Category Social determinants

Nov 29 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Concerns about rising NT COVID-19 cases

feature tile: image of COVID-19 cells; text ' CAAC concerned about rise in NT COVID-19 cases especially amongst older and more vulnerable patients'

The image in the feature tile is from an ABC News video Australia records 23.6 per cent spike in COVID cases amid eighth wave published on 4 November 2023.

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.

Concerns about rising NT COVID-19 cases

As an eighth wave of COVID-19 sweeps across Australia there has been a sharp rise in the number of people contracting the virus in the NT. This is of particular concern in the NT, where vaccine booster numbers remain low. Only an estimated 43% of NT residents 75 years and over have received a COVID-19 vaccination in 2023.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC), the NT’s largest ACCHO, says the rise of cases – especially amongst older and more vulnerable patients – is concerning, “COVID-19 is a virus that affects the vascular system. This brings with it an increased risk of subsequent cardiac events and strokes; a big concern in our population where there are already too many people at high cardiovascular risk. The threat of severe illness continues to be greater for older patients and for those with chronic disease or other frailties. Unfortunately, Aboriginal people are over-represented in this category.”

The CAAC said the messaging around COVID-19 hadn’t changed, “Stopping transmission is the way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Wash your hands and cough/sneeze safely. Wear a mask if you are in crowded indoor settings. Stay home if you feel sick and be sure to self-test using a RAT.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article COVID-19 cases in the NT a worry for Indigenous health group in full click here.

CAAC health worker drawing COVID-19 vaccination

Photo: Samantha Jonscher. Image source: ABC News.

Resources support culturally responsive early learning

Be You, the national mental health and wellbeing in education initiative, has developed a suite of resources to help educators improve cultural responsiveness in early learning services and schools. The resources invite genuine connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities by supporting educators to create inclusive spaces where cultural diversity is celebrated.

Co-designed with a panel of First Nations Peoples, the resources aim to be an important step towards creating safe, welcoming and culturally responsive early learning services and schools. Nina Ross, Senior Officer Professional Learning Curriculum at Narragunnawali, Reconciliation in Education, was one of the panelists, and says the resources are very much needed. “This was a special thing to be a part of, as an Aboriginal person,” she said, also stating that the resources are a great tool to support non-Aboriginal or non- Indigenous people.

Ms Ross said that “With updates to the Early Years Learning Framework, new version of the National Curriculum and the current social and political change happening right now in Australia, educators need this resource to help with conversations and relationship building. There are a lot of children and young people who will benefit from this in their education setting.”

You can access the resources here, and view The Sector article Be You releases series of resources to support culturally respectful engagement in full click here.

ATSI educator with 4 young kids painting with hands

Image source: Be You website.

Dermatologists question NSW pharmacy trial

From next year, pharmacists will be able to prescribe medications for certain skin conditions as part of a statewide trial. The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) has expressed “concerns” about the NSW Government’s plan to include some skin conditions in the state’s pharmacy prescribing trial, where participating pharmacists will be authorised to supply certain medicines without a prescription,  saying the risk of misdiagnosis could lead to incorrect treatment and dangerous delays to treatment.

An ACD spokesperson said “The ACD fully supports pharmacists working within medically led, multidisciplinary team-based settings such as general practices and ACCHOs and as part of appropriate clinically governed teams. These allow the pharmacist to work collaboratively with GPs and other health professionals to support the quality and safe use of medicines through patient education and medication governance activities and can help reduce medication misadventures during transitions of care between settings.

“However, we do have concerns about pharmacist prescribing models, particularly outside of GP-led team-based primary care setting. Some serious and malignant conditions can masquerade as common diseases of the skin. Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment, dangerous delays to appropriate treatment, and result in patients experiencing significant financial burden due to ineffective treatments.”

To view The Medical Republic article ‘Concerned’: dermatologists respond to NSW pharmacy trial in full click here.

ATSI man rubbing clay in palm of hands

Image source: Dermatology Australia, Skin Disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples webpage.

Health of young Australians on the decline

The health of a nation’s children and the ability for them to live longer and healthier lives than those who came before is often considered one of the key indicators of societal progress. Australia is consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest countries in the world per capita, however the health of children in Australia not only stagnating, but in some cases moving backwards.

This week saw the launch of a new national framework, Future Healthy Countdown 2030, to track the health of young people The framework will deliver annual reports in hopes of encouraging real systemic change in healthcare offerings over the next seven years.

A recent report published in The Medical Journal of Australia, highlights the factors that have led to growing negative health outcomes for children in Australia, including increasing wealth inequality, low levels of children achieving physical activity recommendations, and higher rates of psychological distress compared with older adults.

You can listen to the SBS News podcast Headlines on Health – Why is the health of young Australians on the decline? and read a transcript of the podcast here.

SBS News tile: Headlines on Health - Why is the health of young Australians on the decline? - 07:23 minutes

Image source: SBS News.

New resources for mob living with arthritis

The prevalence of arthritis conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples is 17%, compared to 13% among non-Aboriginal Australians. They also experience poorer access to healthcare, with Australia’s First Nations people half as likely to access primary care or to receive hip or knee replacement surgery to address osteoarthritis than non-Aboriginal people. Culturally appropriate information, communication and healthcare delivery are essential to improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

Arthritis Australia has launched Australia’s first culturally appropriate resources developed to support and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with the chronic health conditions osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and gout. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face higher rates of arthritis and autoimmune conditions. The Staying Moving Staying Strong project, funded by the Australian Government, is underpinned by the principle of cultural security. It has involved strong engagement with Aboriginal community members and a rigorous review of clinical practice guidelines, resulting in several academic publications.

Arthritis Australia CEO Jonathan Smithers said, “The Staying Moving Staying Strong resources are an important step towards providing better health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with these often debilitating conditions. We are incredibly proud of the work of the project team and grateful for the contribution of Aboriginal community members.”

To view The National Tribune article New resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and gout in full click here. You can also find more information about the Staying Moving, Staying Strong Project on the Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA website here.

image of 4 Arthritis resources for ATSI - Aboriginal painting in ochre, blue & brown on covers

Image source: Arthritis WA website.

Indigenous cadetship program a first for ERH

A second year ACU nursing student, Tazarni Clarke applied and was accepted to Echuca Regional Health’s first Indigenous cadetship program funded by the Department of Health. The program was created with the express purpose of increasing the number of Aboriginal nursing and allied health students, offering an opportunity to have paid work experience within a public health service and develop work readiness skills.

Ms Clarke said that part of her desire to work remotely is an understanding of how much work and care is required in these areas. “I want to work with those communities because the healthcare is so limited there and access to it and getting people to work there is very limited. I want to go out and explore and help out where I can,” she said.

Acting director of health at Njernda Kim Warde said it was a great experience for students. “You get a really good insight into the care of diabetic and chronic clients, what’s involved with the care of them and management plans. So, you’ll get a good experience,” she said. Having more local students working within the community will also be an important asset within the region, according to Ms Warde. “It really helps when you’re dealing with community. It really does break down a lot of barriers when you are from the community. So, I think it’s a good thing to have these students,” she said.

To read the Shepperton News article ERH welcomes new cadetship program in full click here.

L-R: Acting Director of Health at Njernda Kim Warde, Indigenous second year nursing student Tazarni Clarke, Director of Nursing Michelle Shingles and Director of Education Training and Research Meaghan Douglas

L-R: Acting Director of Health at Njernda Kim Warde, Indigenous second year nursing student Tazarni Clarke, Director of Nursing Michelle Shingles and Director of Education Training and Research Meaghan Douglas. Photo: Aidan Briggs. Image source: Shepparton News.

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 27 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Fight to shift dial on CTG has not ended

feature tile image: young ATSI boy clutching chest, looking up to camera with big smile; text 'Fight to Close the Gap has not ended despite Voice referendum result'

The image in the feature tile is from page 10 of the Barhava Report Indi Kindi Impact Report August 2020, available here.

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

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

Fight to shift dial on CTG has not ended

Victoria’s Minister for Treaty and First Peoples and key delegates in the state have declared the fight to shift the dial on positive outcomes has not ended despite October’s unsuccessful Voice referendum, with key goals in place before the end of the current government’s term. The Joint Council for Closing the Gap (CTG) held their first meeting following the result in Naarm (Melbourne) last Thursday (23 November 2023). State ministers responsible for Indigenous affairs, federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, and Coalition of Peaks, local government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria representatives attended the gathering. Recently re-appointed Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalia Hutchins said her government “remains steadfast in our commitment in progressing voice, truth and treaty with our First Peoples”.

Co-chair of Ngaweeyan Maar-oo (Voice of the People) – the Koori Caucus of Victoria’s Partnership Forum towards Closing the Gap, Lisa Briggs, said the journey towards better outcomes is “gaining momentum” despite being “challenging work”. Victoria’s implementation plan towards CTG has four priority areas; Formal partnerships and shared decision-making; Building the community-controlled sector; Transforming government organisations; and Shared access to data and information at a regional level.

“The priority reforms are intended to drive the structural changes needed to see meaningful improvements,” Ms Briggs said. First People’s Assembly co-chair Ngurra Murray said the assembly wants input on policy, and to see decision making in community. “We believe decisions about Aboriginal people should be made by Aboriginal people. Not just because it’s morally right, but it delivers better outcomes,” Ms Murray said. “My message to government is if you want to close the gaps, then give everyone an equal opportunity to implement our solutions. She said while “we can’t change history”, there is a need to address ongoing impacts of colonisation negatively affecting First Nations people.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Closing the Gap Joint Council meet for first time post-referendum in full click here.

Victoria's Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Natalia Hutchins at podium

Victoria’s Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Natalia Hutchins. Photo: Natalie Hutchins MP Facebook. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Flinders Uni empowers future health professionals

A group of 12 Indigenous students are celebrating a huge milestone on the path to becoming a doctor after successfully completing the 2023 Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) at Flinders University. Five students in NT and seven in SA have completed the program which provides Indigenous people with an alternative route to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Now in its 11th year, Flinders University offers this program to potential students wishing to study medicine who do not have a valid GAMSAT score. Arrernte woman and Program Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathways in Medicine, College of Medicine and Public Health, Kath Martin is pleased to report that the IES has just seen their biggest intake since the programs inception.

“This is the biggest intake we’ve had (12). Previously we’ve got about 5 or 6 in total,” she said. “The IES is about preparing them for what’s required of them when they come into the medial program where they get a taste of what they’ll be studying like Anatomy and science.” IES participants get acquainted with cultural, academic, and social support staff and available programs for potential progression into medicine studies.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Flinders University is empowering future Indigenous health professionals in full click here.

looking at replicas of body parts: Sophie L'Estrange (IES participant) with Jason Baird & Jahdai Vigona (Flinders staff)

Sophie L’Estrange (IES participant) with Jason Baird & Jahdai Vigona (Flinders staff). Photo: Flinders University. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

$1.7m for Indigenous health research

Millions of dollars have been invested in five Hunter research projects through federal government health and medical funding. Two projects led by University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute researchers received $1.7m through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Indigenous Health Research scheme.

