17 July 2024

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

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

Mandurah’s Nidjalla Waangan Mia to transition to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

Aboriginal health and wellbeing centre Nidjalla Waangan Mia, in Greenfields, has provided health services to local Aboriginal people since 2010 and is currently operated by GP Down South. Nidjalla Waangan Mia regional communications manager for Aboriginal health George Walley said after discussions with GP Down South and members of the community, including Elders, the service will transition to operating independently as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).

The service provides culturally appropriate medical services from practitioners including doctors, nurses and Aboriginal outreach workers and has nearly 2000 clients in an area stretching from Mandurah to Pinjarra and Waroona and North Dandalup.

Mr Walley said having the organisation controlled by the Aboriginal community would mean the continuation of what he described as “50,000 years of health care in our traditional society”, as well as continuing the success the program has had since it began in 2010.

“We have been doing this amazingly well as a healthcare centre,” he said.

“All we’re doing really, is changing the current structure into something where we can do what we’ve been doing through an ACCHO structure.”

A $100,000 funding commitment from Regional Development Minister Don Punch was also announced on July 11 to support Nidjalla Waangan Mia’s transition.

This funding will go towards the registration and establishment of the Aboriginal corporation, important governance processes and the facilitation of ongoing community engagement and collaboration.

Mr Punch said the establishment of Nidjalla Waangan Mia as an ACCHO “will lead to improved health outcomes and community empowerment for the Bindjareb community”.

To read the Perth Now article in full, go here.

Mandjoogordap Dreaming director George Walley at Park Ridge Reserve in Bouvard near Mandurah.

Sole stories: yarning about foot health

Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isander person interested in foot health? Researchers from the University of Western Australia are seeking First Nations advisors to help explore cultural preferences on educational tools and medical footwear in diabetes treatment. With your guidance, they will co-design a culturally safe study that priorities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in healthcare.

What am I expected to do?
Aboriginal advisory group commitments include:

  • Attend 1-3 meetings in 2024 to yarn about the project and provide cultural guidance.
  • If you choose, be available for contact via email or phone for non-urgent or smaller queries.

In meetings you may be asked for advice on upholding cultural safety when yarning with Aboriginal people, analysing data, and releasing project results. As a member of the advisory group, you may attend meetings as frequently as you are able to. The entire project is expected to run for four years. You can choose to be a part of the project for as little or long as you like.

The research team will finalise an involvement agreement that suits you personally.

What skills or experience do I need?

  • You must identify as an Aboriginal person and have a deep understanding of Aboriginal culture.
  • You will need to be able to discuss cultural safety.
  • Advisors should have an interest in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
  • No research or healthcare experience is required.

For more information, please visit the website here.

Flyer – Sole Stories CAG

The importance of exercise physiology services in remote communities

The importance of exercise physiology services in remote Aboriginal Australia is evident with physical inactivity being an important risk factor associated with preventable chronic diseases.

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading modifiable risk factor that contributes to the loss of healthy life for Aboriginal people, with its effect manifested through a range of diseases, most notably coronary heart disease and diabetes (44% and 36% of the burden attributed to physical inactivity respectively).

Not only is regular exercise imperative for preventing, treating and managing diseases, it also contributes to overall quality of life through improved mental and social wellbeing, in particular by reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

To combat these statistics above, the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress is a strong political advocate of closing the gap on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health, in which exercise physiologists have a primary role.

Nicholle Cooke-Hayes is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist working within the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. She provides exercise physiology services primarily to two remote Aboriginal Communities; Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) and Utju (Areyonga).

Her main approaches include lifestyle intervention and behaviour change initiatives through health and physical activity education, one-on-one AEP consults, women’s health and exercise groups, healthy ageing exercise group, alternate learning programs, and education about healthy tucker and cook-ups.

While these AEP-led services and groups have been successful and welcomed by community members, regular ongoing services like this are a rarity in remote communities due to staffing shortages, prescriptive funding streams and a lack of exercise physiology positions and services available in the NT.

