. 

Shannon Balfour, Manager at Woongi Unit, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative

Shannon Balfour, Manager at Woongi Unit, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative

Transforming Australia’s Mental Health System Through the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration

Webinar Highlights Mental Health Impacts of Voice to Parliament Referendum
A recent webinar hosted by Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia on 21 June examined the impacts of the Voice to Parliament referendum on the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Participants discussed findings from focus groups that revealed the racism and stress experienced by these communities during the referendum, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration to promote social and emotional wellbeing.

Rachel Fishlock on the Declaration
Rachel Fishlock, CEO of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, describes the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration as a call to action for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in the Australian mental health system. The Declaration aims to achieve the highest standards of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Social and emotional wellbeing, a multidimensional concept defined by connections to body, mind, family, community, culture, Country, spirit, and ancestors, is integral to maintaining good mental health. It is shaped by experiences of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, racism, and structural discrimination.

Systemic Changes for Mental Health
The Declaration, built on principles from the 1989 National Aboriginal Health Strategy and the 1995 Ways Forward Report, calls for recognising First Nations concepts of wellbeing across Australia’s mental health system. It promotes a balance of clinical and culturally informed responses and stresses the importance of First Nations leadership and values in mental health services.

To translate the Declaration’s goals into action, a Framework and Implementation Plan have been developed. These outline strategies and priorities for the next decade, focusing on cultural strength, best practices, evidence, First Nations presence, and leadership.

Urgent Need for Action
Highlighting the urgency of this work, Fishlock points to alarming statistics: in 2022, the suicide rate for First Nations men was 2.6 times higher than for non-Indigenous men, and 2.5 times higher for First Nations women. Reducing suicide rates and ensuring high levels of social and emotional wellbeing are critical concerns.

Implementing the Declaration represents an important step for mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country. As the recent Productivity Commission’s Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap noted, systemic changes are necessary. The full implementation of the Declaration could lead to substantial improvements in mental health and wellbeing.

For the full story, click here.

For more information on the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration, visit Gayaa Dhuwi.

Group of people in circle from diverse culture holding hands.Cooperation and teamwork.Community of friends or volunteers committed to social issues for peace and the environment.Top view

Photo credit: iStock / melitas

 

Celebrating the Next Generation at the National NAIDOC Awards

The National NAIDOC Youth Award nominations are shining a light on the incredible achievements of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who are making a significant impact in their communities.

Dante Rodrigues: Tiwi Islander Fighter
Dante Rodrigues, a Tiwi Islander, is a professional fighter who represented his community and Australia at the World Kickboxing Championships in Portugal. Overcoming a difficult upbringing with domestic violence, substance abuse, and crime, Dante turned to sports to improve his mental and emotional well-being. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, depression, and anxiety at 18, he co-founded the One Percent Program with his cousin Jahdai Vigona. This program helps men in the Northern Territory become their best selves.

Piper Stewart: Swimming Advocate
Piper Stewart, a proud Gulidjan woman, faced her fear of swimming at a young age and founded Bambigi at just twelve years old. Bambigi funds six months of swimming lessons for Aboriginal kids in the Griffith region, addressing financial and transport barriers. Piper’s efforts have increased Indigenous participation at local pools, improving water safety and confidence.

Ieyesha Roberts: Kidney Health Advocate
Ieyesha Roberts, a 24-year-old Dunghutti woman from Kempsey, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure at twelve. Now a research assistant at the University of Sydney, Ieyesha advocates for Indigenous health, particularly kidney health. Her work on the CARI clinical guidelines ensures culturally safe treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Despite her own health challenges, Ieyesha’s dedication has significantly impacted the lives of others.

These young leaders exemplify resilience, innovation, and a commitment to their communities, proving that the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is bright.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

NACCHO invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners to nominate themselves and/or others to be part of NACCHO’s, Keep the Fire Burning NAIDOC series where we will acknowledge and celebrate the critical contribution they make in ‘keeping the fires burning’ in our sector and our communities.

We just need:

  1. A photo of your beautiful face!
  2. A couple of sentences answering the question:
    What does this year’s theme mean for you? What ‘ignites the fire in you, to do your job?
  3. Send your nominations to: nacchonews@naccho.org.au

For the full story, click here.

NAIDOC WEEK Logo

 

New Resources to Enhance Cultural Safety in Psychology Supervision

The Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) at The University of Western Australia has launched an innovative set of free resources aimed at increasing cultural safety in psychology supervision. The “Listening More: Embedding Cultural Safety in Supervision” initiative, led by Noongar woman and clinical psychologist Belle Selkirk and her colleague Dr. Joanna Alexi, offers tools to help psychology supervisors work more effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Under the guidance of Bardi woman and psychologist Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, the initiative is part of the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing research project. The resources include a guide, a manual, and a reflective journal designed to address the critical need for culturally safe supervision practices in psychology.

“It is every psychologist’s responsibility to be able to work in culturally safe ways with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and this includes culturally safe psychological supervision,” said Ms. Selkirk.

These resources come at a crucial time, coinciding with proposed changes in the Psychology Board of Australia’s competencies for general registration, and aim to support the 46,000 registered psychologists in Australia.

The Listening More working group, which includes representatives from AIPEP and the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association, has produced these resources with support from the Australian Psychological Society, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, and Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Association.

For more information and to download the resources, visit the AIPEP website.

For more information about the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing research project, visit their website, here.

For the full story, click here.