Professor Kirsty Pringle received $726,149 as part of The Gomeroi Gaaynggal Breastfeeding Study, a community-led program to support breastfeeding Indigenous families and Associate professor Michelle Kennedy was awarded $999,186 for Koori Quit Pack, support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to quit smoking.

To view the Newcastle Herald article Millions of dollars for Newcastle research teams in full click here. You can also access the Gomeroi Gaaynggal Study website here.

mum holding toddler & ATSI dad holding young girl standing in a paddock

Image source: Gomeroi Gaaynggal Study website.

New adult COVID-19, flu, shingles vax plan needed

Governments should create a new national plan to make adult vaccination as robust as childhood vaccines, as rates lag across dangerous diseases and misinformation increases, according to a new report. A Grattan Institute report published today has found Australia “urgently needs a policy reset” with data showing rates of adult vaccination against COVID-19, flu, shingles and pneumococcal disease are far too low.

Beyond childhood, adults are recommended to get the influenza vaccine every year, the shingles vaccine at 65 and the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against a bacteria which can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis, at 70. Indigenous Australians and adults with medical risks are recommended to get these vaccines earlier. However, the report – titled A fair shot: How to close the vaccination gap – has found fewer than half of all Australians in their 70s are vaccinated for shingles, and only one in five are vaccinated for pneumococcal disease.

The report also highlights that rates of COVID-19 vaccination have “plunged”, with two and a half million people over the age of 65 not up-to-date with their vaccinations at the start of winter 2023 – two million more than a year earlier. The report found certain sectors of the population were more likely to miss out, including people who are not proficient in English, Indigenous, living in rural areas and poorer Australians. “Recent vaccination for the poorest people is nearly 40% lower than it is for the richest people, and the poorest people are nearly 20% less likely to be vaccinated against flu,” the report said. It also found people who didn’t speak English at home were only half as likely to get recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, while Indigenous people were a third less likely.

To view The Guardian article Australia needs new adult vaccination plan for Covid, flu and shingles, report warns in full click here.

woman from AHCWA receives COVID-19 vaccination

A woman receives the COVID-19 vaccine. Photo: Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services. Image source: The Guardian.

Nathan is proud of his old man for reaching out

Nathan Appo understands the importance of knowing when to reach out for help. The Brisbane resident and prominent Voice campaigner has worked in Indigenous health for years and watched his father struggle with depression and anxiety. “I’m really proud of my old man for eventually saying, “I need to go and see a doctor and get help”. “To see where he is now and how he looks after his health and how he reaches out for help when he needs it is really empowering.”

And Appo, a Mamu man from Innisfail with connections to Goreng Goreng and Bundjalung Country, recently did the same after spending more than a year campaigning for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. “I knew how I would feel if the vote didn’t get up, so I booked to see a counsellor straight away,” he says. In the lead-up to the referendum, he door-knocked Brisbane suburbs, hosted town halls, led Yes marches and handed out flyers at polling booths. While he never lost hope, by the campaign’s end his efforts on the frontline had taken a toll on his mental health.

“When I was polling, I had people racially abusing me, people try to fight me,” Appo says. “The discrimination and racism and the attacks on my identity and culture, the slander, it all really affected me, and I think it will have an effect on me for a long time.” But weeks after the referendum result, Appo was back on the campaign trail, this time as an ambassador for Movember. “The work doesn’t stop,” he says. Appo has grown his moustache to raise awareness for men’s health issues, including men’s suicide, for the past eight years.

To view The Age article ‘I’m really proud of my old man for saying he needed to get help’ in full click here.

Nathan Appo with arm around his dad's shoulders

Nathan Appo (right) is growing his moustache for the eighth year in a row to raise awareness around men’s health issues, inspired in part by his father’s mental health struggles. Image source: The Age.

Value of lived experience in creating change

Award winning founder of Yindamara Mens Healing Group, More Cultural Rehabs, Less Jails and co-founder of Brothers 4 Recovery Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Proud Wiradjuri man Jeffery Amatto, is an example of how recognising the value of lived experience can create the change our country needs. Mr Amatto, an advocate and presenter, has travelled more than 350,000 kms delivering workshops across Australia sharing his inspiring journey of grit, strength and resilience to uplift and give hope to others who are experiencing struggles similar to what he survived.

Bringing knowledge and passion to his work, Mr Amatto has a lived experience of incarceration, addiction and growing up black in the regional town of Wellington, New South Wales which he fondly refers to as god’s country. He currently resides on Darkinjung Country, a place he feels privileged to call home, because that is where his healing happened at a cultural rehab centre – The Glen.

As a child Mr Amatto was exposed to the negative impacts of intergenerational trauma including poverty, alcoholism and gambling, yet he still reflects on his childhood with positive memories of growing up and the strong relationship he had with his mum, nan and pop, and culture. “As a kid growing up, back home I loved it, I loved being back on country. It was a normal thing to go down to the river swimming and playing at the park or fishing,” he said. “We didn’t have the material things, but what we had was the three most important things for us as Indigenous people which was love, culture and respect.” Whilst there were good times growing up, once alcohol and gambling had started infiltrating his home life by age of five, his memories start to change.

To view the National Indigenous Times article More Cultural Rehabs, Less Jails founder Jeffrey Amatto on culture and lived experience in full click here.

Jeffery Amatto with white body paint & male ATSI youth with white body paint on beach

Mr Amatto sharing knowledge with the next generations. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 21 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: A look back at SEWBG-4

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.

A look back at SEWBG-4

Over three days, from 31 July to 2 August 2023, SEWB network members from across Australia attended the fourth Social and Emotional Wellbeing Gathering (SEWBG-4) to discuss social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. SEWB-4 was held in Garramilla (Darwin) on Larrakia Country, Northern Territory and online via Zoom. This hybrid model enabled network members who were unable to participate in person to attend virtually. SEWBG-4 was co-hosted by NACCHO, the University of Western Australia Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing project (TIMHWB), Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia (GDPSA), and the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA), and funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care. 

The aim of the SEWB Gatherings is to bring together SEWB network members to showcase best practice services and programs from across the country and to discuss the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SEWB policy, practice, and research. The SEWB network includes SEWB and mental health representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies and Aboriginal community controlled organisations (ACCOs), academics, practitioners, policymakers, and front-line workers. The strength of the SEWB movement has been made evident by the continued growth of the SEWB network and support for continued SEWB Gatherings, as well as the Government’s explicit commitment to working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and leaders in a era of collective change. 

Day 1 began with a review of the SEWBG recommendations and SEWB policy developments, followed by a special focus on the Voice to Parliament with keynote speakers Thomas Mayo and Tom Calma AO. Day 2 focused on five different presentations around the theme ‘SEWB across the lifespan’ and two presentations on child and maternal SEWB. Four concurrent workshops were held on Day 3, including an SEWB services and workforce workshop, a cultural healers workshop, a men’s SEWB workshop, and a women’s yarning circle.

Following the expert presentations on each day, small group insight workshops were held. Each workshop gave SEWB network members the opportunity to listen and learn from others, to share their thoughts and experiences, reflect on work that has been done, and discuss what there is still to do. The workshops on Day 1 considered what ‘culture first’ means and how the Voice impacts SEWB. Day 2’s workshops considered SEWB needs across the lifespan and the supports needed for child/maternal SEWB. The concurrent workshops held on Day 3 facilitated group discussions amongst workshop attendees. Ultimately, reflections from network members during the workshops across the three days provided engaging points for discussion.

Read the full report here.

Save the date! 2024 NACCHO Members’ Conference

SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 NACCHO MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE.

 After a successful conference in Noongar Boodjar (Perth), we are excited to announce that the 2024 NACCHO Members’ Conference will be held on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Canberra) 2–5 December 2024.

 Get it in your calendars!

C the Whole Story Forum

The C the Whole Story Forum on Thursday 30 November brings together Nurses, Community-based workers, NSP Workers, and Peer Workers from around Australia to share their experiences, strategies for success, and innovative approaches to providing treatment to people living with hepatitis C in housing and homelessness, AOD (alcohol and other drugs), and mental health settings. Keynote speakers include people with a living or lived experience, as well as presentations on innovative models of care and approaches to providing hepatitis C testing, treatment, and support across these settings. Participants will have access to a Q&A with speakers and participate in break-out sessions to network and discuss opportunities for implementing different approaches to services. 

To register and learn more go here.

How to be a trans ally

For Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November) the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) produced helpful videos on how to be a helpful ally to trans mob. You can read and watch part 1 here. 

Tips on how to be a better ally for trans mob part 2: 

  • Make space for trans mob voices. Listen, learn and amplify their story. 
  • Share resources and have a yarn with people about how to be better allies. Knowledge is power and education is key. Let’s learn and grow together. 
  • Don’t forget to check in with your trans friends and rainbow mob. A simple “how are you?” can make a difference. 
  • Being a good ally is about love, respect, and understanding.

Need to target health inequities at the source

Health inequalities will persist in Gippsland unless we address the social determinants of health, according to Gippsland Primary Health Network (Gippsland PHN). Research shows that social determinants can be more important than health behaviours or healthcare in influencing health. People with poorer health outcomes include people in regional and remote areas, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, LGBTIQA+ people, people from a multicultural background, and people with mental health and/ or alcohol and other drug issues.

Factors that lead to delays in seeking healthcare or avoiding treatment altogether include cost for the service, lack of transport, discomfort sharing personal information for fear of judgment, a lack of information about available options for care, and digital barriers. A population health approach recognises that health is shaped by a range of factors with social determinants the most important driver, followed by health behaviours and lifestyles, places and communities, and integrated health and care systems.

Read the full article here.

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 15 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: New report identifies key incarceration factors

feature tile image: ATSI hands gripping jail bars, superimposed with Aboriginal transparent flag; text 'New report finds mental health, poverty, family history and unemployment all key factors in incarceration'

The image in the feature tile is from an article Indigenous Australians’ incarceration Gap widens during the pandemic published  in the Public Health Association Australia’s blog Intouch Public Health on 18 March 2021.

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 report identifies key incarceration factors

More than half of prison entrants have previously been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and almost half expect to be homeless upon release, the sixth survey on the health of people in Australian prisons has found. The study also found that 36% (more than one third) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prison entrants reported that during their childhood, one or both parents or carers had spent time in prison. For non-Indigenous prisoners the rate was 15%. 42% of prison entrants aged 18–24 had a parent or carer in prison during their childhood.

