Category Members NEWS

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Contact Colin Cowell
NACCHO Communications and Media
nacchonews@naccho.org.au
Tel 0401331251

19 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.

What is FASD, and why do so many children with it end up in Australia’s justice system?

Vulnerable young people and communities concerned about crime would both benefit from better screening and support for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), experts say.

FASD is caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb. There is no known safe level of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. Because alcohol crosses the placenta, maternal and foetal blood alcohol concentrations can rapidly reach the same level but the foetus’s organs are not developed enough to break the alcohol down and remove it. This disrupts brain and other organ development.

Most crucial to preventing children with FASD ending up embedded in the justice system, is early screening, and alcohol and drinking education.

Dr Robyn Williams, a senior research fellow and FASD expert at Curtin University medical school, says she has many stories of youth receiving early treatment for FASD who never encounter the justice system, and who find employment and independence as adults.

The Noongar woman from WA runs training in Indigenous communities about FASD, and has researched how families caring for Aboriginal children with FASD understand the condition and access care.

Common misconceptions about FASD are prevalent among GPs and child protection and youth justice workers, she says, further delaying diagnosis and care. A myth also persists that “FASD is only an Aboriginal problem”.

“This is not an Aboriginal problem and the majority of Aboriginal people don’t even drink,” she says. But about 60% of all pregnant women in Australia drink, with about half stopping once they realise they are pregnant.

Aboriginal people who do drink are more likely to drink at risky levels. This means that the prevalence of FASD among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is disproportionately higher than the non-Indigenous population, says Pat Turner, the chief executive of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

“This is a direct consequence of colonisation, racism and poor social health determinants,” she says. “It is essential approaches to prevent and support people living with FASD are culturally safe, trauma-aware and led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”

To read The Guardian news article in full, go here.

Children with FASD have a brain injury that means their cognitive skills are well below their chronological age. They might not be able to differentiate right from wrong, which can get them in trouble with the youth justice system. Illustration: James Gulliver Hancock/The Guardian.

Help shape a brighter future for mums and bubs

NACCHO is inviting you to attend Maternal and Child Health regional workshops as part of the consultation to inform the development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Maternal and Child Health Plan (the Plan) 2025-2035. This Plan will set out an approach to Close the Gap for mums and bubs, and guide governments’ investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MCH services over the short, medium, and long-term.

The Plan has been receiving extensive consultation with Members, including through the survey, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MCH Expert Advisory Group and a series of face-to-face opportunities for discussion.

Noting the excellent services delivered by members and common experiences faced, we are inviting you to engage in the regional workshop to inform NACCHO and Government on the MCH needs of ACCHOs Australia-wide.

With your help, we hope to highlight and scale up your successes and sustainably address gaps and barriers to improve maternal and child health services. Please contact the NACCHO Maternal and Child Health team if you require assistance or have any questions about the regional workshops or the consultation process.

Maternal and Child Health regional workshops dates and locations:

  • Perth: 7 August
  • Darwin: 14 August
  • Sydney: 16 August
  • Brisbane: 20 August

We kindly ask that you RSVP by 1st August 2024. To RSVP, go here.

For any questions, reach out to the friendly NACCHO Maternal and Child Health team:

Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative launches Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care program

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are 22 times more likely to be removed from their families and placed in the child protection system than non-Indigenous children in Victoria. Massive steps are underway across the state to change that statistic as Aboriginal people are given legal authority to become decision makers for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care. The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative has become the third organisation in Victoria to run the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care program, following Bendigo and Melbourne.

Program manager Jess Wall said it was changing the trajectories of Aboriginal children.

“It is giving community, families and children self determination back and decision making back with Aboriginal people instead of having the department make those decisions,” she said.

Ms Wall said while her staff were required to operate within the same legislation as the Victorian child protection service, their approach was vastly different.

“Working within community, we usually know the family,” she said.

“Working together with the family is the point of difference, really hearing their voices and working alongside them.”

Njernda Aboriginal Cooperative in Echuca and Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative in Shepparton have been going through the authorisation process. Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative director of child safety and cultural support, Jodie Kinsmore, said she had seen higher rates of family reunification.

Ms Kinsmore said they have received feedback from people saying they wouldn’t have their kids back if it wasn’t for them or the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care program. She said the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care program was healing of intergenerational trauma that had created distrust in child protection services.

To read the ABC News article in full, go here.

The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative has become part of the program.(Supplied: Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative).

Calls for greater diabetes technology access

Diabetes Australia is calling on the government to support access to life-changing diabetes technology for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Attending a community event hosted by Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation in Sydney’s Mount Druitt area, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain highlighted the advantages of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for people living with type 2 diabetes.

This National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), Ms Cain is calling on the Federal Government to invest $200 million in access to life-changing diabetes technologies for those Australians who need it the most.

“Our recent report, the State of the Nation, outlined how diabetes is disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Cain said.

“The evidence is clear. The diabetes epidemic is having a profound impact in Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islander communities and there is an urgent need to bring about change.”

Gomeroi man and award-winning exercise physiologist Ray Kelly has delivered the successful Too Deadly for Diabetes program through Marrin Weejali and said CGMs provide great education on glucose management.

“However, they aren’t subsidised, and are out of reach for many people who can’t afford them,” Mr Kelly said.

“We began using the technology in the Too Deadly for Diabetes program in 2022 and the impact was instant. We were already getting great health outcomes for our participants, but CGMs made it easier and safer to transition people off insulin.

“Many of the people in the program had been on insulin for over a decade so reading their glucose levels in real time gave them confidence in what they were doing.

“The alarm settings warned them if their glucose levels dropped too low, and the time in range reports gave their GPs clear information on how they were progressing. It’s been a game-changer!”

To read the article in full, go here.

Image source: Diabetes Australia.

Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum launches new Strategic Plan

Co-chairs of the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum (KAHPF) launched the new Strategic Plan 2024-2028 Together in Wellness, last week. The new Strategic Plan now firmly aligns the work of the KAHPF with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the four priority reforms – which is important to further bolster efforts to make an impact on the socio-economic targets that have an impact on life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Strategic priorities outlined in the new plan include:

  • Reform: Embed the elements of the four priority reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap into all collaborative efforts of the KAHPF.
  • Improved health system: Deliver holistic health, aged care and disability services to Kimberley Aboriginal people and communities, focusing on environmental health, health promotion, and the prevention and management of primary and acute care issues.
  • Aboriginal workforce: Prioritise, grow, and sustain Aboriginal representation and leadership across the Kimberley health, disability, and aged care workforces.
  • Shared knowledge: Ensure that health research and evaluation initiatives are co-designed in a culturally secure manner and clear outcomes are achieved.
  • Genuine partnership: Embed shared decision-making, genuine partnerships, and collaborative approaches across Kimberley health, disability, and aged care planning, coordination, advocacy, and service delivery.

KAHPF also recently marked its 26-year anniversary. Formed in 1998, KAHPF has grown to become the leading regional health and wellbeing forum in the Kimberley region of WA.

To read the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum Strategic Plan 2024-2028 Together in Wellness, go here.

Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum (KAHPF) launched the new Strategic Plan 2024-2028 Together in Wellness and celebrated 26 years of the Forum. Image source: KAMS.

Research into the commercial determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

Five expert research teams will share in an investment of $7 million in funding to support targeted health and medical research into the commercial determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The funding, to be provided through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Targeted Call for Research (TCR): Commercial determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health 2023, will stimulate innovative research aiming to drive better health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Researchers from across Australia will share in this funding with project scopes that recognise and adjust for the interplay between social, cultural, economic, and commercial determinants of health and how they compound to influence health outcomes. These projects are intended to collectively deliver on developing evidence that contributes towards a response to strengthen national systems, inform policy design and development, and contribute towards information that will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to take action.

Ms Carol-Lynne Christophersen from Menzies School of Health Research will lead Project White-Ant with Dr Cassandra Wright, which aims to generate knowledge that can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to protect against harms caused by commercial systems.

Conducted in partnership with Aboriginal communities in the NT and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, this project will improve our understanding of how communities can take action to protect against harms caused by commercial entities, and what protections are preferred.