Hand of young supportive man consoling his friend with post traumatic syndrome

Image source: iStock /shironosov

 

First Nations Women Demand Action for Female Prisoners

A powerful roundtable at Parliament House in Canberra has brought to light the urgent issues faced by First Nations female prisoners, calling for immediate government action. The event, part of the Truth Telling Yarns: Women in Prison series, was organised by Sisters Inside, an independent community organization. Former inmates and community groups shared their harrowing stories during the discussion.

Debbie Kilroy, CEO of Sisters Inside, stressed the need for First Nations communities to support their own people. “Communities need to be re-imagined by themselves to build modes of safety and security without any castle (law enforcement) tentacles,” Kilroy said. She highlighted the historical and ongoing harm faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women since colonization.

Statistics reveal a grim reality: First Nations women and girls are the most imprisoned female group globally, accounting for two in five incarcerated women in Australia, with over 80 percent being mothers. Kilroy described this as a “crisis,” comparing it to the Stolen Generations, with many jailed mothers denied custody of their children.

Senator Lidia Thorpe, a Gunnai, Gunditjmara, and Djab Wurring woman, spoke at the roundtable, arguing that incarceration and police intervention are not the solutions. “Communities can self-determine their own destiny, their own solutions,” said Senator Thorpe, who co-chaired the discussion with Senator Fatima Payman and MP Bridget Archer.

The need for community-based intervention programs was underscored by a report from the Justice Reform Initiative. The “Jailing is Failing” report highlighted research showing that early intervention programs could reduce reoffending among at-risk populations by 50 percent, preventing their entanglement in the justice system.

Kilroy called for government action, urging leaders to commit to real change. “We just need a government that has got the guts to put their money where their mouth is and actually act,” she said.

For more details, read the full story on ABC News.

Photo credit - ABC News, Jono Searle, AAP PHOTOS

Photo credit – ABC News, Jono Searle, AAP PHOTOS

Tax Time Scammers Targeting Remote Communities in WA

Community announcement.

Financial counsellors and community leaders across Western Australia’s remote north are raising alarms about an increasing number of tax time scammers targeting residents in remote areas. The ABC has identified Facebook accounts impersonating Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) interacting with people who appear to reside in the Kimberley region.

Elder Monica Stumpagee, from Beagle Bay, 130 kilometres north of Broome, expressed her concerns after being financially hit by the collapsed Youpla funeral fund in 2022. This experience has left her and others wary. “Who will we go to? We might get scammed again. We don’t know what to do, we’re just sitting on the edge,” she said.

Ms. Stumpagee has noticed an increase in scams within her community, including Facebook requests from accounts posing as deceased family members. “It’s really getting frequent… now we’re getting scammed on our phones, they’re pretending to be dead family members,” she explained.

Ms. Stumpagee is now participating in financial counselling sessions in Beagle Bay to educate her community. “I’m aware of all that now and I’m not going to fall for any tricks,” she said. “What can we do? We vulnerable people get scammed all the time, so we try to help each other.”

Broome Circle financial counsellor Veronica Johnson works with remote communities throughout the Dampier Peninsula to build the capacity of community members to protect themselves from scams. “[It’s] absolutely devastating for clients who are vulnerable, who are just now being taken for another ride in believing it’s Centrelink… when it clearly is not,” she said.

Last year, Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams, with older people suffering the greatest losses according to a report by the consumer watchdog. Elderly residents in remote communities are often a greater target for scammers, as noted by Ms. Johnson.

Athena Sarah, who works with Home Aged Community Care (HACC) in Beagle Bay, has also observed a rise in online scams targeting residents. She emphasised the need for banks and Centrelink agents to visit remote areas to assist the elderly. “It’s hard because you have some old people who don’t have transport to go into the bank or Centrelink,” she said.

Kevin Collard, Consumer Protection senior regional officer for the Kimberley, urged residents to report any scams to the WA government’s ScamNet website. “People may feel embarrassed or a degree of shame because they’ve been a victim of a scam,” he said. “It’s important to report so that more of the community can become aware of the types of scams that are out there.”

Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help protect our communities from scammers.

To read the full story on ABC, click here.

Multi-generational indigenous Australian family, three generations of Aboriginal Australian women

Photo credit: iStock / Thurtell

Celebrate Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: Nominate Now for the 2024 NAATSIHWP Awards!

Nominations close 5pm July 15, 2024.

Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2024 National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP) Excellence Awards!

These awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and workplaces.

This is a chance to honour individuals and organisations that are creating exemplary models of care, fully engaging and supporting the career paths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners.

The awards are open to those who meet the eligibility criteria in the following five categories:

  • NAATSIHWP Young Warrior: Celebrating rising stars who are making a significant impact early in their careers.
  • NAATSIHWP Individual Champion: Honouring individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and achievement.
  • NAATSIHWP Workforce Legend (or Respected Elder): Recognising the invaluable contributions of experienced professionals and elders.
  • NAATSIHWP Models of Care and Career Pathways Innovation: Acknowledging innovative approaches to care and career support.
  • NAATSIHWP Board Memorial Lifetime Achievement: This esteemed award, previously known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, is nominated and selected by the NAATSIHWP Board.

The winners will be celebrated at the 2024 NAATSIHWP Conference “Reaping the Rewards of Resilience” Gala Dinner, taking place at the Perth Convention Centre on the night of September 3, 2024.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to highlight the heroes in your community. Submit your nominations before COB on July 15, 2024.