Today the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released The health of people in Australia’s prisons 2022, which includes information gathered from 73 of 87 prisons across Australia (excluding Victoria) to develop “a comprehensive view of the health, wellbeing and social factors that affect people before, during and after time in prison”. AIHW spokesperson Amanda Donges noted that “many people in prison come from disadvantaged backgrounds, with poorer physical and mental health outcomes than the general population.” Nearly one-third of prison entrants had an education level of Year 9 or below. In the 30 days before entering prison, more than four in 10 (43%) were homeless, nearly half (46%) were unemployed and only one in 20 (5.1%) were studying.

Nearly half (48%) of prison dischargees expected to be homeless on release from prison, with 45% planning to sleep in short term or emergency accommodation and 2.8% expecting to sleep rough. Only 52% of prison dischargees had their own stable accommodation arranged. More than half of surveyed prison entrants (51%) reported a previous diagnosis of a mental health condition, including alcohol and other drug use disorders. Almost three quarters (73%) of prison entrants reported using illicit drugs at least once during the previous 12 months.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Mental health, poverty, family history and unemployment key factors in incarceration – new report in full click here.

inmates walking along walkway Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, N Qld

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre in northern Queensland. Photo: Daniel Soekov, Human Rights Watch, via AAP. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Dialysis 900kms from home and family

When Robyn Neade isn’t strapped to a chair receiving life-saving dialysis treatment, she wanders around a strange city 100s of kms away from family and friends. The Indigenous Mount Isa resident is on the North West Hospital and Health Service’s (NWHHS) waiting list to access dialysis treatment back home.

But with no spots available she has had to move to a boarding house in Townsville, 900kms away, to receive treatment. She is terrified of dying alone without her loved ones by her side, “We have to go down to Townsville and wait for a seat to come back to Mount Isa — how many years is that [going to be]?” She is one of 30 people on the waiting list for a renal chair in Mount Isa. “We’ve got to be here in Townsville wishing that someone’s going to hurry up and die,”Ms Neade said.

Dialysis is used to treat chronic kidney disease by removing extra fluid and waste products from a patients’ blood. It’s an intensive treatment which patients must commit to for hours at a time, most days of the week. Ms Neade was completing dialysis treatment at home, but when her kidney issues worsened, she was forced to move to Townsville for treatment. “I miss my family, it’s very, very sad, it’s heartbreaking,” she said.

To view the ABC News story Renal patient Robyn Neade faces heartbreak of dialysis 900km from her Mount Isa home and family in full click here.

dialysis patient Robyn Neade, Mt Isa

Robyn Neade is scared she’ll die 900km from her loved ones. Image source: ABC News.

Coproduced research empowers communities

In a recent study published in Nature Medicine, researchers reviewed the evolution of health research co-production with Indigenous peoples, where a collaborative effort explores shared control and reciprocity in health research while examining the divergent aspects of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, political and strategic differences, and ethical standards.

The concept of co-production has recently gained much attention in health research in a push to enhance health research outcomes through a process that is responsive to the participants and stakeholders. It fosters collaborations between health researchers and a wide range of stakeholders such as Indigenous peoples, patients and their families, service providers, communities, and the general public, and the design, analyses, dissemination, and evaluation of results is conducted through shared control.

The primary goal is to improve the meaningfulness and tangibility of the results from the outset for all the parties involved in the process. Co-production is also thought to enlarge the scope of the study and improve the possibility of uptake. The long history of colonisation of Indigenous communities has naturally resulted in a level of mistrust and suspicion among Indigenous researchers towards Western research methodologies. Furthermore, the structural nature of research design can also perpetuate discrimination and prejudice if conducted in an unethical and non-inclusive manner.

In the present study, the researchers discussed co-production as a distinct form of collaborative research, examined the evolution of co-production involving Indigenous peoples, reviewed some illustrative examples involving Indigenous peoples, such as the Indigenous Maori of NZ, and presented recommendations for effective and responsive methods of co-production with Indigenous peoples.

To view the News Medical Life Sciences article Empowering indigenous communities through coproduced health research in full click here.

Training researchers to take clinical measurements as part of the Next Generation study. L-R: Ricky Mentha (Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Bobby Porykali (The George Institute), Robyn Williams (University of Melbourne), Elizabeth Hillmann

Training researchers to take clinical measurements as part of the Next Generation study. L-R: Ricky Mentha (Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Bobby Porykali (The George Institute), Robyn Williams (University of Melbourne), Elizabeth Hillmann (The George Institute). Image source: University of Melbourne Pursuit.

Lowitja Institute CEO Victorian 2024 Australian of the Year

Narungga Kaurna woman Janine Mohamed, a pioneer for Indigenous healthcare, has been named Victoria’s 2024 Australian of the Year. Ms Mohamed has dedicated her life to fighting racism and improving health outcomes for Australia’s Indigenous communities. She has spent the last five years as CEO of the Lowitja Institute, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led community health research organisation based in Melbourne, and before that, she was CEO of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives.

While she refers to herself as an “accidental CEO”, her experience suggests otherwise — Ms Mohamed has worked for 25 years in nursing, health policy and Indigenous health and wellbeing research. Ms Mohamed said growing up in a mission in SA’s Point Pearce inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. “I saw the amazing work of healthcare professionals, but I also saw the devastating work of health professionals and the missed opportunities,” she said. “I really wanted to understand that more.”

Ms Mohamed said her work has involved celebrating excellence in her community, but also has required her to talk about the “tough stuff”, which is racism. “It is something that our people have been asking for for a long time – it is the eradication of racism,” she said. “I think we have to understand what racism looks like and feels like and what it produces to be able to envision a different future. “For me, an amazing future would be that everyone is practising cultural safety and anti-racism.”

To view the ABC News article Indigenous healthcare pioneer Janine Mohamed takes out top honour as Victoria’s 2024 Australian of the Year in full click here.

Lowitja Institute CEO Janine Mohamed holding Australian of the Year for Victoria Award

Lowitja Institute CEO Janine Mohamed is the Australian of the Year for Victoria. Photo: NADC/Salty Dingo. Image source: ABC News.

VACCHO celebrates shawl project documentary launch

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has launched a new documentary showcasing the staunch Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have brought the Beautiful Shawl Project to life over the past year, and their stories. The feature shares Aboriginal and Torres Strait women’s breast screening experiences in Victoria through the Beautiful Shawl Project. And includes personal insights from women who screened with the Beautiful Shawl Project – as well as those who carry out vital work increasing Community awareness and engagement around the Project.

Yesterday (14 November 2023) VACCHO paid tribute “to the many women who generously shared their stories, wisdom, and insight as part of this inspiring film”. The Beautiful Shawl Project is a collaborative program between VACCHO and BreastScreen Victoria. It is a Community-led initiative providing “safe and empowering” breast screening experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in a culturally safe setting.

Since its launch in 2019, The Beautiful Shawl Project has worked in partnership with over 25 ACCHOs and other organisations with their Aboriginal-led teams to provide over 1000 lifesaving breast screens to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Of those screened, 29% were first time screeners and 39% were lapsed (overdue) at the time of their breast screen. VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher AO said The Beautiful Shawl Project documentary demonstrates the transformative health outcomes that can be achieved by culturally safe and responsive cancer screening initiatives.

You can view the National Indigenous Times article VACCHO celebrates launch of Beautiful Shawl Project Documentary on Indigenous health in full click here and watch the full documentary online here.

Aboriginal woman draped in Beautiful Shawl in front of Breast Screen pink bus

Beautiful Shawl art by Alkina Edwards, Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutti Mutti and Wiradjuri. Art Title: dj, which means Woman Shield. Photo: VACCHO. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Parental stress and child asthma symptoms link

University of Queensland (UQ) research has shown a link between parental stress stemming from financial hardship and exacerbated asthma symptoms in children. Dr K M Shahunja from UQ’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health led a study that analysed the data of more than 3,900 children collected over 14 years in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Dr Shahunja said the study was the first in Australia to look at the association of psychosocial factors with asthma symptoms through longitudinal analyses of one- to 15-year-olds.

“People are generally aware that environmental factors like smoking, traffic pollution and allergens can trigger asthma symptoms, but perhaps don’t realise psychosocial stressors can also have a harmful effect,” Dr Shahunja said. “It’s important parents and health professionals understand the significant influence the psychosocial environment has on children and how stressors can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies to address maternal depression, financial hardship, and parental stress for long-term asthma control in children.”

Dr Shahunja worked with co-authors Associate Professor Abdullah Mamun from UQ’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Professor Peter Sly from UQ’s Child Health Research Centre.

To view The University of Queensland article Asthma symptoms more common in children with stressed parents in full click here.

young ATSI girl with blue puffer

Image: Asthma (Short Wind) information booklet developed by Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children’s Hospital and the University of WA.

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 13 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Those who’ve gone before never gave up

feature tile: portrait image of Sen McCarthy; text 'Senator McCarthy urges mob to get back to “business” after the disappointment of the Voice to Parliament referendum'

The image in the feature tile is of Senator Malarndirri McCarthy from an ABC RN Breakfast broadcast Malarndirri McCarthy on the Voice: ‘I think we could have been better’ published by ABC Listen on 17 October 2023.

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.

Those who’ve gone before never gave up

Speaking at the 11th annual Aboriginal Economic Development Forum in Darwin on Friday 10 November 2023, NT Labor Senator McCarthy said the deep hurt and devastation felt by so many who supported the Yes vote was evident, straight after the October 14 referendum. “We are such a resilient people, as First Nations people,” she said. “…resilience really is the key to moving forward. After the referendum, it’s also now about accepting and respecting that decision, which is a really difficult thing for people to do.”

The proud Yanyuwa Garrawa woman from Borroloola, in the NT, said whatever the outcome of the referendum, First Nations people continued to be incarcerated at rates way too high and experience poor rates of domestic violence and unemployment. The Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health said the First Nations economic sector had a critical role to play in making changes to the broader Australian community.

In concluding her speech, Senator McCarthy said the most important issue post the referendum was improving the lives of First Nations people in Australia. “I do look at the example of those who’ve gone before us and the struggles and I where I come from,” she said. “When in 1976, we were the first to go for land of this area with we didn’t succeed. But it was difficult to give evidence in a former courthouse where their families had been jailed. I remember watching the Elders sitting there, speaking largely in language, but not really understanding what that Westminster System of law was all about. But we never gave up. And there’s always hope for a better future for all of us, for First Nations people.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article Malarndirri McCarthy tells AEDF now is the time for Indigenous people to show respect and resilience in full click here.