Increasing awareness, referrals and access to AEPs is something Nicholle is continually advocating for and extremely passionate about improving, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in rural and remote settings.

To read the full article, go here.

Image source: Unsplash.

Professional development key to closing healthcare gap

After three years of hard work, Aboriginal Liaison Officer Oceania Harris has completed her Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health. In May, Oceania travelled to Sydney to accept her well-deserved diploma. Now she’s back in the South West using her new skills to further support health equity for Aboriginal communities.

As an Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Oceania’s role includes following-up with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients who present to emergency departments (EDs) in Busselton, Margaret River and Augusta.

“I provide referrals and support to people presenting to ED,” Oceania said.

“I link them in with what they need – child and maternal services, physios, social workers – my role is across the board, supporting patients from birth to end-of-life.”

A wealth of knowledge, Oceania is also registered as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner under APHRA, having worked at the South West Aboriginal Medical Service for five years before joining our team.

Undeterred by an already busy schedule of working and being a single mother of five, Oceania is always looking to upskill to help her community.

“I am driven by Aboriginal health, my goal and my passion is Aboriginal health, and I love that I get to do what I love,” she said.

“Every day, I get to come to work and deal with patients. But they’re not just patients, they’re family.

“The community know they can come to me because I know them and have built relationships with them.”

To read the full article, go here.

Oceania Harris. Image source: WA Country Health Service.

Improving mental health access in the bush

Western Plains shires will benefit from a trainee program aimed at improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health access in the bush. Twenty-nine people have already graduated or are training under the Marathon Health Aboriginal Wellness Worker traineeship program, where they gain on-the-job experience supporting young people alongside their studies.

Warren-based Shaana Daley was among the first cohort and graduated with a Certificate IV Mental Health. She said there wasn’t a lot of mental health support growing up and now helps to turn that around in her community. She said couldn’t have done it as easily without the training.

“It’s based around youth work, you know, getting to know them and for them to be confident enough to just come and chat,” Shaana said.

“I learned lots of things, strategies people can use and how to talk to people and help them advocate for themselves.

“A lot of people, when it comes to mental health, don’t want to talk about it. So, it’s giving them the confidence to be able to say they might have a problem and they want to get help.”

Andrew Higgins, Assistant Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships at NSW’s regional development department, said the program will allow graduates to provide culturally safe mental health support.

“It will essentially help them to listen to their community, especially young Aboriginal people. Mental health is not something that was spoken about for a lot of people for a long period of time,” Mr Higgins said.

“I think engaging in this program allows them to have those listening attributes and to support even one or two people in their community to help them.

“That’s going to make our community string in rural and remote NSW.”

To read the article in full, go here.

If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support. The four organisations in blue offer immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Marathon Health Aboriginal Wellness Worker program graduate Shaana. PHOTO: Western NSW Local Health District.

Cultural leader for Hearing Australia urges ear checks for Indigenous children in Mid West-Gascoyne

 Hearing Australia is encouraging families in the Mid West-Gascoyne to get their children’s ears checked, after an alarming 26% of First Nations children were found to have an undiagnosed ear disease. More than 120 children received hearing assessments in the Mid West-Gascoyne in 2022-23. Results found more than 25% had undiagnosed hearing loss and about 19% had ear disease.

Hearing Australia is urging parents and primary healthcare providers to ensure young Indigenous children are having regular hearing checks. Geraldton cultural leader and Hearing Australia representative Azizah Roe has first-hand experience and knows how important children’s hearing checks are. Her two-year-old grandson was diagnosed with glue ear and required grommets to prevent a build-up of fluid.

“Not hearing properly meant it would impact on his learning … a few months after his surgery, my grandson had another hearing check and his hearing had returned to normal,” she said.

“It was a great outcome and really reinforces the importance of getting our kids’ and grandkids’ hearing checked regularly, because if there are any issues, they can then be put on the path to treatment.”

Ms Roe said Hearing Australia worked closely with Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and Meekatharra GP clinic to provide hearing services and support in the region.