To read the NHMRC media release in full, go here.

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

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

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.

3 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.

CTG PBS Co-payment Program has been expanded

The Closing the Gap (CTG) PBS Co-payment Program has been expanded to include section 100 (S100) PBS medicines dispensed by community pharmacies, approved medical practitioners, and private hospitals in Australia. This expansion is in addition to the section 85 (general schedule) medicines which are also dispensed under this program. The initiative also covers all section 100 PBS medicines supplied under Continued Dispensing arrangements. Starting from 1 January 2025, the program will extend to all section 85 and 100 PBS medicines currently dispensed by public hospitals around the country.

The CTG PBS Co-payment Program aims to improve access to PBS medicines for First Nations people with or at risk of chronic diseases, and addresses the significant barrier of medicine costs. It helps ensure they can adhere to their prescribed medication regimen, reducing the likelihood of setbacks in the prevention or management of their conditions.

Registered participants on the CTG PBS Co-payment Register who would normally pay the full general PBS co-payment amount now pay the concessional rate. Those who already pay the concessional rate receive their medicines for free, without any co-payment costs. Additionally, the Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services (RAAHS) program complements this initiative by allowing clients in remote areas to receive free PBS medicines directly from their RAAHS without the need for a normal PBS script.

You can find more detailed information about the expansion of the CTG PBS Co-Payment Program on the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s PBS News webpage here. 

New programs to combat diabetes and chronic conditions

Two new programs will be rolled out this year to help combat diabetes and other chronic conditions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is good news for the Mackay community, according to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Mackay Integrated Team Care (ITC) team.

ATSICHS Mackay Indigenous Health Project Officer Sharni Scott-Knight (nee Dorante) said the ITC team recently participated in the Diabetes Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Diabetes training as well as the My Health for Life facilitator training. “These programs are currently in the planning stages and will be rolled out this year,” Mrs Scott-Knight said.

“These programs will be extremely beneficial to help people manage their chronic conditions and continue to access culturally safe and high-quality health care services, at both ACCHOs and mainstream private practice” said Mrs Scott-Knight.

To view the PHN Northern Queensland article Our Region, Our People: Meet Sharni in full click here.

-R: ITC Outreach Worker Atha Power, ITC Care Coordinator - Private Practices patients Alma Hawdon, ITC Care Coordinator - ATSICHS Mackay patients Thelma Fry, and Indigenous Health Project Officer/Team Leader Sharni Scott-Knight

L-R: ITC Outreach Worker Atha Power, ITC Care Coordinator – Private Practices patients Alma Hawdon, ITC Care Coordinator – ATSICHS Mackay patients Thelma Fry, and Indigenous Health Project Officer/Team Leader Sharni Scott-Knight. Image source: PHN Northern Queensland website.

GPs key to overcoming immunisation misinformation

AMA President Professor Steve Robson says support for general practitioners (GPs) in continuing to play the lead role in vaccinating the community must be at the heart of Australia’s next National Immunisation Strategy. In its submission, available here, to the federal government’s public consultation on the 2025–2030 National Immunisation Strategy, the AMA has highlighted the critical role GPs have played in the achievement of world leading rates of vaccination in Australia and calls for this to be strengthened even further. Prof Robson said the situation around the world was concerning, as a drop in childhood vaccinations is driving a global resurgence of measles and other infectious diseases.

“Australia’s world-leading National Immunisation Program has led to an exceptionally high rate of childhood immunisation, but there are many challenges to overcome on the path to the national coverage target of 95%,” Professor Robson said. “We are unfortunately still seeing misinformation about vaccines spreading like wildfire on social media, while a mixture of vaccine hesitancy and fatigue set in following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Data shows immunisation rates are falling among Australia’s most vulnerable cohorts, including the elderly and children, amid a significant rise of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV and whooping cough this winter. “GPs have proven to be the best at ensuring Australians receive their vaccinations in a safe and timely manner, as shown by the impressive growth in vaccination rates over the past 25 years,” Professor Robson said. “This is because GPs spend time with patients to answer questions and discuss any concerns a patient might have, helping to counter the rise of dangerous misinformation.”

To view the AMA’s media release GPs critical to overcoming vaccine misinformation and fatigue in full click here.

Utju (Areyonga) NT resident receiving a vaccination

Residents in the remote NT community of Utju (Areyonga) were proud of the community’s vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Samantha Jonscher, ABC Alice Springs.

Healthcare workforce growing slower than demand

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) report Australian’s Health 2024 shows Australia’s healthcare system is facing increasing strain despite record resourcing. Despite workforce growth, increasing demand on the healthcare system has led to a shortage of healthcare workers across the country. Four out of five (82%) of health occupations were in shortage in 2023, with particularly acute shortages of general practitioners, nurses and mental health professionals.

The report gives three main reasons for the growth in healthcare demand: an aging population, rising concerns about mental health, and redistribution. As people age, there is a higher prevalence of chronic conditions and a greater need for medical care. AIHW CEO Zoran Bolevich said “Chronic conditions present a key challenge for individuals, health providers and society as a whole. Individuals with chronic conditions often have complex needs that require services from all levels of the health system.”

AIHW reports routinely show the relationship between healthcare quality and proximity to a major city is almost linear. The cost of programs that redistribute health resources to under-serviced areas increases costs to the system as a whole. Health inequalities persist for many population groups in Australia — including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in rural and remote communities.

To view The Mandarin article AIHW data shows healthcare workforce growing slower than demand in full click here.

Shield yourself from shingles – what you need to know

In the video below Dr Richard Mills (GP) speaks with Trina Scott (Registered Nurse and Bundjalung woman) about the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, that’s just been made free for nearly 5 million eligible Australians. Dr Mills has been a GP for over 30 years with half that time spent working as a GP for an ACCHO in Qld and also in the NT.  Trina Scott works in primary health care, First Nations health, diabetes education and nurse navigation.

Dr Mills and Ms Scott explain what shingles is and why it’s important for people to protect themselves against shingles, especially as they get older and if they are immunocompromised. Over 95% of Australians over the age of 30 have had chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox as a child, there’s a good change that you’ll have shingles as an adult. About one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime with the risk increasing with age and in those 65 years and older. First Nations Australians are more likely to experience complications from shingles from the age of 50.

There are changes to the shingles vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, replaced Zostavax and is available for free for a broader group of people at higher risk of serious illness. You’re eligible for the free Shingrix vaccine if you’re aged 65 years and over, you’re a First Nations person aged 50 and over, or you’re an immunocompromised adult with eligible medical conditions.

To view the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s webpage Shield yourself from shingles – Get your questions answered here.

Integrated PHC key oral health in remote areas

Access to oral health care for rural and remote Australians is limited, particularly for underserved populations that rely on public dental services. This includes First Nations Peoples. This is largely due to poor distribution of oral health services and a limited dental workforce supply in these areas.

Released on 20 June by Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association’s (AHHA) Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research, the Issues Brief ‘Integrating oral health into primary healthcare for improved access to oral health care for rural and remote populations’ synthesises evidence about the extent of access challenges in rural and remote Australia.

AHHA CEO Kylie Woolcock said the Issues Brief “highlights the missed opportunities for inter-professional collaboration and interoperability of oral and primary healthcare professionals, as there are no mandated data reporting, management, and sharing mechanisms between dental and broader healthcare systems.” The Issues Brief recommends improving health training for rural and remote primary healthcare professionals, allowing primary healthcare professionals to include oral health care in their scope of practice, identifying oral health as a ‘core’ primary healthcare service, increasing interoperability and data sharing, and improving access to oral health care under Medicare for rural and remote populations.

To view the Retail Pharmacy article Integrated Primary Health Care key to oral health improvement in rural and remote Australia in full click here.

UQ Dental Clinic in Dalby; Aboriginal man receiving treatment

University of Queensland Dental Clinic in Dalby. Photo: Laura Cocks, BC Southern Qld.

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.