Let’s come together to celebrate resilience, dedication, and excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health!

To see the full details, click here.

Photo credit: NACCHO

 

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.

21 June 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.

Largest remote housing investment in NT signed

The largest remote housing investment in NT was signed yesterday (Thursday 21 June 2024) at the remote community of Milikapiti on the Tiwi Islands. The new 10-year remote housing partnership agreement is designed to halve overcrowding in Aboriginal communities, which has been a major long-running problem in northern Australia.

The federal government said in a statement that the Partnership Agreement represents a new way of working collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and housing organisations towards a better remote housing system across the Territory’s 73 remote communities. The $4b agreement commits federal and Territory governments working with the four NT Land Councils and Aboriginal Housing NT to collaborate on improving existing housing and building houses that are culturally appropriate and meet the climate challenges of the Territory.

Construction of up to 2,700 new homes across the Territory aim to halve overcrowding in the next 10 years, aligning with the National Closing the Gap targets with improvements in health, education and community safety, as well as opportunities for economic growth across the Territory. Federation Funding Agreements between the NT and the Commonwealth, informed by the Partnership Agreement, will also include better repairs and maintenance in remote community housing and improvements and infrastructure upgrades in homelands.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Largest remote housing investment in Northern Territory signed at Milikapiti on the Tiwi Islands in full click here.

Selena Uibo, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Marion Scrymgour MP (centre three) with locals in Milikapiti

Selena Uibo, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Marion Scrymgour MP (centre three) with locals in Milikapiti. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Ensuring Ballarat kids are ready for school

The Albanese Government is helping First Nations children get the best start in life, expanding the successful Connected Beginnings program to Ballarat with $1.8m provided to the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC).

The program connects First Nations children aged 0–5 with a range of early childhood health, education, and family support services – helping children meet the learning and development milestones necessary to achieve a positive transition to school. The new site in Ballarat, being delivered in partnership with BADAC, will support about 350 First Nations children in the local area.

The Government partners with SNAICC National Voice for our Children and the NACCHO to deliver the Connected Beginnings program, a community-led project achiving results for about 16,500 First Nations children across Australia. The funding for the new Ballarat site is part of an $81.8m investment to expand the program to 50 sites across the Country. Once all 50 sites are established the program has the potential to support up to 20% of all First Nations children aged 0-5.

You can learn more about the Connected Beginnings program on the Australian Government Department of Education website here and by watching the SNAICC video by clicking this link.

To view the joint media release Ensuring First Nations children in Ballarat are school ready in full click here. 

Screenshot of video from SNAICC about the Connected Beginnings program

Screenshot of video from SNAICC about the Connected Beginnings program. Image source: SNAICC website.

Interventions show promise to prevent elder abuse

To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) released an interactive database of 89 interventions that show promise to prevent and respond to the abuse of older people, also known as elder abuse. This database is the first product of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing’s Intervention Accelerator initiative on abuse of older people. The Intervention Accelerator is an international network of experts, led by WHO, working to develop a portfolio of effective approaches to address the abuse of older people.

Abuse of older people is widespread, with around 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and above in the community experiencing some form of abuse every year. Abuse of older people can have serious consequences for healthcare and wellbeing, including earlier death, physical injuries, depression, cognitive decline and poverty. However, until recently experts agreed there were no interventions scientifically proven to work to prevent and respond to abuse of older people, which may contribute to the under-prioritisation of the issue globally.

“WHO’s new database is a critical first step towards developing and scaling up cost-effective solutions to address abuse of older people, which has been highlighted as one of five priorities to tackle the issue during the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021–2030,” said Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health, WHO. “It is high time to do more as a global community to address this neglected but seriously harmful problem. I encourage all stakeholders committed to ending the abuse of older people to use and build on this evidence-based tool.”

To view the Healthcare Channel article New database aims to accelerate global action against elder abuse in full click here.

NT Aboriginal Health Forum marks 100th meeting

The NT Aboriginal Health Forum (NTAHF) marked its 100th meeting on Wednesday (19 June 2024), covering a span of 26 years. The Forum is the main collaborative Aboriginal health planning partnership between government and ACCHOs in the NT.

Aboriginal man from Derby and Forum chairperson Rob McPhee said the NTAHF has shown over 26 years that collaboration between the government and the Aboriginal community can achieve significant results. “Over more than a quarter of a century, the NTAHF has demonstrated what can be achieved when government and the Aboriginal community sit down in a spirit of collaboration and respect to make decisions together,” he said.

Mr McPhee highlighted key successes of the Forum, including increased primary health care funds through better Medicare access for Aboriginal people, equitable distribution of resources via funding allocation formulas, agreement on core functions of primary health care, development of NT Aboriginal Health KPIs to monitor service delivery, and supporting the transition of government-run primary health care services to Aboriginal community control. “Through these actions, the Forum played a key role in improving the health outcomes of our people over the last two decades,” Mr McPhee said.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Forum celebrates 100th meeting milestone in full click here.

NT Aboriginal Health Forum NTAHF 100th meeting group

Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Forum NTAHF 100th meeting group. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Why you may be asked to draw a clock

You may be asked to draw a clock upon admission to a hospital as part of a cognitive assessment. A cognitive assessment is conducted to help health professionals determine any changes in multiple mental abilities, including learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision-making and attention span. This screening process can help to determine whether a person has started to experience delirium or dementia.