“We encourage parents and carers of First Nations children to get their children’s hearing checked regularly because often bubs may not show any signs or symptoms of hearing trouble.”

To read the West Australian article in full, go here.

Hearing Australia representative Azizah Roe.

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.

16 July 2024

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

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

Have your say on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program

More opportunities to have your say are now available, with consultation for the Development of the Program Guidelines for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.

In the coming weeks, the team at Yardhura Walani will host:

  1. Focus groups on the primary care components of the lung cancer screening program guidelines.
  2. Workshops to discuss and develop a shared decision making tool for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Please choose a time to participate in one or more sessions by following this link: Doodle Sign-Up Sheet.

What is this about?

  • Australia is starting a National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) in 2025.
  • This program will use low-dose CT scans to find lung cancer early in people who smoke or have smoked but show no symptoms.
  • The goal is to reduce deaths from lung cancer by picking it up early.
  • The program is for people aged 50-70 who smoke or have quit within the last ten years.
  • The University of Melbourne and the Yardhura Walani Centre at ANU are developing the guidelines for this program, with the ANU led by A/Prof Lisa Whop focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • We will also create a 2-page summary and materials for shared decision-making and informed consent.

Who do we want to hear from?

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who meet the eligibility criteria now or will in the next five years.
  • Healthcare providers and organisations who care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
  • Carers and support workers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Anyone with experience caring for someone with lung cancer.

We need your input

Your feedback will help us make sure the guidelines and the shared decision making tool are culturally safe and relevant for Mob.

Feel free to share this invitation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, friends or family members using the attached social media tiles.

If these times don’t work for you, please email Lisa Whop (Lisa.Whop@anu.edu.au) to try to arrange another time. Alternatively, please reach out to Lisa or any of the team if you would like to organise a session(s) with members of your community/service separately.

Upcoming Webinars – Get the facts: supporting self-collect cervical screening in your Community

NACCHO is hosting two, hour-long training sessions, open to all ACCHO staff wanting to learn more about self-collect cervical screening. We will hear from a guest presenter and expert in the field Professor Marion Saville from the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer.

Each webinar will also showcase the stories of different representatives working in the ACCHO sector sharing some amazing stories of how self-collect is being implemented in their Community. RACGP (The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) and ACRRM (Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine) have provided CPD endorsement for the training.

Come along to learn more and yarn about self-collect cervical screening. To register visit the links below:

New menopause resource for First Nations communities

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has just launched a new suite of menopause resources designed especially for First Nations women and the health professionals who care for them. Over the past four years, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has been working with First Nations-led organisations to develop culturally appropriate health information. Menopause was identified as an information gap during this work.

The booklet on menopause – or ‘the change’ as it’s known in some First Nations communities – includes helpful information on why the life stage happens, the common symptoms and changes that occur, and life after menopause. The booklet is the culmination of insight, wisdom and knowledge that was generously provided from rural, remote and urban communities from Arnhem Land to Gadigal Land.

The release of this new resource will help to fill the information gap on menopause in these communities. Laura Hinds, a remote area nurse and midwife with the Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation explains:

“Working within the remote space, at times, there is not enough information about sensitive women’s health issues … we talk about puberty and conception and what it is like to have a period, or what it’s like to have a baby, but resources that support women later in life are very few and far between.”

Alongside the booklet, there is a new educational toolkit, in digital or flip chart format, for health professionals. This resource can be used by health workers to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to stay healthy during and after menopause.

It was developed in consultation with several First Nations organisations, including Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service Penrith (NSW), Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd (Qld), Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (WA), Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation (NT), Nepean Blue Mountains LHD (NSW), and Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation (VIC).

For more information, go here.

Image source: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

Help improve food security outcomes in First Nations communities

In partnership with state and territory governments, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), the Australian Government is developing a National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities.