20 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.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Elders share wisdom and stories to encourage men at Bega Garnbirringu mental health event

Aboriginal elders in Kalgoorlie-Boulder offered wisdom and shared stories as they encouraged younger men to look after themselves and each other at a men’s mental health lunch. Bega Garnbirringu Health Service hosted the event, with Indigenous men given the chance to connect with one another over a meal. Local elders Aubrey Lynch, Allan Bonney and Ron Harrington-Smith shared moving stories from their childhood and inspired attendees to have important conversations with their mates.

Bega Garnbirringu social and emotional wellbeing councillor Bret Lambadgee helped organise the event to help men in the community learn skills to cope with the challenges of life.

“Unfortunately a lot of men are killing themselves whether they’re Indigenous or not, so it is about saving our men really,” he said.

“We need the men to know their value that they matter, that we acknowledge them, we see them.

“Just to know there’s support out there is really important those supports to help you get through the low times in life because we all know what life is like — it goes up and down.”

NDIS remote community connecter Rex Weldon said the advice of Elders was central to Aboriginal culture.

“The whole idea of having the event incorporate our elders, who are always inspirational to us, and that’s in our culture, to listen to what they have to say,” Mr Weldon said.

He said the event was also a chance for more people to learn about the services on offer at Bega.

“We’ve got a number of clients that are doing it hard out there and the system from our perspective seems to be failing them a bit so we need to get the word out there that we have resources here available — wraparound services within the one organisation.”

To read the full article, go here.

Goldfields Aboriginal elders Aubrey Lynch, Allan Bonney and Ron Harrington-Smith shared stories at the men’s mental health event organised by Rex Weldon and his team. Credit: Anneke de Boer.

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.

Ray Martin backs new facility for Tamworth Aboriginal medical Service

A planned new Aboriginal medical service is still waiting on government funding, but its proponents hope work can get under way in the next 12 months. Since opening their doors 30 years ago, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS) has provided a range of services to Tamworth’s Indigenous community. Having outgrown their Peel Street facility, the planned $20.2 million medical centre has been on the agenda “for a long time,” TAMS CEO Damion Brown said.

“We have put in for two federal proposal and we have gotten through to the second round of both proposals,” Mr Browns said.

“We have been notified that we were not successful in one of those.”

But the TAMS board is not giving up hope, as they await the outcome of the second grant application. Highly regarded television journalist Ray Martin was in the region last week to film a documentary about the TAMS project.

“TAMS is pretty unique,” he told the Leader.

“They do about 200 patients a day and 6,000 plus a year. They are now too big for their building, which is filled with damp and leaks.”

Over the course of four days, Mr Martin visited the Tamworth-based facility, met with staff and looked over plans for the proposed South Tamworth medical cantre.

“TAMS is doing a great job, and I don’t understand what the problem is; why the government cannot say, ‘tick that box and support them.’”

If given the green light for funding, the facility will be built in a “centeralised” location in South Tamworth. Mr Brown said the new facility would be “fit-for-purpose” and “culturally aligned.” It would also provide a variety of services, including elderly care, homelessness services, mental health support, GP visitation, and more.

The TAMS CEO hopes to see shovels hit the ground in the next 12 months.

To read the full article, go here.

Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services CEO Damion Brown in front of the Peel Street facility they have outgrown. Picture by Peter Hardin.

Supporting your journey after losing bub

The Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence’s Jiba Pepeny (Star Baby) Supporting your journey after losing bub is a resource made by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people with the support of the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence and Mater Research.

Aboriginal people have higher rates of stillbirth than non-Indigenous people. The Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence and its partners identified that there is little availability of culturally supportive, responsive and safe services and resources that are directly related to stillbirth and caring for families during Sorry Business.

This resource is a way to support you through the Sorry Business of losing your little bub. In hopes this guide gives you the information you need to feel strong in the decisions you are making for yourself and Bub.

To view the Jiba Pepeny (Star Baby) Supporting your journey after losing bub resource, go here, and for further resources, go here.

Jiba Pepeny (Star Baby) Supporting your journey after losing bub cover.

VACCHO says raising the age of criminal responsibility is a step forward, however ‘bolder steps are needed’

Victoria’s peak Indigenous-controlled health organisation has welcomed the state government’s decision to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 – without exceptions – but warned it would need to be raised to 14 to avoid the well-known detrimental impacts of criminalising children.

Announced on Tuesday, the Victorian government’s decision to raise the age – a long-term priority for the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), along with other Indigenous organisations, human rights groups, and medical experts – means the state will be the first in the country to raise the age without carve outs.

Chief executive Jill Gallagher said the announcement was “long overdue,” but called on the government to be “bold and brave and truly lead the way” by increasing the age to 14.

“Contact with the criminal justice system continues to stigmatise young people and makes it more likely that they will have ongoing contact with the system,” the Gunditjmara woman said.

“This exacerbates intergenerational trauma and perpetuates cycles of disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Victoria.”

VACCHO, who along with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) have been two of the most high profile organisations in Victoria calling for the age to be raised, said whilst the decision was welcomed, they mirrored VALS’ concerns yesterday that the age of criminal responsibility should be immediately raised to 14 – in line with medical expert advice and international standards for child development.

“While VACCHO believes the move to raise the age to 12 is a step in the right direction, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the 12-13 age bracket will continue to be disadvantaged, and experience poorer outcomes than their non-Aboriginal peers,” a statement said.

The organisation argued there should be a “greater focus and investment in evidence-based trauma informed intervention programs,” arguing they better address the cause of offending, and offer support that reduces recidivism in the long-term.

The Victorian government has committed to raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 by 2027, with an independent review panel announced in October having already begun consultations on a new alternative service model.

To read the National Indigenous Times article, go here.

VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher has urged the age to be raised to 14. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Indigenous language program for patients takes flight

Indigenous language-speakers in rural NT can expect better communication with air ambulance staff after a leading service introduced cutting-edge digital communication tools. Aeromedical service CareFlight has developed animated video content in Indigenous languages to foster better communication between First Nations patients and English-speaking staff.

The videos explain patients’ rights and expectations as well as detailing how to provide feedback and complaints.

“We had a poster that was full of English language that, you know, was quite long,” CareFlight nursing director Amanda Quinn said.

“And we kind of looked at it going, how can we do this in a more meaningful way?”

The videos, created by Indigenous graphic designers Echo Whiskey with support from Viva Energy, will be presented on an iPad and available in nine languages that can be selected on a map.

“We talked about iPads for patients to be able to distract them if they’re in pain, particularly for the kids, and we kind of went, well, we could combine this” Ms Quinn said.

The service estimates about 90% of its patients in rural NT are Indigenous and it expects the program will significantly improve the delivery of healthcare in the region.

“We’re picking up some of the most vulnerable patients on the worst days of their life,” Ms Quinn said.

“We’re always wanting to make sure our messaging gets across and the patient feels more comfortable and supported.”

To read the full article, go here.

CareFlight NT is using an Indigenous language program to better inform its patients. (HANDOUT/CAREFLIGHT).

Improving access to comprehensive eye care

Shane Brookman, former owner of Capital Eye and founder of Angel Eyecare, a mobile optometry service which provides comprehensive eye exams that check for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and corrective eyewear from the comfort of peoples’ home.

“There’s plenty of people sitting at their homes right now that can’t get to their local optometrist because of mobility issues and need to have a medical health professional come to them,” says Shane.

“No matter where they are, even if they’re in residential aged care, nursing homes, veteran centres, if we can just get one son or daughter to say, ‘my mum needs this, my dad needs this’, call me up and I can go there.”

In the last five years, Shane says mobile optometry technology has rapidly grown, with portable devices that can photograph the back of a person’s eye and show if they have diabetes, high blood pressure or cataracts, and devices to take photos of the front of the eye to look out for cancers.

Shane also established the eye clinic at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services in 2017, after learning there is a 20-year health gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

“My grandmother was indigenous, and so from a very young age, she kind of drummed into me, ‘this is part of who you are, don’t forget this side of who you are’.

“So I felt very moved by that, and I approached Winnunga and said: ‘I’m an optometrist, I’ve got a special interest here because of my family connection, I’ve got a practice in Barton, how can I help?’”