Approximately 10 – 18% of Australians aged 65 years or older have delirium at the time of admission to hospital and a further two to eight percent develop delirium during their hospital stay. People experiencing delirium may show signs of confusion, uncertainty, inattention, distress or psychosis. A person may experience delirium for a few days and be asked to take the clock-drawing test throughout their hospital stay to see if their score improves and rule out underlying conditions.

For First Nations people the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment was specifically designed as an alternative cognitive assessment to assist health professionals.

To view the Aged Care Guide article Why you may be asked to ‘draw a clock’ at the hospital in full click here.

Warning as flu cases surge

Authorities have warned serious cases of the flu have jumped 33% across NSW, leaving an increasing number of people sick in emergency rooms. The number of influenza cases and presentations in hospitals rose within the span of a week, according to the latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report.

The increasing flu activity is not only concerning, it is expected to worsen in the coming weeks, NSW Health director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said. “Influenza is more serious than the common cold,” he said. “It can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission and causing death. Complications can occur in anyone but are most likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.”

The state’s health authority has urged everyone to get vaccinated – especially those at a greater risk of severe disease. People most at risk are eligible for free vaccinations and include those over the age of 65, children aged between six months and five, Indigenous people from six months of age, pregnant women and people with serious health conditions like diabetes, cancer, immune disorders and severe asthma. “Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease,” McAnulty said. “By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you.”

To view the 9 News article Warning as surging flu cases, hospital visits squeeze NSW health system in full click here.

hospital ward

Photo: Kate Geraghty. Image source: 9 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.

18 June 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.

$200 Million Boost for Aged Care Services

The Albanese Government is investing $200 million in infrastructure grants to support residential aged care services in regional, rural and remote locations. The choice to enter residential aged care shouldn’t mean a choice to leave your community.

The government’s $200m funding package, in addition to $135 million recently awarded under Round 1, will improve access to quality aged care in small rural towns and remote communities, including for older First Nations people.

This $200 million will allow successful applicants to build new facilities as well as upgrade existing infrastructure. Funding under the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program supports the basic rights of all older people in Australia to have access to safe and high-quality aged care services regardless of where they live.

For this round eligibility has been expanded to include all regional areas (MM 2-7) with grants also available to help providers build and improve services for First Nations communities in any location, including major cities.

Grant information, including eligibility requirements are on GrantConnect.

Image source: iStock.

Carbal Medical Services, Jannah De-Bressac enhances immunisation support for First Nations Communities

Carbal Medical Services is proud to announce that Jannah De-Bressac, Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) at Carbal Warwick, has successfully completed the First Nations Immunisation Course. With a dedicated service spanning five years, including 3.5 years as an Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) and 1.5 years as an AHP, Jannah brings a wealth of experience and cultural insight to her role. Jannah is the first AHP in Queensland to have obtained this competency.

The completion of the First Nations Immunisation Course will significantly benefit Jannah’s practice by enabling her to provide robust support to the nursing staff. Leveraging her established relationships with the local community, Jannah will discuss vaccination benefits, importance, side effects, and concerns with families. She will also provide necessary resources to alleviate any apprehensions regarding immunisations.

Jannah’s familiarity and long-term engagement with the community play a crucial role in building trust.

“Having a familiar face to discuss concerns is invaluable. Over the years, I have built strong relationships, and having the time to discuss immunisations, address concerns, and explain vaccination benefits in a safe and culturally sensitive environment is vital,” says Jannah.

She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, free from jargon, particularly when discussing catch-up schedules. Jannah strongly advocates for the inclusion of the First Nations Immunisation Course in all AHW and AHP training programs.

“It is a great asset to any Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) clinic and to the health workers. I am now confident in discussing the benefits of vaccination and the process of vaccine creation with the community.”

Expressing her enthusiasm, Jannah stated, “I am excited to have completed the First Nations Immunisation Course because I can now confidently assist in the clinic. I am well-equipped to talk to parents, carers, and patients about vaccinations, their benefits, and to address any concerns they may have. The course has provided me with the tools to alleviate those concerns effectively.”

Jannah highlights the course’s family-friendly e-Learning approach and the strong support system it offers.

“The course allowed time for family, which is very important to me. The support was excellent, with prompt replies to any questions I had. It was interesting, and I learned a lot of new skills and information while having fun. I highly recommend it!”

For more information on Carbal Medical Services and the initiatives undertaken to support First Nations health, please go here.

Carbal Medical Services, Jannah De-Bressac successfully completed the First Nations Immunisation Course. Image source: Carbal Medical Services.

Raising awareness of blood borne viruses

The WA Department of Health has launched an advertising campaign to raise awareness of blood-borne viruses (BBVs), and the importance of BBV prevention among Aboriginal people aged 16-39 years. Blood-borne viruses – such as hepatitis B (Healthy WA), hepatitis C (Healthy WA) and HIV (Healthy WA) – are transmitted by blood, and hepatitis B and HIV can also be transmitted through sexual activity (sexual transmission of hepatitis C is also possible if blood is present). The campaign was developed in consultation with Aboriginal health workers and leaders from regional and metropolitan areas and community-based organisations including a peer organisation for people who inject drugs. Interviews with Aboriginal people in WA that have a lived experience of hepatitis C and HIV also shaped the campaign development.

People with blood-borne viruses often look and feel healthy, so encouraging people at risk to get tested is a key factor in addressing blood-borne viruses. Hepatitis C notifications are disproportionally high in the Aboriginal population. In WA, hepatitis C notifications in Aboriginal people are 13-times higher than reported among non-Aboriginal people. Injecting drug use also contributes to a proportion of newly diagnosed HIV infections in WA.