To help shape the final Strategy and suite of actions, the Australian Government, state and territory governments and First Nations health organisations are seeking feedback. There is an upcoming Mackay consultation on Friday 19 July, 10am to 1pm at Sarina Meeting Room, Jubilee Community Centre (258 Alfred St, Mackay).

To register to attend a forum, go here. You can also make an online submission before Sunday 11 August.

Mackay consultation to provide feedback on the National Food Security Strategy for Remote First Nations Communities is on Friday 19 July.

Genocide in the Wildflower State: New documentary shines light on Stolen Generation

Genocide in the Wildflower State is a 59-minute documentary about a violent, state-run system of eugenics, racial absorption, and social assimilation in twentieth century, WA.

‘Stolen Generation’ Survivors give vivid and at times heartbreaking testimony of cruel isolation, abuse and humiliation in the system. Their accounts are supported by documentary evidence from state records, public archives and historical scholarship.

Genocide in the Wildflower State is truth telling and a demand for justice. It holds to account successive parliaments in WA that have failed to make redress. It is about helping to heal the trauma in the Survivor community, and building understanding in broader society.

For more information, go here.

Genocide in the Wildflower State screening at Parliament House.

Malpa Young Doctors for Life program set to expand

Students at schools in Waroona and Bunbury are set to benefit from a culturally-based health program’s expansion into WA. Waroona District High School and Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School students will participate in the Malpa Young Doctors for Life program in Terms 3 and 4, which seeks to empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous students aged 9-12 years to be health ambassadors.

As part of the 15 week program, students will learn skills from Aboriginal Elders, doctors and paramedics in nutrition, hygiene, and wellbeing. It is inspired by the work of Ngangkari, who are Aboriginal healers in central Australia that pass their skills down to younger generations. The program also leans on the deeply embedded idea in First Nations culture of children being “doctors”, with students encouraged to spread their newfound knowledge with families and the community. It will aim to improve education outcomes, with studies showing improved physical and mental health can increase engagement and learning.

Students at the two schools will be among the first in WA to take part in the program, which is being supported by a $100,000 donation by the Alcoa Foundation to the Aspen Medical Foundation to help the latter’s work with Malpa.

To read the Bunbury Herald article in full, go here.

The Alcoa Foundation has provided funding for the Malpa Young Doctors for Life program.

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.

15 July 2024

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

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

FASD Strong Born Grants closing soon

Applications for the third round of the FASD Strong Born Campaign Grants close this Friday July 19. ACCHOs can apply for funding to raise awareness, enhance resources, and strengthen workforce capability around fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investment in First Nations postgraduate scholarships aims to close the gap in cancer outcomes

The Aurora Foundation has announced a $5.9m investment supporting a First Nations postgraduate scholarship program to assist more Indigenous people to specialising in cancer care. Funded by the Australian government through Cancer Australia, the First Nations Cancer Scholarship aims to increase the network of Indigenous people who lead and contribute to cancer control, with First Nations scholars to receive $120,000 per year for up to three years, as well as academic, wellbeing and community support.

Wiradjuri woman and Aurora chief executive, Leila Smith, said putting First Nations scholars and researchers onto the pipeline for success was critical in closing the gap in cancer outcomes for First Nations people nation-wide.

Cancer Australia notes that despite Indigenous Australians only having a slightly higher rate of cancer diagnosis than their non-Indigenous counterparts, they are approximately 40% more likely to die from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians.

“This Scholarship creates opportunities for the best and brightest Indigenous scholars to develop specialist skills and expertise that will strengthen how cancer-related professions lead and contribute to cancer control,” Ms Smith said.

“I am excited about the potential of this Scholarship and look forward to the announcement of the successful scholars later this year.”

Expressions of Interest for the First Nations Cancer Scholarship are now open until 30 August and can be found online.

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

Previous Aurora scholar Naarah Barnes (left) with Aurora CEO Leila Smith. (Image: supplied).

1 van, 3 days, 20 dentistry students, 15,000 mouthguards: TAMS ambitious plan for the Koori Knockout

Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS) has an audacious plan to debut its new dental van: to craft 15,000 mouthguards at the Koori Knockout in Bathurst, over the October Long Weekend.