Shane says his ultimate aim is to improve lives through the gift of sight, including for patients who may not be able to afford or easily access comprehensive eye care.

“It’s all about removing the barriers to quality care by providing an essential community service, and preventing blindness,” he says.

To read the full article Optometrist meets his mission with mobile eye tests, go here.

Mobile optometrist Shane Brookman conducts an eye test at a patient’s home. Image source: CBR City 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.

17 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.

New guaranteed funding boosts ACCHOs nationwide

First Nations health services will have certainty to plan for the medium-term future, as the federal government announced four-year rolling funding agreements from 1 July, along with a $300m funding boost. ACCHOs play an integral role in First Nations health and self-determination, delivering holistic, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate health care to the community which controls it. Last year, 120 ACCHOs delivered health care to more than 410,000 people in First Nations communities across the country. NACCHO Acting CEO Dawn Casey said the new rolling arrangements and increased funding would provide “crucial financial stability” for the sector. “This recognition further reflects the Sector’s longstanding provision of healthcare across diverse settings, from very remote to urban areas,” Dr Casey said.

Indigenous Minister Linda Burney said the government knows “communities have the solutions to so many challenges that face us. This new funding agreement will give ACCHOs the certainty they need to plan for the future, and work towards long term solutions.” Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said ACCHOs “are a place that’s culturally safe for First Nations people to go to. They are also fluent in languages; for example, in Miwatj with the Yolngu language in central Australia, there are certainly languages there that need to be spoken and interpreted. So, it is a place that First Nations people feel they can go to talk about really important health issues.”

She highlighted the role ACCHOs play in education, noting it is a key component of chronic disease prevention. In reference to the NT – where more than 30% of residents identify as First Nations – Senator McCarthy said places such as Ampilatwatja which will see its funding increase by 5%, while there will also be increases for Anyinginyi in Tennant Creek, Katherine West, the Laynhapuy Homelands in northeast Arnhem Land and the Marthakal Homelands Aboriginal Corporation.

To view the National Indigenous Times article New funding and four-year guarantee boosts Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations nationwide in full click here.

Linda Burney and Malarndirri McCarthy

L-R: Linda Burney and Malarndirri McCarthy say ACCHOs are vital for First Nations health outcomes. Photo: AAP. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Telstra outage causes ACCHOs to temporarily shut

Two SA Aboriginal health services say they have had to temporarily close their clinics due to a nationwide data outage impacting some Telstra customers, which has also left three councils unable to perform critical services for almost two weeks. Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation in Ceduna, on the west coast of SA, is one of the organisations impacted. Its CEO, Simon Prideaux, said the corporation had been without access to patient medical records, allergy information, specialist letters or appointment bookings since 1 June, prompting it to temporarily close its clinic this week.

“It’s extremely limiting the medical care that we’re able to provide safely … [and] it’s very concerning considering most of our cohort are Aboriginal people with chronic illnesses,” Mr Prideaux said. “We’ve had a loss of specialists coming over with their flights, their salaries and their accommodation that we’ve already pre-paid. We’ve had to cancel diabetes educators because we’re unable to access their bookings and phone numbers for clients, so the list is quite extensive.”

The Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service in Whyalla has also had to cancel its services, including visiting specialists. “It’s very frustrating not only for the backlog of work that people are going to have to do, but for all of the patients who are really quite vulnerable, walking around not being able to access healthcare,” Nunyara CEO Cindy Zbierski said. “It’s a lot safer to not provide a service and so we’ve been providing transport to other services and the hospital.”

To view the ABC News article Telstra outage forces Aboriginal health clinics to temporarily shut and causes ‘frustrating’ disruptions at regional councils in full click here.

sign at front of Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc indicating location of parking

The Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service at Whyalla is one of the medical clinics that has been forced to shut. Photo: Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service. Image source: ABC News.

Telehealth program to provide support after infant loss

Cassidy Barlow’s friends didn’t understand when she told them her daughter was born sleeping. Health workers and relatives couldn’t always find the right words to comfort the 18-year-old after Delylah was stillborn at 24 weeks in 2020. With the Queensland health system in lockdown at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barlow was often alone without any visitors. Then when she tried to access mental health support, she was turned away due to long waiting lists. “Having a healthy baby is isolating on its own but having a baby where you don’t get to bring them home is even more isolating,” Barlow said.

Barlow is one of many women whose stories informed the launch of a new national perinatal psychology service. The telehealth program is run by social enterprise Rural Health Connect. It is funded by the federal government for four years to support rural, Indigenous, migrant and young women and families after infant loss. Rural Health Connect founder Megan Gomez said the service aims to overcome common barriers to accessing care, like distance, social stigma, long waiting times and high costs.

“Telehealth has really changed everything for people living in the bush,” Gomez said. “Before, you had to drive to the practitioner you wanted to see and you didn’t have any choice in who you could see. Now, suddenly, you can access an expert in a particular field even if they live in another state.” The platform’s psychologists have been given specialist training in perinatal support, including culturally sensitive care. Patients need to be referred by their GP and bulk billing or low gap fees are available for those in financial need.

To view the SBS News article When Cassidy’s baby was stillborn, she couldn’t access support. Now, that’s changing in full click here.

Waminda midwife Mel Briggs

Waminda midwife Mel Briggs says stillbirth can be reduced in Aboriginal communities through early and frequent access to trusted, professional and community-based maternity care that is immersed in tradition and culture. Photo: Janie Barrett. Image source: The Sydney Morning Herald.

‘If the land is sick, so are we’

First Nations peoples have been present on the Australian continent for more than 65,000 years. During this time, they have managed to develop and maintain continuous, unbroken connections with the land, water and sky. Understanding the deep interrelatedness between humans and their (human and nonhuman) kin and ancestors instilled a sense of responsibility, through custodianship of their environment. The aim of this was to survive, and to promote a sense of ecological and cosmological balance. Indigenous Australian spiritualities understand this balance, which is essential to living in harmony with all things in creation.

More than two-thirds of young Australians are experiencing eco-anxiety, while almost half of Australians believe our country is in “decline”. First Nations spiritualities may have some answers. First Nations spirituality promotes a strong sense of interrelatedness and interconnectedness between all things, particularly people and the planet. Aboriginal Elders have said we are a reflection of the Country: if the land is sick, so are we. If the land is healthy (or punyu), so are we.

Wik First Nations scholar Tyson Yunkaporta says our collective wellbeing can only be sustained through a life of communication with a sentient landscape and all things on it. In a time when we as a global human population are navigating the complex challenges of modernity, an immersion into First Nations’ spirituality may help us better live in harmony with all things – and importantly, ourselves and each other. We can explore the depths of these teachings and learn to appreciate them (rather than appropriating them) by reconnecting with the land in meaningful ways, under the guidance of First Nations Elders and Traditional Custodians.

To view The Conversation article ‘If the land is sick, so are we’: Australian First Nations spirituality explained in full click here. 

Nourlangie Rock, the site of Aboriginal rock art in the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park

Nourlangie Rock, the site of Aboriginal rock art in the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP. Image source: The Conversation.

Indigenous knowledge and global health strategies

The first regional World Health Summit took place in Melbourne earlier this year (22–24 April 2024), bringing together participants from around the world to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, climate change and planetary health. Under the bold theme, “Shape the future of health across Asia and the Pacific”, this ground-breaking conference, the first of its kind in the region, united over 1,100 participants from Australia, the Pacific region and worldwide from diverse spheres of global health. During the Summit emphasis was placed on the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, climate change and planetary health.

The health of Indigenous peoples, and their long-held world views were repeatedly highlighted for inclusion and respect in global health strategies. The challenges and opportunities presented by the intertwined issues of Indigenous knowledge, climate change and planetary health are vast and demand a hopeful and deeply considered approach to discourse and action. The way forward must be collaborative, integrating scientific research with Indigenous wisdom to develop health strategies that are effective, sustainable and culturally respectful.