Testing is crucial as a range of treatments are now making it possible for people with blood-borne viruses to continue to live long and healthy lives. Treatments are now available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. A cure is now possible for 95% of people with chronic hepatitis C. Highly effective treatments are also available for people living with HIV.

Encourage your community to get tested for blood-borne viruses.

To learn more about the campaign, go here.

WA Department of Health Look After Your Blood campaign tile.

Aspiring doctor wants more “familiar faces” in health

From bandaging up mannequins at the local TAFE, to studying medicine at the University of Western Australia, Kahlie Lockyer has always wanted to make a difference. The Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Yawuru and Nyulnyul woman from Port Hedland grew up travelling to remote communities with her mother, a nurse who taught first aid and health courses to First Nations people. Her mum was her first inspiration.

“She really wanted to make a difference,” Ms Lockyer told AAP.

“Trying to help educate our people as well … I guess it was her way of doing her part to close the gap in Indigenous health.”

But it was when the accomplished 35-year-old artist had her second son, who was born with congenital complications, that she was propelled into the world of medicine.

“I knew what it felt like being an Indigenous mother and not having an understanding of what was going on with my boy, and coming up against a lot of racism,” she said.

“Some of the paediatricians we encountered were so amazing … I thought, we need more paediatricians that can provide the health care that our people need.”

Ms Lockyer is in her third year of medical school and after receiving the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship to help with her studies said she feels empowered and excited for the future.

Getting through university has had its challenges but Ms Lockyer has loved her studies and she knows how important it is to have more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in the health sector.

“If an Indigenous person can get the care from someone who has the same understanding of how things are different for us and be a familiar face, it could give them more trust in the healthcare system,” she said.

To read the full article, go here.

Artist Kahlie Lockyer (centre) is the latest recipient of the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship. (Image: HANDOUT/AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION).

Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) bus visit to Winnunga

Julie Tongs, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjha was pleased and honoured to welcome the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) to Winnunga Nimmityjah last month. KBHAC is a Stolen Generations Survivor led organisation which was established by the survivors of Kinchela Boys Home.

The Home was run by the NSW Government for over 50 years to assimilate Aboriginal boys who, in their words, were kidnapped from their families. KBHAC was represented during the visit by three Kinchela “boys, notably Uncles Roger Jarrett, Richard Campbell and Willy Nixon, each of whom had spent their childhoods, in the 1950’s and 60’s at the Kinchela Boys Home after being forcefully removed, or in their words “kidnapped”, from their families. The “boys” were accompanied on the visit to Winnunga Nimmityjah by Aunty Lesley.

Before addressing staff a heartbreaking film, produced by KBHAC and which focussed on life at the Kinchela boys home, highlighted the inhuman and heartless treatment and abuse endured by the boys detained at the “home”.

KBHAC has developed a wide range of programs and services aimed at addressing the reconstruction of identity, restoration of family structures and improving social inclusion in the community. They also provide a range of services focussed on supporting Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants.

To read the full story, go here.

Shannan Dodson, Uncle Roger Jarrett, Julie Tongs, Uncle Willy Nixon, Aunty Lesley and Uncle Richard Campbell. Image source: Winnunga Nimmityjha.

Path to healthcare advocacy

In Yarrabah, Charanti Andrews found her calling at home. Her close-knit family, especially her grandfather, played a pivotal role. After he suffered a stroke in 2019, Ms Andrews cared for him during his rehabilitation. Once he recovered, she focused on her two younger nephews, both diagnosed with ADHD, and one also with autism, dedicating time to helping them manage their challenges. These experiences clarified her purpose: to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and transform lives with compassion.

Ms Andrews was fortunate to have supportive parents who valued hard work and resilience. Her mum, the CEO of the local health service, and her dad, the Mayor of Yarrabah, inspired her through their leadership. With their encouragement, Ms Andrews applied for and was accepted into the Cape York Leaders Program, securing a scholarship to attend one of Queensland’s top boarding high schools.

Joining the University of Queensland’s Health Science Camp, her passion for health sciences was clear, but the opportunity to explore disciplines like occupational therapy, nursing, dentistry, psychology, midwifery, and pathology provided the clarity she needed.

“I liked being surrounded by other Indigenous kids who have a passion for health, and I really enjoyed visiting the Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Centre,” Ms Andrews said.

“I love interacting with people with sensory disabilities. It just makes me happy.”

She has now completed Year 12 and has started turning her dream into a reality after enrolling in a Bachelor of Public Health at The Queensland University of Technology.

To read the full National Indigenous Times article, go here.

Charanti Andrews’ shift from family caregiving to healthcare advocacy shows her commitment to compassionate change. (Image: Cape York Partnership).

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.

23 May 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.

Aged Care Capital Assistance grants to support aged care providers in rural and remote communities

The Australian Government is investing $135 million to improve access to quality aged care services in First Nations, rural and remote communities. This investment directly supports aged care providers located outside of major cities, to build and modernise services so older Australians can access the aged care they need. This investment builds upon the $115 million to build four culturally safe, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care services in SA, the NT and QLD.

Round 1 of the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) will deliver 76 infrastructure projects to upgrade aged care homes, build new staff accommodation, improve services for older people at risk of homelessness and enhance cultural care for older First Nations people.