Senator Malarndirr McCarthy who spoke at the Aboriginal Economic Development Forum in Darwin on 10.11.23 with a a group of 4 ATSI women & young child

Speaking at the Aboriginal Economic Development Forum in Darwin on Friday, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy (back, centre) urged First Nations people to get back to “business” following the referendum’s defeat. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

What to say and do after suicide

April Burgoyne is not a counsellor but knows she has a key role to play in helping tackle Ballarat’s suicide rate, one of the highest in Australia. Ms Burgoyne, who is the Cultural Care Connect network coordinator for Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC) was among more than 30 representatives from different health and welfare organisations who recently attended a forum, led by StandBy Support After Suicide and Wellways. Data shows that those bereaved by suicide are at a higher risk of suicide amid ongoing ripple effects. Forum participants shared learnings and advice on what to do and say in the wake of lives lost to suicide.

“It’s good to connect and share cultural understandings to help up-skill other service organisations and to help up-skill our community in return,” Ms Burgoyne said. The BADAC program stems from a NACCHO move in post and prevention crisis support for Indigenous communities. Ms Burgoyne said this was focused on Aboriginal circle elements for social and emotional well-being support, including connections to ancestor spirit, culture, community and Country and kinship.

At the same time, it is also vital to work closely with other community organisations. StandBy Support After Suicide’s western Victoria program Coordinator Kristy Steenhuis, said one of the biggest barriers in her work has been awareness, “A lot of people have never heard of our service, that if someone’s bereaved, we’re someone to call.”  For Ms Burgoyne, there is still much work to do in developing what BADAC can offer. She said a long-term goal was after-hours crisis support. While BADAC has crisis support in business hours, Ms Burgoyne said a lot of clients reported needing to go to the hospital emergency department and have the traumatic experience of having to re-tell their stories without a warm hand-over. She also hoped to develop healing workshops with other health organisations to promote cultural awareness.

The above is an extract from an article What to say and do after suicide: welfare leaders face the question published in The Courier on 12 November 2023. You can access the StandBy – Support After Suicide website here.

StandBy Support After Suicide's western Victoria program coordinator Kristy Steenhuis giving a presentation at BADAC

StandBy Support After Suicide’s western Victoria program coordinator Kristy Steenhuis says there were “rich conversations” in a postvention awareness forum for community health leaders at Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative. Photo: Kate Healy. Image source: The Courier.

Cancer plans focus on those with worst outcomes

Although cancer care has improved dramatically in Australia over the past few decades, two new cancer plans, announced in the past fortnight, one launched by the Australian Government and the other developed by the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, NACCHO, aim to improve the cancer experiences of population groups who have the worst cancer outcomes. The plans hope to prevent Australians most at risk from “falling through the cracks”.

The Australian Cancer Plan, available here, was developed by the Australian Government’s cancer control agency Cancer Australia. Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Dorothy Keefe, said the plan sets out improvements and actions that can be made to improve Australia’s cancer control system, “This isn’t a plan to replace the state and territory plans. This is a plan to embrace them all, so that we can actually do the things together that are better done together and enable the jurisdictions to continue doing the great work that they do. The plan focuses on improving experiences and outcomes for priority population groups and improving outcomes for people with low survival rates.

Separately, a new cancer plan, available here, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been developed by NACCHO. The plan, which was codesigned with the Aboriginal health sector, aims to change cancer experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. “Consultations highlighted the need to focus on structural reform including sustainable funding, increasing accessibility of services and ensuring mainstream cancer centres are culturally safe and responsive,” NACCHO said. The plan acknowledges the goals of the broader Australian Cancer Plan in improving Aboriginal health outcomes. “By working together, these two plans will achieve better outcomes for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their families and Communities at a faster pace,” said Dr Dawn Casey, NACCHO Deputy CEO.

To view the InSight+ article New cancer plans focus on Aboriginal health and priority populations in full click here.

Cover of ATSI Cancer Plan document

Image source: NACCHO website.

Djäkamirr – caretaker of pregnancy and birth

Labor MLA Lisa O’Malley is backing the screening of a documentary which she hopes will lead to more culturally-appropriate birthing experiences for Indigenous women  Filmed over two years on the ancestral home grounds of Yolnu First Nations people in NE Arnhem Land, Djäkamirr: Caretaker of Pregnancy and Birth follows sisters Lawurrpa and Sarah as they journey through ancestral time, country and culture, working with the community to pilot the training of Djäkamirr (maternity caretakers).

The screening is being organised by maternity consumer representative Kylie Ekin, WA Country Health Service regional Aboriginal health consultant Janinne Gliddon, WA Country Health Service midwife Maddison Bell and Birth Tribe Midwifery founder Melissa Lynch. Ms Ekin said the documentary was a rare insight into Indigenous birthing culture and the importance of incorporating ancestral wisdom in contemporary maternity care.

“We must now implement Birthing on Country in WA and ensure continuity of midwifery-led care models are accessible for all Aboriginal women,” Ms Ekin said. Ms O’Malley said the documentary opened up an important conversation. 

To view the Fremantle Herald Interactive article Rebirthing in full click here.

poster for the film Djakamirr - caretaker of pregnancy & birth; image of Yolngu sisters Lawurrpa and Sarah

Yongu sisters Lawurrpa and Sarah on the film poster. Image source: Fremantle Herald Interactive.

Camp Jungai hosts historic ‘Gathering of Mob’

Taungurung Country hosted an historic ‘gathering of Mob’ over the weekend, which saw more than 300 people from across Victoria come together to share stories, yarn and heal. Held at Camp Jungai in central Victoria, a place of cultural significance for Indigenous Victorians that comes from the Wurundjeri language meaning “place of many possums”, 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture was brought together in a gathering of Elders, youth, and leaders from clans across the state.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) helped organise the weekend, with VACCHO CEO, Gunditjmara woman Aunty Jill Gallagher, saying the gatherings and events were vitally important for all Indigenous communities. “It’s crucial. Not only because of the disappointment that we’re dealing with because of the referendum, but it’s crucial that we stay strong together,” Aunty Jill said. “The Gunditjmara mobs can come down and hear Taungurung stories, and we can all dance our different culture dances. We’re just all together. That is how we keep our culture both strong, and alive.”

All the attendees helped deliver the message that First Nations communities were as strong as ever and would not falter. Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri man Jessie Williams said the importance of a gathering of Mob was the facilitation and continual connection for various communities throughout the state. “Making sure that our relationships are strong within our own community and being able to return to that on Country, while practising culture, it’s invaluable,” he said.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Camp Jungai hosts a historic ‘Gathering of Mob’ in full click here.

Koori Youth Will Shake Spears dance group and their back-up dancers

The Koori Youth Will Shake Spears dance group and their invaluable back-up dancers Photo: Dechlan Brennan. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Teens get a head start in careers in health

More than 30 Riverina high school students are set to embark on their healthcare careers through a school-based traineeship with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD). As a part of the program, the Year 10 students will go on to complete a qualification in nursing, allied health or health administration. The program can be included as one subject for their High School Certificate and contribute to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.

MLHD education and trainee support officer Laura Strano said the program offered students a supported pathway from school to work and further study options, “Our school-based traineeship program aims to help grow the rural health workforce, with a ‘grow your own’ model at the heart of its inception. The program focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student engagement and employment in health careers, with a holistic and supportive approach to completing the program and beyond. The program provides students with income while they are studying. Over the two-year traineeship, they complete a minimum of 100 days of paid, on-the-job training in their chosen area, one day a week during school term and the rest during the school holidays.”

Wagga Wagga High School student Darnee Doherty says she knows plenty of nurses around her and has always heard “good things” about the profession. “I was a late submission, but I’m glad I decided to get the application in on time,” Darnee said. “I’ve been given a great opportunity. Not many of my friends are doing anything else like this, but they all support me and have my back. I’m hoping for a healthcare career. I’m excited for it. I want to jump right in and get started and working already.” Darnee is set to start her midwifery training and hopes to stay in the region for her work. “I wouldn’t want to go too far away. If I can stay, that will be good,” Darnee said.

To view the Region Riverina article Local teens get a head start in their careers in health in full click here.

school students learning about CPR at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital

Students learn about CPR at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen. Image source: Region Riverina.

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 10 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Inaugural World Congress on RHD

young ATSI girl Tenaya Bell looking a long chest scar from heart surgery

The image in the feature tile is of Tenaya Bell, one of the 1,000s of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with RHD. The image appeared in the ABC News article Rheumatic heart disease has turned Tenaya Bell’s life upside down published on 25 September 2020.

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.

Inaugural World Congress on RHD

In many parts of the world, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) has been virtually eradicated for decades. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience some of the highest rates of RHD in the world. NACCHO’s commitment to addressing this inequity is a driver behind NACCHO Deputy CEO, Dr Dawn Casey’s keynote address at the World Congress on RHD in Abu Dhabi. Speaking on the disproportionate rates of the disease in the country, Dr Casey stated, “RHD is the epitome of health gaps between our Indigenous peoples and other Australians.”

Hosted by the World Heart Federation, the World Congress on RHD brought together experts from around the world to explore practical and effective solutions to ending RHD. On the world stage, Dr Casey stated that “real change” is only possible if the level of burden faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from RHD is recognised at a global level. “Australia’s Indigenous people have the longest continuous living culture in the world. Documented to be around 60,000 to 80,000 years,” she said. “Yet, both internationally and nationally we remain hidden, and barley acknowledged.”

NACCHO’s approach acknowledges that prevention is better than the cure, and that efforts designed to prevent RHD and Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are best placed in the context of comprehensive, and culturally safe primary care. Experts estimate that more than 69% of new cases of first ARF would be prevented by combining housing, health promotion, and primary care. Adequate housing and clean water are among strategies to reduce ARF and RHD, which are “more appropriately described as fundamental human rights,” Dr Casey said. “The impact on health is self-evident. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities know this. NACCHO knows this. And we will not waver from this human right,” she said.

Learn more about NACCHO’s work on RHD and ARF here.

The below image is of a lunchtime panel symposium on how philanthropy can support collaborative efforts to ending RHD, sponsored by the Snow Foundation as part of the World Congress on RHD.

panel at World Congress on RHD - (L to R):Georgina Byron, CEO Snow Foundation Jonathan Carapetis, Director, Telethon Kids Institute Dawn Casey, DCEO, NACCHO Bo Remenyi, Paediatric Cardiologist, Menzies School of Health Research

L to R: Georgina Byron, CEO Snow Foundation Jonathan Carapetis, Director, Telethon Kids Institute, Dawn Casey, Deputy CEO, NACCHO Bo Remenyi, Paediatric Cardiologist, Menzies School of Health Research.

Inadequate CTG commitment holding back progress

Lowitja Institute has welcomed the draft findings of the Productivity Commission’s first three-yearly review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and urged all levels of government to accelerate the implementation of the Agreement’s four Priority Reforms. Lowitja Institute CEO Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed said the draft review report, released on Wednesday this week (8 November 2023), tells us that governments do not adequately understand the urgency or magnitude of what is required to meet their commitments under the National Agreement.