The summit’s focus on planetary health, emphasised by the presence of global health leaders and Indigenous scholars, sends a strong message: the health of humanity is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. This realisation should drive all stakeholders, including governments, health care providers and academia, to pursue a more integrated approach to health that respects and learns from Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. The Summit set the stage for continued dialogue and action that bridges Indigenous knowledge and scientific research to tackle the pressing health challenges of our time. As we move forward, it is essential that these discussions translate into actionable strategies that prioritise the health of both the planet and its people, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

To view the InSight+ article Indigenous knowledge meets global health strategies at regional World Health Summit in full click here. 

gathering of World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2024 at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre foyer

The World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2024 was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Photo: World Health Summit Melbourne. Image source: InSight+.

Bra fittings helping save rural women’s lives

Not far from yacht clubs, shimmering beaches and five star resorts, a homeless woman had sought shelter from the summer heat and humidity. Crisis counsellor Jane Holmes found her beneath the Sundale Bridge on Queensland’s Gold Coast, in agony. Lily quietly lifted her shirt to reveal severe chafing, having never been able to afford a bra. “It was absolutely horrific, it really shook me to the core,” Ms Holmes said. “I couldn’t believe in a first world country that is so wealthy we had a person in a situation where she couldn’t afford a bra.”

Lily was the catalyst for Ms Holmes to launch the charity Support the Girls, which offers free bra fittings, underwear and menstrual products to women in rural and Indigenous communities. A van dubbed Brabarella hits the road with volunteers and donated items on board, reaching more than 2,000 women in regional Queensland and NSW each year. The organisation has partnered with BreastScreen NSW and Aboriginal health organisations to encourage more than 400 Indigenous women to have mammograms since last May.

The program boosted screening rates from 9% to 74%in some areas, providing scans and fittings in culturally safe environments that fostered conversation and compassion. It’s crucial to reach Indigenous women, who are often highly reluctant to get checked, BreastScreen NSW health promotion officer Heather Hillam says. “For Aboriginal women, the idea of being vulnerable and standing naked from the waist up and having someone touch and move their breast … a word you hear a lot is ‘shame’,” she said. “But the prospect of having a bra fitting and a lovely, supportive women-only environment has been enough to get a lot of women over that fear.”

To view the Australian Associated Press article How bra fittings are helping save rural women’s lives in full click here.

Support the Girls worker sorting bras

Support the Girls offers free bra fittings to rural and Indigenous women. Photo: Support the Girls/AAP. Image source: The Advocate.

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.

6 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.

Strong Born Community Grant Round 3 opening next week

The Strong Born Community Grant is back. In 2023, through Rounds 1 and 2, many ACCHOs brought creativity and innovation to the Strong Born campaign, enhancing staff and community understanding about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). To continue this momentum and expand the reach of this important campaign, NACCHO is rolling out another $1 million in grants to ACCHOs for:

  • Developing and running local Strong Born campaigns to raise FASD awareness and understanding.
  • Training frontline staff on FASD.
  • Enhancing support for families.

All ACCHOs are eligible for this round, regardless of whether they currently deliver FASD programs or have received funding previously.

More information will be provided next week when applications open.

To learn more about the Strong Born campaign, go here.

Strong Born Community Grant Round 3 applications open next week.

Indigenous Psychology Education Project launches Australia-first project for psychology supervisors to increase cultural safety

The Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project launched on Wednesday an Australian-first suite of free resources for psychology supervisors aimed to increase cultural safety when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Listening More: Embedding Cultural Safety in Supervision initiative was led by Research Fellow Belle Selkirk, a Noongar woman and clinical psychologist, with colleague Dr Joanna Alexi. The Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project, based at the University of Western Australia is under the leadership of trailblazing Bardi woman and psychologist, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, through the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing research project.

“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,” Ms Selkirk said.

“The knowledges and principles of culturally safe supervision detailed in this guide have been articulated by Indigenous psychologists from an Indigenous standpoint.”

The Listening More initiative has produced a set of resources including a guide, manual of resources, and a reflective journal, and the inaugural edition is timely, given the impending proposed changes in the Psychology Board of Australia’s competencies for general registration.

“These free resources will help address a critical gap in psychology and with 46,000 registered psychologists in Australia, the demand for capacity-building necessitated by changes in registration requirements will be significant,” Ms Selkirk said.

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

Research Fellow Belle Selkirk. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

AMA Calls to Scrap ‘anti-competitive’ pharmacy rules

Governments should scrap anti-competitive pharmacy ownership and location rules to improve access to medications and reduce costs for consumers, according to the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

In its submission to the National Competition Policy Analysis, the AMA says the out-of-date “archaic” rules restrict patients’ access to cheaper medicines and pharmaceutical services.

“We are in a cost-of-living crisis and everyone needs cheaper medicines and more competition,” AMA President Professor Steve Robson said.

“We know the restrictions on pharmacy ownership and location are anti-competitive and undermine patients’ access to medicines and services,” Professor Robson said.

“These rules limiting the number of pharmacies in one location are decades out of step with the recommendations and what patients’ need.”

In a glaring example of how current ownership rules drive inequity of access, the Queensland Government would not even consider a modest proposal for the removal of restrictions on the ability of an Aboriginal Health Service to own and operate a pharmacy located at that Aboriginal Health Service.

“We want increased competition to drive down medicine costs for patients and allow pharmacies to apply greater discounts to PBS medicines,” Professor Robson said.

“We hope this time that governments listen because it is in the best interest of all Australians, everywhere.

“We don’t want patient skipping medications because of the cost of living — that just shouldn’t be happening.”

To read more, go here.

Image source: AMA.

Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services secures Major Capital Works Grant for Mardi Property Refurbishment

Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services have been awarded a Major Capital Works Grant totalling more than $4.6 million. This significant funding will enable the much-needed refurbishment of the Mardi property, marking a monumental step forward in enhancing services and facilities for the Aboriginal community on Darkinjung country.

This grant will allow the Aboriginal Medical Services team to co-locate at the newly refurbished Mardi property. Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services wrote this will enable the ACCHO to fully realise and maximise its transdisciplinary model of care. By bringing all its teams together under one roof, providing more cohesive, comprehensive, and culturally responsive healthcare to Community.

“The refurbishment of the Mardi property is not just about improving “a” building; it’s about investing in the health and well-being of our community. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for delivering integrated services that address the physical, social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual well-being of our people. The upgraded facility will ensure that we can continue to support our community’s health and well-being now and into the future.

“We are ecstatic about what this grant represents for our community. It is a testament to the strength, resilience, and excellence of our people. This funding will help us continue to thrive and showcase black excellence, providing a centre of excellence for the Aboriginal community on Darkinjung country.”

Read the full media release here.

More than 1800 Aboriginal children under nine accessed homelessness services in VIC last financial year

More than 1800 Aboriginal children in Victoria under the age of nine accessed specialist homeless services in the last financial year, a truth-telling hearing has heard. On Wednesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission heard from a panel of housing Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), looking at public housing issues and solutions for First Nations people in Victoria.

Chief executive of Aboriginal Housing Victoria, Darren Smith, told the truth-telling hearing Aboriginal children in Victoria were accessing homelessness services at the highest rate in the country.

“[It’s] growing at roughly 10 per cent year-on-year,” Mr Smith said.

“It tells you that there’s a very significant problem.

“If it was in the mainstream that would be one million people accessing homelessness services in Victoria every year — it would be an absolute crisis.”

The Yoorrook inquiries are currently examining the historical injustices surrounding land, sky, and waters in Victoria; creating an official public record on the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people in the state and will recommend actions to address historical and ongoing injustices.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative provides culturally appropriate services and support for Aboriginal people in a large catchment area on the south coast of Victoria. Chief executive Simon Flagg said when departments wrote new policies, they didn’t understand the ACCOs lens and how they operated.

“We know our community, we’re the ones that have fingers on the pulse of understanding their needs and requirements and yet, most of the time, we’re not at the table at the conversation,” Mr Flagg said, recommending more flexible options for access to grants in the sector.

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

At Wednesday’s Yoorrook Justice Commission hearing Darren Smith suggested Indigenous peoples are exposed to racist prejudices in the private housing market. Image source: Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Meet QLD First Nations LGBTQIA+ advocate Rocky Byrne

Rocky Byrne is the Executive Officer of 2Spirits, a Queensland Council for LGBTI Health (QC) program helping LGBTQI+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy people across the state. Rocky’s journey to her work first came from discovering her authentic self.