More than $60 million will be awarded across 30 locations to support aged care providers to upgrade and expand their aged care homes, increase the number of beds and improve home care service delivery to better meet the needs of First Nations communities in remote and very remote locations.

$3 million will enable 11 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program providers to deliver more culturally appropriate care in First Nations communities.

$49 million will support 27 providers to address shortages in staff accommodation to attract and retain more workers so they can better meet 24/7 RN requirements, increase care minutes and reduce reliance on agency staff.

$22 million in funding will support 8 specialised services to improve access to aged care for older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“The Albanese Government is committed to improving aged care and health services for First Nations Elders and supporting them to remain close to their families and communities,” Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“This significant investment demonstrates that commitment and will see important infrastructure upgrades at facilities across the country.

“Elders play such an important role in our communities and it’s essential they are provided the very best care and support.”

Read more here.

Image source: iStock.

Red ribbon drops to celebrate return of Wujal Wujal health services

A red ribbon symbolised rebirth when stakeholders celebrated the official return of health services to Wujal Wujal on 14 May. A temporary modular clinic was installed in the community after its previous clinic was decimated by post-Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding in December 2023, with last week’s formal opening ceremony signalling the return of doctor clinics, specialist and outpatient services, as well as allied health and midwifery outreach clinics.

The temporary clinic will remain in place while the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) works with the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and other stakeholders over the coming months to develop options for a future permanent clinic to replace the old, flood-damaged facility.

Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said the State Government was “dedicated to providing the same high-quality levels of health care service to Wujal Wujal and the surrounding communities as prior to the flooding event”.

“I want to thank the community for its patience and the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council for working closely with [TCHHS] to get services back up and running as quickly as possible,” she said.

“We will continue to support the Wujal Wujal and surrounding communities and ensure they are provided with the resources and services they need as they continue to rebuild after the flooding.’’

Read the full Cape York Weekly article here.

Senior health worker Anna Cleary, TCHHS chair Renee Williams, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alister Gibson, Elder Kathleen Walker and Member for Cook Cynthia Lui cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the community’s temporary clinic. Image source: Cape York Weekly.

Skye Stewart created a valuable resource for Aboriginal families. Now, she’s Midwife of the Year

Jiba Pepeny: Star Baby is the first stillbirth guide in the country and it was designed by and for Aboriginal families. Its creation came from the mind of Wergaia/Wemba Wemba midwife Skye Stewart, after witnessing the gap in stillbirth rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and the impact it left on communities.

Ms Stewart has now been awarded Midwife of the Year at the 18th HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards. The awards acknowledge the outstanding contribution of the country’s nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers, and personal care workers’ dedication to improving health outcomes.

The guide is a resource that Aboriginal families can turn to for additional cultural support during an emotional and often traumatising time. It includes advice on how to approach tough decisions, preparing for birth and provides spaces to write out thoughts and communicate wishes to extended family.

Ms Stewart, who is based in Woomelang in rural Victoria, said she sees creating the guide as part of her role as an Aboriginal midwife in community.

“My cultural role and responsibility as an Aboriginal midwife is to do what I can to ensure that Aboriginal mothers and their babies stay safe, alive, well, and together,” Ms Stewart said.

“To be recognised with this award means I’ve paid attention to where it matters, and I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. The award is a privilege, and I feel incredibly honoured and humbled.

“My work is rewarding because it supports families experiencing vulnerability at an acutely distressing time.”

Read the full NITV article here.

kye Stewart was recognised as Midwife of the Year 2024 at the HESTA Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards. Source: NITV.

Call for applications: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Accreditation Committee

Applications are invited from registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health practitioners, educators and accreditation experts for appointment to the Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander Health Practice Committee.

The role of the Committee is to exercise accreditation functions under the National Law assigned by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia (the Board). These functions are to:

  • develop accreditation standards for approval by the Board
  • assess, accredit, and monitor educator providers and their programs of study
  • make recommendations and give advice to the Board.

Applicants must have current or recent experience in:

  • Education – preferably with experience working in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and in delivering training in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice), and
  • Accreditation – preferably within the health sector.

Applications close on Sunday 30 June 2024 at 11:55pm, AEST.

For more information, go here.

Indigenous Cairns teenager promotes mental health through poetry.

Indigenous Cairns teenager Marianna Saba-Edge has been advocating for young people facing social and emotional wellbeing challenges through her poetry. At 16, she wrote a poem promoting radical self-acceptance and love among young women, highlighting the benefits of counselling. Ms Saba-Edge created the poem to cope with her own challenges and to support others struggling with self-love and acceptance. She attended school-based counselling through the Indigenous Mental Health program.

“I wrote what I always wanted to hear growing up,” she said.

“But there are so many girls like me who believe they are not capable of self-love.

“But they are, and this poem expresses what I wish I’d believed when I truly thought I wasn’t capable of love.”

The program, funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), is delivered by Ngak Min Health.

During her final session, she shared with her counsellor a poem she had written for a school project.

“I had been feeling really angry and guilty, and started writing about those feelings, which helped me understand them, but didn’t make me feel good,” she said.

“I thought, why write a story that brings me down, when I can create something that lifts people up?

“That’s when I started writing the poem – and I finished it in one English class. It just felt right.”

Writing down her feelings was a technique she learned while working with her Ngak Min Health counsellor.

“Working with Ngak Min was different compared to other councillors I have spoken with,” she said.

“To start with we mostly talked about Stranger Things, but I was soon able to open up about more personal things in my life that normally I wouldn’t tell anyone.