The Koori Knockout is the largest Indigenous sporting event of the year, attracting around 150 Indigenous rugby league teams from across the state. Now in its fifty-second year, it is both a significant sporting and cultural event, with over 30,000 people attending, many from the New England. The Narwan Eels have won the competition five times, while the Moree Boomerangs have won twice.

“We’ve been invited to the Knockout to provide a mouthguard service,” Executive Assistant to the TAMS CEO Kevin Duroux said, “in partnership with NSW Health and the Western Sydney University.”

“There’ll be 21 people who can make the mouthguards – twenty of them are students, and I have a really, really good working relationship with Dr. Ismail Larney, who will be leading the students throughout the weekend.”

Not everyone can afford a mouthguard, and while “boil and bite” mouthguards are better than nothing they cannot compare to one made by dental professionals.

“To play without a mouthguard, to cop an injury to your mouth, could be devastating both mentally and physically.”

TAMS has only had the dental van for a number of months. It’s set up as a dental technician lab, designed to be able to make dental prostheses like dentures and plates, as well as mouthguards.

The plan is to take the van on the road, and provide services to any and all Indigenous communities in the region, though Duroux says that if the van were fully funded and equipped there’s no limit on where he’d like to see it go.

To read the article in full, go here. 

Image source: New England Times.

Calling for more First Nations say in the design of housing

The peak body for Aboriginal Housing in the NT has made their demands clear before the upcoming election, calling for more First Nations say in the design of housing, and more government accountability. Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory (AHNT) said all Territorians should have access to “safe, appropriate and affordable housing”, with chief executive Skye Thompson calling on all parties at the election to take action to provide affordable and appropriate housing for Indigenous people in the NT.

Housing insecurity is one of the biggest challenges facing Indigenous people in regional and remote communities in the NT. According to NT Shelter, the NT has 12 times the national average rate of homelessness compared to the national rate, whilst in 2022-23 one in 25 people received homelessness assistance, higher than the national rate of one in 95.

“Compounding the issue, about 10,000 Aboriginal people live across homelands which have seen no government funding for new houses since 2015,” the AHNT said in their election platform position.

“The housing that does exist on homelands is run-down, energy inefficient (hot boxes in the desert, rusting out on the coast) and in many cases beyond economic repair.”

The AHNT said they were calling for several commitments from all major parties at the election. These include new housing for homelands and enough funding for repairs and maintenance; more Aboriginal control of design, construction, and management of housing; better government accountability; and action to alleviate the rising cost of living.

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

Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory CEO Skye Thompson. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Tiny bus a critical lifeline between Kalgoorlie and communities in WA’s remote Eastern Goldfields

Every Thursday morning in Kalgoorlie, 600 kilometres east of Perth, families climb onto the bus, which takes them, with their bags of groceries, paintings, and sometimes even puppies, back home to the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. Every week, a small bus covers the 900km of mostly unsealed roads separating Kalgoorlie from the remote Aboriginal community of Warburton, stopping in a few northern Goldfields towns along the way.

It’s the closest hub for residents of Aboriginal communities near the tri-state border, who have to visit the outback city for reasons ranging from healthcare to family gatherings. If not for the bus, many would be left sleeping rough, or forced into overcrowded homes.

The bus service employs local Aboriginal drivers and chaperones.

“It’s important to have Indigenous people on the bus, for the sake of language, for the sake that they are comfortable with their own family members,” chaperone Charmaine Tucker explains.

With travellers from communities where culture and language are strong and English is used, if at all, as a second language, Ms Tucker’s language skills and cultural knowledge help her meet their needs.

Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation chief executive Merri Best says the bus is a “mobile agency”.

“It’s much more than just a person on a seat travelling 12 hours, the possibilities within that bus are huge,” she says.

Ms Best says the service “fills the gaps of the gaps”, connecting people who may not find it easy to walk into an office and ask for help with critical services.