“My journey to identity was maybe a little bit longer than most. I had a relationship with a man and I had four amazing children out of that relationship. I was in my late twenties when I really started to allow myself to explore who I actually was,” she says.

“That came about when I lost my dad, and just needed to really have a good look at myself and who I was. Losing a parent really gave me the ability to sort of look at that, honestly.”

Once she embraced who she was, she found love and built a large family.

“I have been with my wife for 15 years and together we have seven adult children and one grandchild,” she says proudly.

When I ask her about where her advocacy work began, she states clearly that it started before she secured any job title.

“I have a really strong belief that for a lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, you’re raised in social justice. So advocating is very much a part of who you are as even as a child growing up,” she says.

Through her found family she saw the different ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy people were being discriminated against, on top of racism. Beginning work for LGBTIQA+ youth organisation Open Doors gave her even more of an understanding.

“That really gave me great insight into the amazing young people that we have as part of our community and the difficulties they were facing. The young people in particular also showed me how to celebrate all the beauty of our two worlds. Despite having some issues and barriers and challenges, they showed me how to celebrate uniqueness.”

Rocky has a strong message for LGBTIQA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people.

“Take your time. It’s okay to take your time, you do not have to use a label, you do not have to fit a label, you just have to be you. And to take your time to sort that out. Because it’s a lifelong journey and how you may see yourself today may not be how you see yourself in 10 years time.”

Read the full article here.

Rocky Byrne (left). Image source: QNews.

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

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

8 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.

Vital centre for Aboriginal health ‘falling apart’

It is an area servicing one of the fastest-growing Indigenous populations in the country. But in Dandenong, in Melbourne’s south-east, a vital centre for Aboriginal health is falling apart. “The facility is just crumbling,” said Jenny Ockwell, a Wurundjeri public health expert who runs the Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative. The co-op is one of the oldest Aboriginal-run health services in Australia and is beloved by elders and families who meet at the centre for community connection. But despite pleas to state and federal agencies for capital funds, its buildings are in a state of disrepair. The roof is leaking, walls are cracking and the front door has been deemed too dangerous to use.

Aboriginal leaders in Victoria said they were urgently trying to get the state and federal governments to listen and to fund an acquisition of new land and a full rebuild. Jill Gallagher, the CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, said the community was missing out on vital health programs. “No-one — state or commonwealth governments — take responsibility for Aboriginal infrastructure,” she said. “That’s the problem … and they’re suffering.” Ms Ockwell said the organisation had received no new capital funds in almost 35 years.

The federal MP for Bruce, Julian Hill, told ABC News: “The current facility is without doubt the worst in Victoria.” “The building is falling apart and should have been condemned and torn down years ago,” he said. “State and commonwealth agencies point at each other. It falls between the cracks of multiple departments, and existing programs generally won’t fund land acquisition … breaking the deadlock will require political will.” Mr Hill said he was working to convene an urgent meeting between state and federal ministers “to try to find a way forward”.

To view the ABC News article Beloved Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative ‘falling apart’ in full click here.

DDAC Aboriginal health expert Jenny Ockwell

Aboriginal health expert Jenny Ockwell says staff are operating in very difficult conditions. Photo: Bridget Brennan. ABC News.

Yarning tool empowers shared decision-making

The Heart Health Yarning Tool, developed through a collaborative effort between community members and researchers from the University of Sydney Healthy Literacy Lab, hopes to transform the way health professionals engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The tool has been crafted through a series of yarning sessions led by Judith Parnham, Deputy Chairperson and Queensland Representative of the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP).

Tailored to facilitate culturally safe and meaningful conversations surrounding cardiovascular risk assessment, the tool is aligned with the latest Australian guidelines. Associate Professor Carissa Bonner, spearheading the project from the University of Sydney, together with Dr Rosemary Wyber from the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research at Australian National University, championed the tool’s development. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners are adept at delivering culturally sensitive care,” Bonner said. “Our aim is to empower other healthcare professionals to emulate this approach, fostering shared decision-making processes concerning heart health.”

“We are really excited about applying best practice to shared decision-making for mob to talk about heart health. We know that holistic, culturally safe care is critical to reducing cardiovascular risk. This tool supports clinicians to do that really well,” said David Follent, Senior Atlantic Fellow, Chairperson of NAATSIHWP and Senior Project Officer, who co-led a team at the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation that established the new shared decision-making approaches with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during the COVID-19 response.

To view the Hospital and Healthcare article Yarning tool empowers shared decision-making in full click here.

Funding boost for Indigenous kid’s dental health

A project at The University of WA (UWA) that aims to improve the dental health of Indigenous children has been awarded almost $1.5m Federal Government funding. Dr Peter Arrow, from UWA’s Dental School, will lead the research funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Partnership Project scheme with partner funding support from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and the WA Health Department.

The project will use silver fluoride to manage and prevent childhood dental decay among Aboriginal children in remote communities. “Access to dental treatment by those living in remote communities is limited to times when an oral health professional team visits the community, or they need to travel long distances for care,” Dr Arrow said. “We aim to improve access to care by testing the feasibility of using the skills of an Aboriginal Health Worker to apply silver fluoride who will be supported through the use of tele-dentistry to assess dental decay.”

Indigenous children in remote communities will have silver fluoride, a bactericidal and remineralising solution, applied to decay-affected teeth and tooth surfaces at risk of decay, to stop the decay and prevent new decay forming. “It is important that these children have access to treatment in their communities as well as ongoing care,” Dr Arrow said. “We hope the combination of an Aboriginal health worker and tele-dentistry will improve the dental health of the recipients not only in childhood but also well into adulthood.”

To read the University of Western Australia’s article All smiles: Funding boost for Indigenous children’s dental health in full click here.

young Aboriginal child with head torch, gloves & dental mirror

Photo: Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health. Image source: NHMRC website.

SNAICC welcomes new national early education strategy

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children has welcomed the federal government’s release yesterday (7 May 2024) of the first Early Years Strategy (EYS). The peak body for Indigenous children said the strategy reflected the government’s “commitment to ensuring universal access to quality early childhood education and care”. SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said the strategy recognised the importance of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations in delivering services that ensure thriving children, families and communities.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and organisations now look forward to seeing fully resourced action to realise the vison of the EYS,” Ms Liddle said. “It is positive to see the EYS acknowledge the need for further changes to make early childhood education and care (ECEC) services more accessible and affordable. “The EYS aligns with and supports important policies and commitments such as the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Years Strategy, sector strengthening plans, and other projects.”

Ms Liddle noted that SNAICC and the Aboriginal community-controlled sector have done an “enormous” amount of work over the years, informed by community, about what needs to be done and what makes the difference in setting up children and families to thrive in the early years. “We look forward to seeing the action and commitments that will deliver on the promise of these policies and break down the barriers that face Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in accessing quality ECEC and support services,” she said. The SNAICC head said the Strategy’s goal for all families to have access to high-quality, affordable and integrated services for maternal and child health, parenting support and early learning is “precisely the ACCO model SNAICC has been advocating for many years”. “Closing the gap starts with our children,” she said.

You can access a full version of the Early Years Strategy and the evidence on which it is based here.

To view the National Indigenous Times article SNAICC – National Voice for our Children welcomes new national strategy on early education in full click here.

cover on Australian Government Early Years Strategy 2024-2034 - 5 circles with different images of young children with parents/carers/siblings

Image source: Australian Government Department of Social Services website.

Better healthcare promised for Victoria mob

Today (May 2024) the Premier of Victoria, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP released a statement saying her government is investing record funding into Victoria’s public health system, making sure Victorian families can continue getting the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Premier Allan said the Victorian Budget 2024/25 will see a massive $13b boost to support the delivery of world class healthcare, better facilities and the latest equipment for all Victorians.