“I have always been a self-aware person, but I tend to deal with my problems on my own.”

Thankfully, Ms Saba-Edge now feels much happier in life.

“Writing the poem was really the start to having true self-love and is something I wish I’d had when I was younger,” she said.

“That’s why I tried hard to write it to stick in the reader’s head, and so they can feel empowered.”

Ms Saba-Edge remains as an example of why it’s so important for Indigenous women to have the freedom and courage to express themselves on their journey to healing.

Read the National Indigenous Times article here.

To all girls, everywhere by Marianna Saba-Edge.

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.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – 23 May 2024

Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells proliferate and spread. These cells can form a malignant tumour that can invade and damage the surrounding area and spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. If the spread of these tumours is not controlled, it can cause death. The effectiveness of treatment and survival rates can vary between different cancers and patients.

While the causes of many cancers are not fully understood, there are some known risk factors, some of which may be modifiable and some which are not. These risk factors include biomedical factors (for example genetic susceptibility and hormonal factors), behavioural factors (for example smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity) and environmental factors (for example sunlight and radiation. Early diagnosis and access to culturally safe treatment are key to survival.

One in two Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a higher incidence of fatal, screen-detectable and preventable cancers and are more likely to be diagnosed at more advanced stages, often with comorbidities that are more complex. with non-Indigenous Australians diagnosed with the same cancer, Indigenous Australians are disadvantaged because they are usually diagnosed later with more advanced disease, are less likely to have treatment, and often have to wait longer for surgery than non-Indigenous patients. This highlights the inequities within the health system experienced by Indigenous Australians.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Cancer Council Australia’s most popular fundraising event and the largest most successful event of its kind in Australia. Funds raised go towards Cancer Council Australia’s world class research and support programs.

You can find more information about Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Cancer Council Australia’s website here.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 2024.

22 May 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.

Over-policing during pandemic amplified disadvantage

A new report has claimed disadvantaged and First Nations children in NSW were targeted by police during the COVID-19 pandemic, with fines up to $5,000 being issued, pushing families into financial hardship. Commissioned by the Redfern Legal Centre (RLC), the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS), Children and Covid-19 Fines in NSW paints a troubling picture of the over-policing of disadvantaged communities during the pandemic which was “unsuitable for achieving positive public health outcomes for children”.

The report observes fines were disproportionately issued to marginalised groups throughout the state, including to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with cognitive disabilities, and children experiencing socio-economic challenges such as homelessness, or unsafe home environments. Between March 2020, and September 2022, 3,628 children in NSW received a penalty notice for a breach of a public health order. More than half of those were fixed at $1,000 and some were as high as $5,000.

Chair of the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) NSW/ACT, Karly Warner, said Aboriginal communities set the “gold standard” for caring for each other during the pandemic. “Yet our children paid a higher price because of the Government’s punitive approach to enforcing public health orders,” Ms Warner said. “Fines are an extension of the way Aboriginal children are criminalised and punished in NSW. It’s time to reform the archaic and unjust fines system.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article “Simply amplifies disadvantage”: First Nations and disadvantaged children targeted by NSW police during COVID lockdowns, report reveals in full click here.

Aboriginal Legal Service CEO Karly Warner portrait shot against ATSI crocodile painting

Aboriginal Legal Service CEO Karly Warner says the fines are an extension of the way Aboriginal children are criminalised. Photo: NATSILS. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

ACCHO purchases primary health centre

Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative has announced its purchase of Lyndoch Living’s primary health centre. The building, which cost Lyndoch Living about $25m to build, went on the market in October 2023 – less than a year after it opened.  Gunditjmara had planned major renovations of its Kepler Street site but costs of the works soared to $9.5m in February 2024. Costs had blown out by more than $4m.

Gunditjmara CEO Danny Chatfield said a decision was made to make the move to the Hopkins River location. “The decision to purchase the Lyndoch primary health centre came just at the right moment, presenting an ideal alternative when opportunity knocked,” Mr Chatfield said in a statement.

“The facility, situated beside the significant Hopkins River – a site of profound cultural importance to the Maar society- came as a perfect fit. This idyllic and tranquil setting naturally aligns with Gunditjmara’s holistic approach to health and social care, which encompasses a full spectrum of services from birth to elderhood. Undoubtedly, it will enhance both the physical and cultural well-being of our community members, visitors, and staff,” Mr Chatfield said.

The above has been extracted from an article ‘Just at the right moment’: Gunditjmara buys Lyndoch primary health centre published in The Standard last night (21 May 2024).

Lyndoch Living primary health centre

Gunditjamara Aboriginal Corporative has bought Lyndoch Living’s primary health centre. Image source: The Standard.

Call for greater LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in palliative care

“Discrimination drives many LGBTIQ+ people to avoid healthcare or avoid disclosing their diverse bodies, sexual orientations or genders. This directly impacts on their end-of-life planning,” said Dr Ruth McNair, GP, and honorary Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne. “Barriers to end-of-life care for LGBTIQ+ people can be overcome. Further education within the healthcare sector would greatly improve awareness of issues unique to LGBTIQ+ patients.” These comments for greater inclusivity come ahead of National Palliative Care Week, happening from Sunday, 19 May to Saturday, 25 May 2024. “When healthcare providers encourage LGBTIQ+ people to establish an advanced care directive, it can have a ripple effect throughout LGBTIQ+ communities where other people also better prepare for end-of-life scenarios,” Dr McNair said.