The Productivity Commission review states that ‘governments are not adequately delivering’ on the National Agreement and there has been a ‘business-as-usual approach to implementing policies and programs that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’. Adjunct Professor Mohamed highlighted the findings on Priority Reform Three that calls for governments to transform the way they work, ensuring they are accountable, transparent, culturally safe and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The Coalition of Peaks made it clear to governments that the socioeconomic targets will only be achieved if governments transform the way they work. What is needed is whole-of-system understanding and effort to embrace every opportunity to embed Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. That means we can’t have a ‘one-size-fits all’ approach; we need place-based co-design, which is good for everyone,” Adjunct Professor Mohamed said. The Productivity Commission found that, in most policy areas, governments have not co-developed and enacted shared decision-making arrangements that enable reforms to be designed in genuine partnership. Their investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations is often short-term, unpredictable, and not collaborative and there has been little change to the public sector data-sharing landscape.

To view the First Nations Telegraph article Governments’ inadequate commitment to their Closing the Gap responsibilities is holding back progress in full click here.

portrait shot Lowitja Institute CEO Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed

Lowitja Institute CEO Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed. Image source: First Nations Telegraph.

Resources address high stillbirth rates

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women as well as migrant and refugee women from communities disproportionately impacted by stillbirth have been involved in co-designing new culturally appropriate pregnancy resources, to save the lives of babies in their own communities. Stillbirth rates in Australia remain tragically high, with six babies stillborn on average, every day.

A suite of sensitively-crafted, in-language resources, called ‘Stronger Bubba Born’ and ‘Growing a Healthy Baby’, have been developed from the evidence-based Safer Baby Bundle to improve maternity care for these communities and contribute to reducing stillbirth rates in Australia by 20%t. It is believed between 20 and 30% of late gestation stillbirths are preventable with better care, however systemic healthcare barriers can prevent important discussions about stillbirth prevention.

These new resources have been developed through extensive community consultation and input from health educators, to ensure the information and illustrations are culturally appropriate and reduce the devastating impact of stillbirth on these communities. The resources were developed by the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence (Stillbirth CRE) Indigenous research team with the guidance of the Indigenous Advisory Group. Delivery partner Curtin University supported the extensive consultation and co-design process.

NACCHO and the Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation are also collaborators with the CRE on their Indigenous work. Arabic, Dari, Dinka and Karen-speaking communities now have access to important tailored information in the form of a written booklet, summary video and self-paced digital booklet with audio. The resources are now available at the Growing a Healthy Baby website here.

To view the First Nations Telegraph article Culturally-sensitive resources address high stillbirth rates in full click here.

tile Stronger Bubba Born, Aboriginal art circle & hands cupped

Artwork: produced by QAIHC. Image source: Stronger Bubba Born website.

Respiratory disease warning for remote mob

Indigenous Australians living in remote areas are 2.4 times more likely to be hospitalised for respiratory diseases compared with those living in major cities. According to the Federal Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s 2023 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework, 65 Indigenous people per 1,000 are hospitalised in remote areas, compared to 27 per 1,000 in cities.

Asthma WA CEO, Anne Hallam, said the numbers were concerning, urging West Australians, in particular those First Nations people living in remote regions, to pay earlier attention to their lungs. Ms Hallam said the organisation often leant on funding sponsors to undertake regional trips, with the aim for teams to visit regional communities two to four times annually. “We’ll reach out to people in that region to come and see us. This might be for face-to-face education, yarning sessions or lung function testing,” she said.

Aboriginal Health Council WA Public Health Medical Officer, Dr Caitlyn White, said chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung problems, like asthma or bronchiectasis, can make people cough a lot, get short of wind or even feel very tired. “If you have a cough that doesn’t go away, feel short of wind, cough up phlegm or blood, or feel tired or weak, see your clinic for a check-up with your health worker, nurse or doctor,” she said. Asthma WA provided free personalised support for people living with respiratory conditions, including COPD and asthma.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Asthma WA issues respiratory disease warning for Indigenous communities in full click here.

ATSI man with asthma inhaler


Asthma WA is concerned about an increase in COPD hospitalisations in the Indigenous population. Photo: Asthma WA. Image source: Asthma WA.

First Nations Research Summit returns for sixth year

Charles Sturt University is building on its Research Strategy with meaningful engagement with First Nations Elders and communities to create culturally safe research. The First Nations Research Summit, titled ‘Placing Research: Working with Country’, was held at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga yesterday and today (9–10 November 2023). Senior Lecturer Dr Holly Randell-Moon and Lecturer Dr Nicholas Ruddell, both with the Charles Sturt School of Indigenous Australian Studies in Dubbo and Bathurst, respectively, were co-convenors of the event.

The first summit was held in 2015 and is part of Charles Sturt’s overall strategy to include First Nations as a core part of the University’s narrative and regional strength. “First Nations Research Summits have been convened to foster professional development for Charles Sturt University researchers to engage in culturally safe research with First Nations,” Dr Randell-Moon said. “By working in partnership with First Nations communities to the benefit of those and other communities, research is conducted by both First Nations and non-Indigenous staff with an underlying respect towards different knowledge sources, ways of doing and ways of being.”

The summit provided an interactive forum to discuss how Charles Sturt can respond to the needs of its local communities and agencies through research partnerships. The focus of this year’s summit was the University’s strategic research areas of health, cybersecurity and agriculture. Guest speakers talked about embedding First Nations knowledge and science into agricultural research practices, the role and the future of Indigenous health data for the profession and related data security concerns.

To view the Charles Sturt University article First Nations research summit returns for sixth year in full click here.

night photo of exterior of Charles Sturt University

Image source: iTWire.

Beyond violence: widening the view on women’s health

Bonney Corbin is Chair of the Australian Women’s Health Alliance, and Head of Policy and Research at MSI Australia, says the meeting of Australian Health Ministers today (10 November 2023) was an opportunity for all jurisdictions to commit to resourcing and sharing progress on the National Women’s Health Strategy and a wider focus on women’s health. Ms Corbin said women’s health policy in Australia has been a tumultuous journey. It has been only 60 years since all women have had the right to vote in Federal Government elections. It’s been 14 years since the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Health Strategy was published, without implementation funds. It has been only 10 years since a man appointed himself as the National Minister for Women, and in his first budget cut $80b to health and education expenditure over a decade.

Ms Corbin said that it was within this context that we learnt to rely upon the language of violence and vulnerability to be heard. We certainly have a lot to communicate in that language. In Australia almost 60 women have been killed this year. Structural racism brews following a referendum filled with misinformation. War and displacement affects our families and loved ones abroad. For decades we’ve rallied and reported about the perils of being a woman. We regularly share statistics on sexual violence, incarceration and homicide. We’ve shared heartfelt anecdotes about ongoing intersectional abuse, violence and discrimination.

It’s led to very important National Plans to End Violence Against Women and Their Children. We’ve seen increased investment in violence response helplines, refuges and support services. Women’s health is about more than our experiences of violence. Our health is also about things like access to education, housing, economic security. Women’s health is about connection to self, to Country, culture and kinship, to social and community supports. Our health is about autonomy to participate in democracy, advocacy and peacemaking. Community attitudes and our broader systems are gradually shifting. Backlash exists, but that is because we are at the start of an intergenerational process of gender-transformative change.

To view the Croakey Health Media article Beyond violence: widening the view on women’s health in full click here.

portrait shot of Bonney Corbin - Chair Australian Women's Health Alliance. Head of Policy Research, MSI Australia

Bonney Corbin – Chair Australian Women’s Health Alliance. Head of Policy Research, MSI Australia. Image source: ABC News.

Sector Jobs

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

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

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Nov 9 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Territories Stolen Generation Redress Scheme

The image in the feature tile is from the Territories Stolen Generation Redress Scheme.

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.

Territories Stolen Generation Redress Scheme

Sharing or reading this information might bring up difficult memories and feelings. There is 24/7 support available if you need help managing the emotional impacts of this information.

Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme provides redress to survivors. Two years after the announcement of the Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, over 700 Stolen Generations survivors have received redress, with close to $60 million paid in total. According to Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme Branch Manager, Erin Selmes, this represents significant progress for the Federal Government Scheme.

“We have worked in partnership with Stolen Generations survivors and networks to deliver this important Scheme in a culturally appropriate and trauma informed way” she said.

“It’s very pleasing to see Stolen Generations survivors receive redress and acknowledgement of their experience. I hope that more survivors will take the step to consider applying for the Scheme”.

Stolen Generations survivors who were removed as children from their families and or communities in the Northern Territory or the Australian Capital Territory (before self-government) or the Jervis Bay Territory, can apply for redress. The Scheme is open for applications until 28 February 2026.

The Scheme offers eligible individuals a redress payment of up to $75,000 and a healing assistance payment of $7,000. It also offers the opportunity for Stolen Generations survivors to have their story about the impact of their removal acknowledged by a senior government official, should they wish. Applicants do not need to have records about their removal to apply but may wish to share any documentation.

Free support services are available to help applicants throughout the application process—they can access these services even if they are just thinking about applying. Support to submit applications is available through local Link Up services. Independent, culturally safe and trauma informed legal and financial advice is available through knowmore Legal Service on 1800 566 966 or 1800KNOWMORE.

If a member of the Stolen Generations passes away on or after the Scheme was announced on 5 August 2021 and they would have met the eligibility criteria, their family will be able to apply on their behalf.

How to apply

To apply for the Scheme, fill in an Application for redress form:

  • download a copy from gov.au/apply
  • Call the Scheme on 1800 566 111
  • Email the Scheme on help@territoriesredress.gov.au
  • Write to the Scheme at Reply Paid 83394, Canberra ACT 2601
  • Visit your local Link Up service for a copy.

To find out more about the Scheme, visit territoriesredress.gov.au email or call 1800 566 111.

Further support and assistance:

  • 13YARN 13 92 76
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Let’s Yarn About Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnoea is about twice as common in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared with non-Indigenous Australians. However, the sleep-related respiratory disorder is significantly under reported in First Nations communities. The Let’s Yarn About Sleep program in QLD is hoping to change that, by acknowledging the importance of sleep not just to physical and mental health, but to spiritual health. The program uses traditional knowledge as a key part of its culturally responsive model of care.

Let’s Yarn About Sleep project coordinator and Kalkadoon woman Roslyn Von Senden says, “Sleep loss deprives us of opportunities to connect with our culture, our ancestors and who we are as traditional custodians of the world’s oldest surviving culture. That leads to poor emotional and mental health, affects our wellbeing and results in chronic conditions.”