Premier Allan said $28.8 million was being invested into statewide Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services, including funding for Universal MCH services available to all Victorian families, enhanced MCH for families facing challenges like disability, mental health, family violence or housing instability – and dedicated Aboriginal services, giving parents the choice to access MCH care at their local ACCHO. An additional $7.5m was being invested to help improve cancer outcomes through our Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, including better responding to the complex cancer care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and culturally diverse people.

Premier Allan said “we know that when we listen to Aboriginal Victorians, we get better health outcomes – we’ll continue our work to close the health gap with $4m for the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service to provide better access to specialist paediatric medical and allied health services for Aboriginal children. We’ll also invest $10.8m to continue delivering the Victorian Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Agreement – with a Culture and Kinship program in ACCHOs across Victoria and a boost to cultural safety in public hospitals, so Aboriginal Victorians feel safe to seek the care they need. We’ll also strengthen our suicide prevention programs while supporting groups disproportionately impacted by suicide, with $3.8m to continue LGBTIQA+ aftercare support and Youth Life4Life programs, as well as Strong Brother Strong Sister and Yarning Safe N Strong for Aboriginal Victorians, and the Peer CARE Companion Warmline.”

To view the Premier of Victoria the Hon Jacinta Allan MP’s statement Helping Families With Great Healthcare, Close To Home in full click here.

external view of VAHS Fitzroy Office

VAHS Fitzroy Office. Photo: The Citizen. Image source: VAHS 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.

World Ovarian Cancer Day

World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed on 8 May each year. It is the one day of the year dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection and treatment.

The ovaries are part of a woman’s reproductive system, and they produce eggs and hormones. There are two ovaries, one on either side of the womb (uterus) . They are connected to the womb by tubes called the fallopian tubes. Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tubes or peritoneum grow in an abnormal way. Ovarian cancer can develop at any age, although it is more common in older women who have been through menopause (the time when a woman stops getting her period), than in younger women. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women ovarian cancer is considered as Women’s Business.

We can recognise World Ovarian Cancer Day by understanding various factors that might increase a person’s risk of ovarian cancer, including:

  • getting older
  • never having children
  • having a family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer
  • inheriting a gene fault, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, from either parent
  • some medical conditions such as endometriosis
  • use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • being overweight
  • tobacco smoking

You can find more information on about ovarian cancer on the Our Mob and Cancer website here.

logo & text 'World Ovarian Cancer Day' & paper 3D version of uterus

Image credits: istockphoto.com/Menshalena – NDTV website & Awareness Days Ltd website.

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

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

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

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

To register, go here.

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

28 March 2024

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

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

Greater First Nations participation flagged in national water policy overhaul

The federal government has released details of a plan that will readjust Australia’s outdated overarching water policy, to better prepare for climate change and boost participation of First Nations peoples in water management. Now 20 years old, the National Water Initiative (NWI) aligns state, territory and federal water policies by setting objectives for how water is shared and managed, and ensuring they are in harmony with other areas of policy, international treaties and commitments. In a 2021 review of the NWI, the Productivity Commission concluded that it was outdated and would struggle to meet population and climate challenges without a major overhaul. It also said the NWI had failed to consider the rights and aspirations of First Nations people to manage, own and control water for their own economic and cultural purposes.

In a document released this morning, federal environment and water minister Tanya Plibersek said the updated NWI would “strengthen the connection between climate science and water planning, alongside a greater consideration of, and influence for, First Nations peoples in water management”.

“A renewed NWI will provide an extra level of confidence for communities that our precious water resources are efficiently managed in the face of climate change,” she said.

“We are also entrenching an ongoing commitment to First Nations voices in water management, ensuring the needs and aspirations of First Nations communities are integral to water planning in our country.”

Read the full ABC News article here.

Image source: ABC Rural: Clint Jasper.

Kambu Health 2024 Men’s Retreat a huge success

The Kambu Health 2024 Men’s Retreat at Kokoda Park over the weekend, was a terrific success. Men engaged in loads of activities aimed at cultural immersion and personal growth.

Activities included welcome rituals, hands-on artistic endeavours such as painting woodwork, and Didgeridoo playing and making. The men also participated in problem-solving, team building and archery activities to foster strong relationships with each other. This included the distribution of domestic violence materials and discussion on culture and connection to Country and its meaning.

The fellas enjoyed watching the footy together, eating great tukka, and bonding through yarning circles and ending shame around men talking about their social and emotional wellbeing.

Dr Marjad Page, Kambu Health’s First Nation General Practitioner, delivered health checks.

Read more about the Men’s Retreat here.

Kambu Health 2024 Men’s Retreat group photo. Image source: Kambu Health.

FREE online workshops: Cervical Cancer Prevention Program

Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA) is teaming up with the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. In Support of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy, the teams are offering free workshops to increase cervical awareness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, clinical and non-clinical staff working in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health setting and health promotion officers who engage with First Nations women.

Information will be shared to build confidence to use the cervical screen flip chart to engage with Aboriginal women about the importance of regular cervical screening. Topics covered include; what is Human Papilloma Virus; HPV self-collection option; women with menopause; and exit testing.

There will be two online workshops hosted by AHCWA:

  • Friday May 10: 12.00 – 1.00pm (register by Friday March 29)
  • Tuesday May 21: 12.00 – 1.00pm (register by Tuesday April 9)

There is also a face-to-face workshop on Wednesday April 10: 12.00 – 2.00pm, held at AHCWA (register by Wednesday April 3).

 To register, go here.

WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program online Workshops brochure.

SNAICC CEO on Q+A: How the housing crisis effects First Nations people

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle spoke on Q+A on Monday March 25. Ms Liddle discussed the current housing crisis and how it effects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

“…This is one of the richest countries in the world and yet those families that are suffering the highest levels of vulnerabilities are the ones most overrepresented in those numbers.

“When you think about what we’re looking at in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, 20% of the people that have nowhere to live are our families in the Northern Territory.

“90% of the people who don’t have anywhere to live are our people. When you look at what housing is available, again, grossly overrepresented. We’re looking at stats like 34% of the housing available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has major structural flaws, and 20% of current housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would be considered ‘not fit to live in.’ That’s something we should be ashamed of.”

Watch it here.

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle on Q+A.

Helping reduce harm and alcohol-fuelled violence in Community

Geraldton police have welcomed its first Aboriginal community liaison officer for the region, helping to improve the lives of Aboriginal people exposed to domestic or alcohol-fuelled violence. Yamatji, Badimaya, Wajarri and Noongar woman Natalie Clark began the new role in the Mid West-Gascoyne district in February, in a move to be closer to her family while keeping busy and staying in touch with her local community. Ms Clark will work alongside the liquor enforcement unit, helping to reduce harm and alcohol-fuelled violence in the community.

Ms Clark said she wanted to be a point of contact for Aboriginal people in the community when times were tough.

“I just love getting out there. I want my Aboriginal community to know that I’m here if they ever need to talk, or if they need me to help with anything, I can help. I’ll go to as far as I can, and if I have any issues, I’ll go to my boss,” she said.

“I’ve already been to the GRAMS (Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service), I want to do more there, and within the Indigenous agencies as well. I just want to get involved.”

To read the full article, go here.

Natalie Clark is the first Aboriginal liaison officer at the Geraldton Police Station. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian.

Yamatji researcher receives 2024 World Indigenous Cancer Conference award

A researcher from the University of Western Australia’s WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Indigenous cancer care in the regions at a prestigious international Indigenous cancer conference recently held in Naarm/Melbourne. Proud Yamatji woman Lenny Papertalk received the 2024 World Indigenous Cancer Conference award for her consumer and advocacy work in Geraldton and Mullewa in the Midwest of Western Australia. The award recognises someone who has provided a voice for Indigenous cancer care and shown outstanding energy and influence in cancer care for Indigenous people.

In accepting the award, Ms Papertalk spoke about having to choose as a 17-year-old between education and caring for her grandmother, her cultural knowledge holder, who had cancer.

A qualified Social Worker and Community Engagement Officer employed with WACRH in Geraldton, Ms Papertalk was instrumental with her WACRH and UWA colleagues in developing the ‘Whisper No More: Sharing Our Stories for better cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ program.