Dr McNair has been deeply involved in the LGBTIQ+ health space for a long time, collaborating closely with LHA and actively participating in its LGBTIQ+ Palliative Care Project. This year, LHA launched the LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Palliative Care eLearning to promote inclusivity in palliative care. This program offers professional development for the palliative care workforce focused on providing safe, inclusive palliative care that respects and supports LGBTIQ+ people, ensuring they can access care, free from discrimination. The four-module eLearning program is accessible at no cost to those working in palliative care or with an interest in the field.

“Fears of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and elder abuse can be highly distressing to older people who have faced these challenges in the past. As such, there is an urgent need for the aged care and primary care sectors to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ people when accessing palliative care services,” Dr McNair said.

To view the Healthcare Channel article Call for greater LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in palliative care in full click here.

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia logo & portrait shot of Dr Ruth McNair

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia logo & Dr Ruth McNair. Image sources: LGBTIQ+ Health Australia website & The University of Melbourne website.

First Nations Aged Care Commissioner reports in

The Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Ms Andrea Kelly, who commenced in the role on 8 January 2024, is currently conductingnation-wide consultations, to hear directly from First Nations older people, families, carers, communities and providers about their experiences accessing and engaging in the aged care system. Commissioner Kelly has been visiting communities across Australia, ensuring there is a mix of very remote, remote, regional and urban locations. She has also been speaking with a mix of service types who provide aged care to older First Nations people.

During these consultations, Commissioner Kelly has invited feedback on two questions::

  • What changes are required to enable culturally safe, trauma-aware and healing-informed access to the aged care system for older First Nations people, carers, families and communities?
  • · Should there be a permanent, statutory First Nations Aged Care Commissioner? If so, what should their functions and authority be?

Commissioner Kelly is not surprised that the community-controlled sector and organisations with long standing relationships in these communities have the solutions to deliver aged care to older First Nations people.

Some of the key themes Commissioner Kelly has heard so far from older First Nations people and the sector include:

  • wait times from assessment through to service provision are taking too long
  • allowing flexibility in funding models mean that care is localised and reflective of the needs of the individual
  • employing staff to work in the sector is difficult due to the lack of safe and affordable accommodation for workforce, particularly in remote and very remote communities
  • the importance of culture and remaining connected to Country and community is significant to the mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of older First Nations people

You can access the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner – Communique – May 2024 in full on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website here.

cover of Aust Govt DoHAC publication, text 'Communique - May 2024 Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner' & DoHAC logo & ATSI art in orange & aqua

Image source: Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Aged Care Star Ratings – have your say

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care has engaged Allen + Clarke Consulting to undertake an evaluation of Star Ratings for residential aged care. As part of the evaluation, Allen + Clarke Consulting is undertaking consultation with consumers and a range of stakeholders across the aged care sector, including representatives from aged care organisations, advocacy groups, service providers, and staff working in residential aged care.

As part of their consultation process, Allen + Clarke Consulting invite you to an interview. Your participation in an interview will help Allen + Clarke Consulting to understand whether Star Ratings are contributing to improved quality of care in residential aged care homes, and how well Star Ratings are working to improve transparency and decision-making about aged care for older people and their families and carers. If you’d prefer, you can delegate this invitation to another colleague in your organisation. You are also welcome to bring one or two additional team members to participate in the interview.

The interview will be held online and will be up to 45 minutes in length.

Key areas that may be discussed include:

  • How well do Star Ratings address the specific challenges and requirements of First Nations people?
  • What is the level of awareness about Star Ratings among First Nations people making decisions about aged care for themselves or someone else?
  • Should Star Ratings be expanded to National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) services?
  • What are the potential benefits and enablers for publishing Star NATSIFAC service types?
  • What challenges and considerations would need to be considered when implementing Star Ratings for MPS and NATSIFAC service types?

Interviews will run until Friday 31 May. If you would like to participate in an interview, please book a time here. If none of the dates offered are suitable, you can contact the evaluation team via email here and hey will find another time that is convenient for you. Prior to the interview, please review and sign the online consent form, available here. The online consent form also contains additional information on this work, including information about privacy and how your information will be handled.

Allen + Clarke Consulting will also be administering an online survey for sector stakeholders. If you are unable to participate in an interview, they would welcome your feedback through the survey. Please email the Allen + Clarke Consulting team, here, to request a link to the survey, if you have any questions or wish to know more. Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Health and Aged Care Star Ratings evaluation manager, Leanne Altinger via email 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.

Exercise Right Week – 20–26 May 2024

Exercise Right is a public awareness campaign which was developed by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) in 2014. Its purpose is to inspire and inform all Australians to move more and to demonstrate the importance of seeking the right exercise expert for their requirements. ESSA have an Exercise Right blog which aims to educate Australians about the importance of exercise for general health, as well as for the prevention and management of a range of chronic conditions and injuries. Content on the ESSA blog is all evidence based and written by ESSA members.

Exercise Right Week runs from the 20–26 of May 2024. The campaign is all about promoting the health benefits of physical activity and showing Australians how they can “Exercise Right” for their needs. This year, the theme for Exercise Right Week is “Just Move”. Exercise Right Week is promoted in the Department of Health’s national events calendar, and continues to gain recognition in the allied health community.

You can find more information on the Exercise Right Week website here.

OAMS tile text 'Exercise Right Week 20-26 May 2024 - Just Move.; OAMS walu-win garraba logo & 2 staff members

Image source: Orange Aboriginal Medical Service LinkedIn page.