The program provides culturally responsive model for local diagnosis and management of, and education about, obstructive sleep apnoea in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This has involved consultation with 12 First Nations communities, and training Aboriginal health workers and nurses to deliver the program. Community Elders also guide the tram to integrate cultural practices such as didgeridoo sessions for men. The didgeridoo is an important part of cultural ceremonies and playing the Aboriginal musical instrument reduces the severity of sleep apnoea. It strengthens the muscles of the throat and the back of the tongue, which are key muscles associated with sleep apnoea.

Read the full The Conversation article here and learn more about Let’s Yarn About Sleep here.

Image source: Shutterstock.

“Those aspirations are not lost” – Yes23 Campaigners reflect on where to from here

Yes23 leaders this week expressed ongoing commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart’s calls for Voice, Treaty, Truth, and rallied supporters at emotional virtual town hall events that acknowledged pain and grief from the loss of the Voice referendum. Yes23Campaigner, leading filmmaker and Arrernte/Kalkadoon woman, Rachel Perkins urges supporters to continue to step up on Indigenous issues, “Even though we’ve been defeated in this moment, that does not mean that we will let go of those aspirations: they remain strong, and they have remained strong for decades and we will not lose sight of them.

“So, however the Voice is created in the future, whatever the mechanisms for Treaty, state and federal, that come, those aspirations are not lost,” she said.

Asked how she felt, three weeks on, Ms Perkins said it helped to attend events like the town halls, “to connect with everyone again,” but her overall response was “comparable to a grief in some ways.” She said there is “some anger there,” but she is trying to channel it into positive activities and is beginning to think about what’s next.

Read the full Croakey Health Media article here.  

Rachel Perkins at the Yes23 virtual town hall. Image source: Croakey Health Media.

Community foster care to be provided by SWAMS

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) has been awarded a WA Government contract to provide children’s Out of Home Care (OOHC) Services. SWAMS is one of five new ACCOs who will deliver OOHC services across the state. The appointment was made after the Department of Communities acknowledged that ACCOs are best placed to provide and ensure culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in OOHC.

“SWAMS is best positioned within the Aboriginal community, making family or kinship care options more suitable,” said SWAMS CEO Lesley Nelson.

“Improved opportunities for early reunification and strengthened family and cultural connections will lead to greater stability for children as well as the ability to remain on Country, connected to family, community and culture, in culturally safe care arrangements.”

Read more here.

Hopes reopened pools will boost health outcomes

Children in some of the NT’s hottest communities have had to resort to swimming in crocodile infested rivers, due to a shortfall of qualified lifeguards at public pools. Temperatures in the Roper River community of Ngukurr have recently soared into the high 30s and the humidity topped 80 per cent, prompting the local Yugul Mangi Aboriginal Corporation’s youth officer Gene Daniels to take action. Roper Gulf is one of several local governments which has partnered with the YMCA to work towards reopening their pools, using its qualified lifeguards.

YMCA NT Chief Executive Matt Feutrill said he hopes reopening pools will boost health outcomes. He said benefits associated with chlorinated water include controlling skin infections such as scabies, eye infections, trachoma, and ear infections.

“All the communities around, like Minyerri, Hodson Downs and Urapungu schools will be able to use the pool at Ngukurr, and with Borroloola, the Robinson River school kids will be able to use that one too, so hopefully we’ll get really good health outcomes right across the region,” he said.

Read the full ABC News article here.

Community members in Ngukurr organised a slip and slide as an alternative to the pool. Image source: ABC News: Jane Bardon.

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 8 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Data research on family and sexual violence

protest in Alice Springs with Aboriginal women holding banner with Aboriginal art and text 'Town Camp Women Say Stop the Violence'

The image in the feature tile is from an ABC News article Domestic violence in Alice Springs town camps prompts march to raise awareness published on 11 July 2017.

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.

Data research on family and sexual violence

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $15m in First Nations-led research on domestic and family violence, as part of our concrete action towards ending violence against women and children within a generation. This targeted investment is the next stage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan under The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32 and reflects the need for concrete action by culturally informed data and evidence eco-system, created and managed by First Nations peoples.

Target 13 under the National Agreement to Close the Gap is to reduce the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by 50% by 2031. Current data collection is insufficient to measure progress on this target. The first step to reducing these disproportionate rates of violence is to fully understand the scope of the problem. The $15m research investment will be delivered over five years and aims to develop a data set that can show a national picture for First Nations women and children, whilst being nuanced for community differences and embedding culturally sensitive data collection and reporting practices. An improved evidence framework will also allow the Government to better track progress.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth emphasised the importance of First Nations people leading the approach to data collection in communities, “It is vital that First Nations peoples lead and own the research that helps to understand the nature and extent of experiences of violence for First Nations women and children. This not only means that we can gain a much stronger picture of the nature and extent of family violence, but that First Nations people have sovereignty over the research and resulting data that will help shape solutions and strategies to end violence against First Nations women and children.”

To view media release First Nations-led data research on family, domestic, and sexual violence, issued yesterday by the Minister for Families and Social Services of Australia, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, in full click here. The below video is a trailer to the documentary Not Just Numbers about the a group of inspirational women, the Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group, and their work towards preventing family and domestic violence.

Waterloo housing for mob welcome

The CEOs of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) and the Aboriginal Medical Services Limited (AMS) have welcomed the NSW government’s commitment to a minimum of 15% of all social and affordable housing in the Waterloo South redevelopment being for Aboriginal people. The Redfern Waterloo Alliance of ACCHOs and Allies arranged a media event, with Warren Roberts speaking as the chairperson and campaign organiser, and Siobhan Bryson, the CEO of Weave, speaking on behalf of the allies.

In announcing changes to Waterloo South, Housing Minister Rose Jackson increased both the amount of social and affordable housing in that redevelopment as well as the proportion that would be dedicated to Aboriginal people. The changes guarantee there will be at least 135 Aboriginal social housing homes and 90 Aboriginal affordable housing homes delivered in Waterloo South through an Aboriginal affordable housing provider.

“This is an opportunity to show a commitment to the Aboriginal community remaining in the area that is famous for Aboriginal people, and where our rights movement commenced and is based,” said Nathan Moran, MLALC CEO. “The Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern considers housing a major component toward improving better health outcomes for Aboriginal people in our community,” said LaVerne Bellear, AMS CEO.

To view The South Sydney Herald article Aboriginal housing for Waterloo welcomed in full click here.

Warren Roberts, Siobhan Bryson, LaVerne Bellear and Nathan Moran standing outside building with 'Matavai' written on it

Warren Roberts, Siobhan Bryson, LaVerne Bellear and Nathan Moran. Photo: Geoff Turnbull. Image source: The South Sydney Herald.

Language at heart of community health

Roughly 250 kms NE of Alice Springs is a place called Utopia. Composed of a loose collection of sparsely populated clan sites in the inland desert, the area is the traditional homeland of the Alyawarr and Anmatyerr peoples, roughly 500 of whom still live in Utopia today. A small body of relatively new scholarship has identified Utopia – where 88% of the population  speaks Alyawarr, and just 3.5% speaking exclusively English at home – as the site of an intriguing phenomenon, the link between the wellbeing of a language and the wellbeing of its speakers.

‘Language is medicine,’ state the authors who explore precisely this nexus in The Oxford Handbook of Endangered Languages (2018). Collectively, these authors are involved in documenting, teaching, researching and maintaining a diverse array of languages across what is now North America. Their striking observation, informed in many cases by scholarship in the authors’ own communities, crystallises the central claim of a small but growing body of research that insists that the declining health of a community’s language does not merely occur alongside sickness in a community but is itself the root of this sickness. If true, the opposite holds as well: namely, that strengthening the use of Indigenous languages offers a path towards physical and emotional healing for their speakers.

At a time when minority languages around the world face continuing pressures from dominant cultures to assimilate – something we witnessed clearly during the COVID-19 pandemics, when vital medical information was literally unavailable across the United States’ big cities in numerous languages spoken by minority groups – what can these perspectives tell us about how we define wellness? What might they add to our understanding of where the tongue ends and the body (corporeal and politic) begins?

To view the essay Language is medicine written by Erica X Eisen and published by Aeon in full click here.

Amnesty International urge greater scrutiny 

Amnesty International Australia (Amnesty) has expressed sorrow and anger following the death of a 41-year old Indigenous man remanded in custody in Hakea Prison, WA. Amnesty noted that coming “just weeks” after Indigenous teenager Cleveland Dodd died by suicide inside Casuarina Prison’s Unit 18 juvenile wing, “the fact that yet another Indigenous life has been lost is outrageous and unacceptable, and highlights a system that is fundamentally broken”.

Amnesty’s Indigenous Rights Advisor, Palawa Elder Uncle Rodney Dillon, said there needs to be a higher level of scrutiny and culpability when it comes to Indigenous deaths in custody. “Each case should be investigated independently by a criminal investigator, and not rely on a government coroner. Our mob are dying inside these prisons. No one has been found responsible, and there are no recommendations coming from the coroner that are stopping deaths in custody,” he said.

Amnesty International Australia’s Community Engagement Associate Campaigner, Rachael McPhail, said “These are preventable deaths that are caused by systemic racism, unconscious bias and a justice system that is heavily stacked against First Nations Peoples.” Amnesty International Australia has repeatedly called for the prevention of Indigenous deaths in custody, by urging governments to implement the 339 recommendations made by the 1991 Royal Commission into Deaths in Custody.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Amnesty International urge greater scrutiny after another Indigenous death in custody in full here.

Hakea Prison, WA

Hakea Prison. Photo: Justin Benson-Cooper (The Sunday Times). Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Research into illicit drug use in regional Victoria

Associate Professor Bernadette Ward, from Monash Rural Health, is helping lead a huge expansion of research into illicit drug use in rural Victoria, collecting information on what’s now the largest active group of people who use drugs in Australia. The new study, called MIXMAX, combines two established projects – the SuperMIX study of people who inject drugs, and the VMAX study on methamphetamine (ice) smoking in metropolitan and regional Victoria.

MIXMAX is a partnership between Monash Rural Health and the Burnet Institute. It will initially focus on the Mildura region after receiving new funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). SuperMIX began in 2008, and is a Burnet Institute study based in Melbourne. VMAX began in 2016, focusing on Melbourne, Bendigo, Shepparton and Gippsland.