WACRH described her as “a passionate advocate in encouraging her Yamatji community to share their lived experiences living with cancer”. With Ms Papertalk’s help and community engagement, Aboriginal cancer patients shared their stories on video and agreed to the use of the material to make resources for health professionals to enhance their understanding of what matters to Aboriginal people when they have cancer.

Read the full National Indigenous Times article here.

WA Centre for Rural Health colleagues Professor Sandra Thompson, Lenny Papertalk, Dr Charmaine Green with Professor Tom Calma at the World Indigenous Cancer Conference in Melbourne. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

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

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

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

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

The program is delivered by legal experts and covers:  

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

To register, go here.

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

28 February 2024

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

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

ACCHOs “shining jewels of the Australian heath system”

In the latest episode of the Australian Medical Association’s podcast Doctorama, AMA President Professor Steve Robson chats with Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler.

In the episode, Mister Butler speaks on the latest Closing the Gap report and the need for “the transition of more responsibility to Community Controlled (organisations)”

“I think one of the great shining jewels of the Australian health system and probably the shining jewel in Indigenous affairs is the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector, overseen by NACCHO,” said Minister Butler.

“I think it is a terrific model of primary care, works in very challenging circumstances, particularly outside of our cities in some of the most remote parts of Australia, and in those circumstances does a terrific job.

“…I think there are opportunities to build that capability that haven’t really been grasped over recent years.

“I’ve got my department going through effectively an audit of all of the programs that are directed at Indigenous health, to ask the question ‘if they’re not being delivered by Indigenous Community Controlled organisations, why not? And is there a transition plan for those?’”

To listen to the full Doctorama episode, go here.

Further funding for Birthing on Country program

Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Molly Wardaguga Research Centre has received nearly $5 million in funding to expand support for Birthing on Country services critical for First Nations mothers and babies. The funding has been provided as part of the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. The CDU Birthing on Country program currently supports Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHOs) and other partners to establish and evaluate three demonstration Birthing on Country services in rural (Nowra, NSW), remote (Alice Springs, NT) and very remote (Galiwin’ku, NT) sites. This new funding will assist with generating high-quality research that demonstrates the positive clinical, economic, and social impacts of this innovative service at a societal and family level in diverse geographical areas.

Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Director and Professor of Indigenous Health Yvette Roe, a proud Njikena Jawuru woman, said generating the evidence and expanding the Birthing on Country program will go a long way in supporting the equity of birthing experiences of First Nations women across Australia.

“This funding helps to solidify the work we have been doing with our community partners to test the translation of a clinically and cost-effective service model in an urban setting into geographically diverse locations,” Professor Roe said.

“The Birthing on Country program is informed by First Nations knowledge and at its core it is about maternal health justice. It supports a First Nations workforce trained to care for mothers and babies and focuses on improving the two-way cultural knowledge transfer in the birthing system.”

Over the five-year period of the grant the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre will establish a Birthing on Country Translation Research Centre to drive the scale-up of the program. The Centre will look to develop and evaluate an educational program on reflective supervision, cultural safety, and trauma-informed care as well as a 24/7 clinical midwifery program as First Nations midwifery staff transition from standard care to Birthing on Country services.

Read more here.

Midwife Melanie Briggs holds newborn Talekai during a special cultural ceremony. (Naomi Locke Photography).

Hearty contest for creative health solutions

The Heart Foundation is reminding people from across Australia to submit their most innovative ideas for the 2024 Active Australia Innovation Challenge. Already live, the national challenge is seeking creative ideas to encourage and support physical activity for heart health across all Australian communities.

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for heart disease, Australia’s biggest killer. The Active Australia Innovation Challenge aims to uncover and support innovative solutions that can break down barriers to physical activity and create more opportunities for Australians to move their way to better heart health. The Heart Foundation’s Manager for Heart Health, Kym Lang, said communities were best placed to lead on local solutions and that winning entries would be supported with grants of up to $50,000.

“We are seeking bright ideas to get more people moving that can be implemented in communities, schools, workplaces, or healthcare settings,” Ms Lang said.

“The solutions can be in the form of technology, programs, or any initiative that can demonstrably increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in the Australian population.”

The Active Australia Innovation Challenge is open to individuals, schools, community groups, organisations, and businesses across Australia. The Heart Foundation is especially interested in ideas supporting people most at risk of cardiovascular disease and increasing the participation of diverse groups and priority populations in physical activity, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with a disability and people living in rural and remote regions.

Applications close Friday March 1.

For more information, visit the Heart Foundation website here.

“It is more than just a job – it is a cultural calling and obligation”

Nestled within the heart of the community, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative serves as a vital lifeline, embodying the essence of holistic care and cultural preservation. Operated by the Aboriginal community and aligned with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) model, Rumbalara provides comprehensive and culturally appropriate care through a locally elected Board of Management. At the helm stands Felicia Dean, a proud Yorta Yorta woman, loving mother and grandmother, and devoted CEO, business owner and community leader. Returning to her role of CEO in 2019 was a moment that filled Felicia with both humility and strength.

“It is more than just a job – it is a cultural calling and obligation. A chance to serve past, present and future generations with honour and integrity,” she said.

Guided by principles of self-determination and flexibility, Felicia has embraced the challenges and triumphs that come with advocating for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities’ rights and aspirations. Through the ACCHO model, Rumbalara secures equitable funding akin to mainstream services within the domain of health and wellbeing. Through this allocation, Rumbalara effectively exhibits genuine self-determination by reshaping the Western framework to provide culturally sensitive services that are guided and shaped by Indigenous voices.

“Our mission is about more than physical wellbeing, including the social, cultural and emotional wellbeing of the whole community, from Birth to Dreamtime,” said Felicia.

Drawing upon the strength and wisdom of our Ancestors, who have tirelessly preserved and passed down Traditional knowledge and practices, we honour their legacy by nurturing our culture and keeping our spirit alive.”

To read the full article, go here.

Image source: Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative.

UQ researcher to investigate Indigenous health inequalities

A University of Queensland researcher has been awarded more than $1.5 million from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to work with Indigenous communities to help address health inequalities among Indigenous children and adolescents living in Australian cities.

Associate Professor Abdullah Mamun from the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health will lead a team in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHOs) in Brisbane and Darwin to co-develop a behavioural intervention program that can be embedded into existing models of care.

Indigenous children and adolescents living in cities are at higher risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and mental illness compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts and Indigenous youth who live in remote areas. The program will develop culturally safe, responsive, and effective interventions to improve quality of life for Indigenous children and adolescents living in city environments.

The NHMRC scheme is enabled through the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), a collaboration of major international funding agencies focused on addressing non-communicable disease risks in vulnerable populations.

Read more here.

Image source: The University of Queensland.

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.

Teal Ribbon Day – Wednesday 28 February 2024

Teal Ribbon Day in Australia is an annual event, usually observed on the last Friday of February, that is held to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research.

Teal Ribbon Day in Australia can be traced back to the early 2000s, when a group of women who had been affected by ovarian cancer came together to raise awareness about the disease and to support other women who were going through similar experiences. They chose the colour teal as the symbol of ovarian cancer awareness because it is a unique and striking colour that stands out and is easily recognisable. The first official Teal Ribbon Day in Australia was held in 2004 and since then, the event has grown to become an important annual event that is recognised and supported by people all over the country. Today, Teal Ribbon Day is observed by a wide range of groups and individuals, including ovarian cancer support groups, cancer charities, and health organisations.

One of the key aspects of Teal Ribbon Day in Australia is the focus on raising funds for ovarian cancer research and support services. Another important aspect of Teal Ribbon Day in Australia is the emphasis on awareness-raising. It’s a great opportunity to educate others about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer; raise awareness about the importance of early detection; and provide information about the latest treatments and research and how to support those affected.

You can:

  • find more information about ovarian cancer, including signs and symptoms, on the Our Mob and Cancer Ovarian Cancer webpage here.
  • view the NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan on NACCHO’s website here.
  • watch the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet video Gynaecological cancer among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia here.

tile, teal ribbon, wood background, text 'teal ribbon day'