A community event by Monash Rural Health and the Burnet Institute will be held in Mildura tonight, 8 November 2023, to explain the expansion. Researchers will also meet healthcare workers and a regional Indigenous health group ahead of the study. Associate Professor Ward said “We do know that in Mildura, anecdotally, there are lots of reports of people and family members and friends who’ve experienced some of the harm related to illicit drug abuse. Traditionally, in places like Mildura, small rural towns, there may have been some research done, but it’s usually a one-off. And what we’re now launching into is a five-year study in Mildura. We’ll be recruiting several hundred research participants and following them over time and talking to them about their illicit drug use, their mental health, their support services, their family, who they live with, what support they get, their involvement with the criminal justice system, and their behaviours around things like driving, how they use the drugs, and the frequency. We’ll also be seeking permission from them to collect some blood to look at their bloodborne virus status, so their hepatitis C, and HIV.”

To view the Monash University LENS article Shining a light on illicit drug use in regional Victoria in full click here.

wooden bench with tablets, spoon with white powder, syringe & alfoil

Image source: Monash University LENS webpage.

New LGBTQA+ youth suicide prevention program

Content warning: This article contains reference to suicide. Please refer to the services at the bottom of this article for support.

Funding for the first ever Elder-led intervention to support young Aboriginal LGBTQA+ people will bring new hope for the youth group most at risk of suicide in the nation says Edith Cowan University (ECU). ECU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) Professor Braden Hill and colleagues from ECU, Murdoch University and the Telethon Kids Institute have been awarded an NHMRC/Medical Research Future Fund grant entitled, Pride Yarns: Development and trial of an inter-generational intervention for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ young peoples’ wellbeing.

The $624,000 of funding over two years will enable researchers to develop and test the feasibility and efficacy of an Elder-led intervention for improving the social emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ people aged 14-25. It’s based on positive findings from the Pride Yarns with Mob (PYWM) pilot project – which provided opportunities for Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people to connect meaningfully with Elders. The pilot resulted in young people expressing an increased level of cultural connection and feelings of acceptance and social inclusion of the LGBTQA+ identity within Noongar culture.

10% of Aboriginal young people aged 16–29 years report being lesbian, gay or bisexual and four per cent as trans and gender diverse. Professor Hill said despite a comparatively high rate of suicide and mental health difficulties among Aboriginal LGBTQA+ youth, they remain one of the most under-served groups of youth in Australia in terms of tailored psychological support. “The urgency for interventions such as this cannot be underestimated,” he said.

To view the OUTinPerth article New suicide prevention program for LGBTQA+ [I]ndigenous youth article in full click here.

If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support:

13YARN – 13 92 76, 13yarn.org.au

Lifeline – 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636, beyondblue.org.au/forums

MensLine – 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 6 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: CTG is possible with proper use of information

feature tile image ATSI mum holding baby; text 'Closing the Gap can only be achieved if service gaps are identified and filled'

The image in the feature tile is from the Strong Mothers, Strong Families webpage of the Carbal Medical Services webpage.

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.

CTG is possible with proper use of information

Ian Ring AO, a Professor in tropical health and medicine at James Cook University says if there was general agreement about anything in the recent Voice referendum, it was that progress in Closing the Gap (CTG) has been unacceptable. Given this, Professor Ring said you would have thought, the key question asked by all might be “Why has progress been so slow – and what needs to be done to turn that around?” According to Professor Ring there are steps that could be taken right now to put the targets for life expectancy and child mortality “on track”. They are not unaffordable, do not require new knowledge and have been sought by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for a very long time. But they would require governments to heed the voice of Indigenous people, strengthen Indigenous leadership and conduct a root-and-branch overhaul and upskilling of key government agencies – and make proper use of information that has long been available to it.

Professor Ring points to child mortality as an example. He explains that most childhood deaths occur very early in life and are driven by birthweight, and that healthy birthweight is much more likely in those who start to access antenatal services early in pregnancy and receive adequate care for a range of health conditions and effective health promotion strategies for nutrition, smoking and other important factors. The Strong Mothers, Strong Babies, Strong Culture program, first developed by Aboriginal women and health workers in the early 1990s and was followed by various adaptations of this approach has led to improvements in the birthweight distribution and a reduction in perinatal mortality.

In 2014 the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said “Evidence shows that models of care tailored specifically for Indigenous women result in quantifiable improvements in antenatal care attendance, pre-term births, birth outcomes, perinatal mortality, and breastfeeding practice. These models include culturally appropriate and safe care as well as continuity of care, collaboration between midwives and Indigenous health workers, and involvement of family members such as grandmothers.” Professor Ring says that given this information, it might have been expected that the Commonwealth would conduct a service inventory of existing ACCHO services for mothers and babies, identified service gaps and then developed a forward plan to fill the service gaps across Australia. Sadly, that has not been the case and there has been no significant change in the Indigenous low birthweight rate between 2013–2019, and between 2010–2019 there was no significant change in the Indigenous child and infant mortality rates.

Major changes to improve ACT justice system

The ACT Government has formally announced several major changes to key laws in a bid to improve current performance and trajectory in the justice system, including increasing the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years of age to 14 years by the year 2025.  By raising the age of criminal responsibility the ACT Government is hoping to divert youth away from the criminal justice system and ensure they receive the therapeutic rehabilitative support needed to address the underlying cause of their behaviour. Attorney General Shane Rattenbury said “children in our community, especially those engaging in harmful behaviour, need our care and attention, not to be locked away in prison. Barbara Causon, the current Advocate, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People in the ACT, said First Nations’ children “are currently over-represented in the juvenile justice system and this important reform, along with carefully considered, culturally informed, alternative service responses aims to address this concerning issue”.

“The importance of involving our local Aboriginal community in the development and implementation of an alternative service response will go a long way to addressing the significant over-representation of our children in the juvenile justice system and have the potential to improve lifelong outcomes for our First Nations children and young people,” she said.

First Nations leader, Bundjalung man and Joe Hedger said “the issues of over-representation are interconnected, part of a web of poverty, limited access to education, healthcare, housing and cycles of disadvantage. By collaborating closely with First Nations people and organisations, the ACT Government can unlock the tremendous expertise and insights they bring to the table. This not only addresses immediate challenges but sets the stage for holistic reform in areas like education, healthcare, employment, housing and mental health, ensuring a brighter future for all.”

To view the National Indigenous Times article ACT leading the way with historic changes to justice system in full click here.

Joe Hedgers (left) with Alicia Payne, Aunty Violet Sheridan, Noah Allan, Paula McGrady and Katy Gallagher at Parliament House

Joe Hedgers (left) with Alicia Payne, Aunty Violet Sheridan, Noah Allan, Paula McGrady and Katy Gallagher at Parliament House. Photo: Jess Whaler. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Top End life expectancy research wins award

NT Health research looking at the life expectancy of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the NT has won the 2022 Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) Award for Excellence in Medical Research. The research conducted by Dr Yuejen Zhao, Shu Qin Li, Dr Tom Wilson, and Professor Paul Burgess, found that life expectancy for Indigenous people in the NT improved markedly from 1999 to 2018, with fewer lives lost to cancer, injuries and chronic disease.

The MJA Editor-in-Chief, Professor Virginia Barbour said “Their important research has helped contribute to the growing Australian academic literature about Indigenous health and wellbeing. We know that more needs to be done to improve the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, so the MJA really encourages more research into this area. It is also vital that the research community recognises the importance of research into the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Co-author Professor Paul Burgess, the Senior Director of Health Statistics and Informatics at NT Health, said the team were honoured to receive the award. “We are delighted and humbled to accept the MJA award for Excellence in Medical Research,” Professor Burgess said on behalf of the team. “As public health officials, we generally eschew the limelight — outside the occasional pandemic! However, we think the true recognition for this work belongs to the many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who have volunteered or worked tirelessly over the past 20 years to improve health outcomes across the NT.”

You can read the research in the Medical Journal of Australia here and the InSight+ article Indigenous research wins MJA Award for Excellence in Medical Research in full here.

Aboriginal man's hand being held by health worker in hospital

Image source: The Medical Journal of Australia.

Important others see racism called out

A GP has been banned from registering as a doctor for a year in Australia because of discriminatory behaviour toward an Indigenous doctor he accused of being a “fake Aboriginal” akin to “like a watered down bottle of Grange”. The medical board describedthe decision as a “landmark outcome” as it is the first case to make reference to changes in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) national law introduced last year to include a definition of cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s findings, the Canberra-based GP’s name was suppressed but the Indigenous doctor, Yuggera, Warangoo and Wiradjuri man associate professor Kristopher Rallah-Baker, made the unusual request that his name be published. “It was important for me that this outcome wasn’t faceless, for people to see they won’t be brought down if they complain about racism,” Rallah-Baker said. “Racism in the healthcare system contributes to patient harm and premature death.”

The nation’s first Indigenous eye surgeon knows the consequences of racism all too well. He was inspired to become a doctor to stem the cycle that saw his grandmother orphaned at 12. “My nanna lost her own mother from pneumonia after refusing to see the white doctors for medical assistance. She was a member of the stolen generation.” While still at the University of Newcastle medical school Rallah-Baker became one of the founding members of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association,, developed and managed the Indigenous Health Unit in the Logan-Beaudesert Health Service District, as well as developing the Deadly Ears Indigenous Hearing Health Program for Queensland, which has now been adopted as the National Indigenous Hearing Health Program by the federal government.

To view The Guardian article Doctor banned for 12 months after sending racist email to Australia’s first Indigenous eye surgeon in full click here.

Australia's first ATSI eye surgeon Ophthalmologist Kristopher Rallah-Baker in scrubs in theatre

Ophthalmologist Kristopher Rallah-Baker received an offensive email from a GP. That doctor has now been reprimanded over misconduct. Photo: Michael Amendolia. Image source: The Guardian.

Suicide prevention, postvention support

Content warning: This article contains reference to suicide. Please refer to the services at the bottom of this article for support.

The suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than double that of the Australian population overall, a terrible legacy of the dispossession and trauma wrought by colonisation. But those supporting Aboriginal people in the Illawarra say First Nations people have a lot of strengths to focus on as work continues to drive down the tragic toll. Suicide rates were especially high among males, and suicide was the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Kim Reid works with Thirrili, a postvention service that supports Indigenous people and communities after a suicide or traumatic death. Mr Reid said he believed the high suicide rates were the result of generational trauma stemming from colonisation, leading to lower socio-economic status, lower employment rates and poorer health. Racism also takes its toll.

Sharlene Cruickshank, Aboriginal mental health clinical lead with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, works with a team of Aboriginal clinicians and mental health workers who ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region are supported in a culturally safe and sensitive way. “We need to make sure that people feel safe, they trust the service, they trust the people around them, they feel comfortable,” Ms Cruickshank, a Wandi Wandandian, Wodi Wodi and Jerrinja woman, said.

To view the Illawarra Mercury article Suicide prevention, postvention support for Aboriginal community in full click here.

Kim Reid from Thirrili and Sharlene Cruickshank from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

Kim Reid from Thirrili and Sharlene Cruickshank from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Photos: Ainslie.Co. Images source: Illawarra Mercury.

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:

13YARN – 13 92 76, 13yarn.org.au

Lifeline – 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636, beyondblue.org.au/forums

MensLine – 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Healing power of art for doctors and patients

Medicine cannot cure all diseases, but one simple yet powerful tool – art – can help patients and doctors alike. It is well known that art is good for patients. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” as stated by the 1947 Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO uses art in health promotion and communication. In 2019, the WHO tested the effect of arts in advancing specific health goals, including improving mental health, suicide and blindness prevention, and maternal health. The WHO’s Regional Office for Europe is conducting research on the effect of art in health, in its Behavioural and Cultural Insights Program. Art also helps communicate health messages across different cultures and helps with emergency preparedness.

Indigenous artwork displayed in hospitals is one means to aid a culturally safe environment for Indigenous patients. It is also a reminder to non-Indigenous people in the hospital, to mentally acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land that the hospital lies on. Engaging in art is instrumental in the wellbeing and healing of Indigenous patients. For many Indigenous people, art is not a commodity but rather as “something akin to a family member”. Engaging in and displaying art, when treating Indigenous patients, could be a valuable part of the management plan. However, it remains widely unadopted. The incorporation of Indigenous artwork into staff uniforms of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Queensland, which they report has helped improve engagement of Indigenous people in their mental health programs.

Art as a method of healing is still viewed as an accessory tool, rather than a primary tool, in the doctor’s toolbox. This likely stems from a multitude of factors: a lack of education of doctors and medical students in the importance of art for patients and themselves, a lack of time in a busy hospital system for the doctor to remember and use available hospital art services, perhaps a feeling that art is not as important as current clinical practice backed with research, a lack of funding for art services in hospitals, and a lack of research studying the effect of art on the physical and mental health of patients. There are likely many other reasons why today, there are still hospitals in Australia without an arts service for its patients or an Arts in Medicine program for its doctors.

To view the InSight+ article The healing power of art for doctors and their patients in full click here.

Sector Jobs

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

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

Nov 3 2023

NACCHO Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health News: Australia’s first national cancer plan a reality

feature tile image of ATSI cancer survivor Jacinta Elston; text 'Improving outcomes for ATSI people a priority of Australia's first National Cancer Plan'

The image in the feature tile of cancer survivor Jacinta Elston appeared in an ABC News article Australia’s first national cancer plan aims to improve outcomes for Indigenous and regional Australians, available here, published yesterday, Thursday 2 November 2023. Image: Blacklock Media.

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.

Australia’s first national cancer plan a reality

Improving outcomes for Australians with the poorest cancer experiences, especially First Nations people, will be a priority for the nation’s first cancer plan. Cancer Australia CEO Professor Dorothy Keefe launched the landmark Australian Cancer Plan this week in a plenary address to the 50th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) in Melbourne. The plan has been developed by Cancer Australia, in consultation with the states and territories, First Nations communities, clinicians, researchers, people with lived experience of cancer and support organisations.

The plan covers all cancer types, across the whole cancer journey, from prevention and early detection to treatment, recovery, and end of life care. A key priority of the plan is improving outcomes for groups with the poorest cancer experiences, with a particular focus on First Nations people. Achieving equity for First Nations people was an urgent priority, Professor Keefe said. First Nations people are 14% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 45% more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous people.

Professor Keefe said she and everyone at Cancer Australia were “very excited” to see the plan come to fruition. “This is the first time Australia has ever had national cancer control plan,” she said. “And this one was created by the entire sector working together. The patients, the advocates, the researchers, traditions, the government’s it’s just great.” The plan sets out two and five-year goals for achieving these strategic objectives, and a 10-year ambition. The strategic objectives include:

  • Maximising cancer prevention and early detection
  • Enhanced consumer experience
  • World-class health systems for optimal care
  • Strong and dynamic foundations
  • Workforce to transform the delivery of cancer care
  • Achieving equity in cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

To view the Medical Republic article Australia’s first national cancer plan a reality in full click here.

Major step towards new WA ACCHO

The Fitzroy Valley Health and Wellbeing Project Working Group has taken the next step in its mission to establish a community controlled health service with the recent incorporation of Barrala Health Service Aboriginal Corporation. The aim of the Fitzroy Valley Health and Wellbeing Project, established in 2021, is to establish a dedicated Aboriginal community controlled health service to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare services in Fitzroy Crossing.

With the the entity now incorporated, Barrala has begun work on a detailed business plan for the establishment of the health service which will include staffing, service design, specialist services, infrastructure and capital works. The service’s design will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the Fitzroy Crossing community.

Barrala will partner with stakeholders including the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA), NACCHO, the WA Country Health Service and the WA and Commonwealth Governments.

To view the Broome Advertiser article Fitzroy Valley Health and Wellbeing Project takes major step towards community controlled health service in full click here.

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service treasurer Chris Bin Kali and Barrala Health Service co-chairs Delvene Green and Joe Ross

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service treasurer Chris Bin Kali and Barrala Health Service co-chairs Delvene Green and Joe Ross. Image source: Broome Advertiser.

Political misinformation regulation required

The recent open letter to the PM and parliamentarians broke the week-long silence from Indigenous leaders after the country rejected the proposed First Nations Voice to Parliament. The letter emphasised the damage caused by the “lies in political advertising and communication” prevalent in the recent campaign. The immediate consequences of these campaign messages have been profoundly damaging, with Indigenous-led mental health helpline 13 YARN receiving a 108% increase of Indigenous people reporting racism, abuse and trauma.

The federal government has proposed to introduce legislation to address the risks of political misinformation as a way of addressing three crucial factors: 1) Fake news and information spreads faster than real news, and is very hard to stop once it gets going. Misinformation can be posted on social media and reach a large audience before the information can be taken down. It’s easier to ensure politicians and political actors are prevented from saying it in the first place. 2) The public is often largely unaware when information is incorrect, and don’t necessarily have the skill or engagement to verify facts for themselves. 3) Belief in misinformation continues even after correction, a factor known as the continued influence effect.

Relying solely on the media, the public and rival political candidates to correct false statements is like expecting rain to extinguish a bush fire without any intervention from emergency services. While rain might sometimes help douse the flames, it’s inconsistent and unreliable. Similarly, while media and public scrutiny can occasionally correct misinformation, it’s not a guaranteed or systematic solution. Political misinformation spread online is like thousands of small fires simultaneously being lit.

To view The Conversation article Regulating political misinformation isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to protect democracy in full click here.

snapshot of AAP FactCheck post text 'This claim in false. Experts say results at the electorate level are not an indication of how Indigenous people voted'

Image: AAP FactCheck Twitter post. Image source: The Conversation.

Funding boost for three health projects

Three Indigenous health projects led by teams at the University of Sydney will share in over $3.2m as part of an initiative by the Australian Government to help find new ways to reduce chronic disease, improve mental health, help people quit smoking and increase resilience in kids. The projects are focused on involving First Nations people from their inception, and listening to the lived experience of the communities and peoples involved at every stage.Professor Robyn Ward, Executive Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Medicine and Health, congratulated the recipients, noting the impact that Indigenous-led and community informed projects can have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Professor Ward said the projects listed below, “have the potential to address areas of critical need for Indigenous Australians. We welcome the support from the Australian Government to support our researchers and communities. Working together is the best way to make a difference for mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

  • Connecting our Way – aims to build confidence in children in emotional regulation, mindfulness, and managing emotions at high-risk times
  • Creating Mental Health Safe Spaces in Pharmacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumers: Educating the primary care workforce in Mental Health First Aid (The MH-SPACE Trial) – aims to address the disproportionate lack of adequate mental health support available to First Nations Australians by upskilling the frontline, primary care workforce, namely community pharmacists – who are highly accessible and trusted healthcare professionals
  • Social Wellbeing Program – aims to develop a culturally-based social and emotional wellbeing program for young First Nations people in prison, to better deal with the underlying causes of unsocial behaviours, such as intergenerational trauma

To view The University of Sydney article Indigenous health projects get funding boost in full click here.

close up photo of grass tree plant, superimposed with white dot & line Aboriginal lines

Image source: The University of Sydney.

Input invite: PSA palliative care training program

In recent months the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has been successful in its application for a grant under the National Palliative Care Projects grant program. Over the next 2 years the PSA’s aim is to develop a palliative care foundation training program for Australian pharmacists. This training program is not intended to prepare pharmacists to specialise in palliative care, but rather to broadly upskill and equip Australian pharmacists with the foundation knowledge, skills and compassion needed to provide palliative care support to patients through quality use of medicines. The course, once developed, will be available free of charge to all pharmacists nationally by means of online self-directed learning.

The PSA is keen to ensure that the palliative care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and communities are considered throughout the training course, and brought to the attention of pharmacists and are seeking input from individual health professionals and also from carers and consumers, via 2 separate online surveys. The input will be carefully considered as the PSA develop the key learning objectives and overarching module structure of the program.

You can find more information on the National Palliative Care Projects grant program here.

The health professionals survey is available here, and the carers and consumers survey is available here.

The closing date for all input is Friday 17 November 2023 at 5pm AEDT.

ATSI hand being cradled by health worker

Image source: PSA Returning to Spirit webpage.

Helping improve health outcomes in the bush

Australia’s leading organic global meat producer, Hewitt has committed $750,000 to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) sections in Qld, SA and NT, and NSW, delivering critical health and wellbeing care to remote Indigenous and farming communities.  The RFDS is vital in turning the tide to help improve health outcomes for people living in rural and remote areas. Around 230,000 occasions of care are delivered each year between Qld, SA and the NT, and the South Eastern Sections. Around 28% of the Australian population live in rural and remote areas, with data revealing people in these communities often experience poorer health outcomes when compared to city dwellers, due to less access to primary health care services. 

For Indigenous communities, which make up around 32% of those living in rural and remote Australia, life expectancy is lower and there is a higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors that could lead to serious health issues such as kidney, urinary tract or coronary heart disease, injury or suicide. The five-year partnership between Hewitt and the RFDS aims to improve the physical and mental health and well-being of people in rural, regional, and remote areas of Australia by ensuring vital medicine, health technology and medical/mental health advice is delivered. 

RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO Meredith Staib said the Hewitt collaboration will go towards providing important front-line services to people in rural and remote communities, “Our aim is to provide the finest care to the furthest corner and we’re grateful for the generous support of Hewitt over such a significant amount of time. “ We’re continuing to work hard to provide positive and equitable health outcomes across Australia and this is only possible with the support of Australia’s rural sector.”

To view the Third Sector article Helping improve medical and mental health outcomes in the bush in full click here.

RFDS plane in outback, patient on stretcher being carried 4 adults to the plane

Image source: Third Sector.

Sector Jobs

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

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