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

Charmaine Tucker says her language skills help her connect with the travellers.(ABC Goldfields: Giulia Bertoglio).

Indigenous-led youth program fighting for change

On the outskirts of Alice Springs, at the end of a winding red dirt track, there’s a peaceful property nestled against the West MacDonnell Ranges. It isn’t far from town, but for many young men, this desert land can feel miles away from the peer pressure and police sirens of the city centre. Here, they’re back on country. This is the home of the All-Rounder Program, an initiative led by Arrernte, Alyawarre and Pertame brothers Damien and Warren Kunoth. The program works with young men in the community and youth detention centre, taking them back in time and teaching them traditional stockman skills.

For 19-year-old Layne Kunoth, whose uncle launched the program, the experience has been transformational.

“Just getting out of all that stuff in town and just being around horses, it’s really good,” he says.

“I make myself proud and try to make this mob proud with the stuff that I’m doing.”

Layne has been caught up in crime in the past, but through this program, he’s working to stay on track. After two years with it, he now has his first job — building fences for cattle stations around Alice Springs – as well as big dreams for the future.

“I’ve got a job instead of just doing no good things in town — fighting and drinking around and all that,” he said.

“It’s been really good for me.

It comes as many locals argue curfews are just “bandaid” solutions, which don’t address the deeper issues behind the region’s crime woes. Those include severe rates of poverty, incarceration, chronic health issues, domestic and family violence and overcrowded housing in local Aboriginal communities.

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

Layne Kunoth, 19, says the program has turned his life around.(ABC News: Xavier Martin).

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.

 

12 July 2024

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

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

Strong workforce needed to deliver aged care

If the Elder Care Support (ECS) program is to have a true impact on the health and wellbeing of First Nations older people there needs to be a strong workforce comprising of trusted members of the communities they serve, a recent industry event has heard.

Speaking at the inaugural ECS Yarning Circle hosted by the NACCHO last month, its executive director Monica Barolits-McCabe told delegates: “We know that health and wellbeing are the foundations of strong communities. But to truly make an impact, we need to ensure that our health workforce is strong, resilient and trusted members of the communities they serve.”

Building such a workforce, said Ms Barolits-McCabe, isn’t just important – “it’s essential”. And it’s more than just numbers, she added. “It’s about nurturing a team that understands the unique needs and cultural backgrounds of our people. A workforce that’s committed to delivering care that’s culturally safe and responsive to our Elders.”

Launched in June 2022, the ECS program is a $106m federal government initiative to provide face-to-face support to help First Nations people access aged care services. A further $115m will go towards the building of culturally safe aged care facilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander seniors.

To view the Australian Ageing Agenda article Strong workforce needed to deliver First Nations aged care in full click here. 

NACCHO executive director Monica Barolits-McCabe

Monica Barolits-McCabe. Image source: Australian Ageing Agenda.

How depression led Julie to a new life purpose

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

When Julie Schubert was a teenager, the weight of the world pushed her into the grips of one of the darkest periods of her life. For weeks and weeks, that felt endless, she tried to latch onto some sense of light. The many counsellors she saw did not seem to understand the experiences she’d had leading up to this moment as an Aboriginal woman. Adding to the heaviness of it all was the pain that came with having to reach out for help. “I felt shame about it,” she said.

Julie feels very fortunate that she got through this intensely difficult time. The experience moved her to want to help others through their battles so she began work as a mental health clinician. “It’s been really rewarding when I’ve had clients that I’ve seen [and] six months later or a year, even a couple of years after that, after they’ve gone away and continued on, and you can see they have changed their life,” she said.

Looking back at her own journey to recovery, she says having access to Indigenous or culturally-sensitive mental healthcare counsellors would have been a great benefit. It’s the reason she completed a Health Science degree and is studying Psychology as a First Nations cadet at university. Now an emerging academic, Julie wants to build a career in research so she can help develop solutions in healthcare and create better outcomes for Indigenous people.

To view the Women’s Agenda article How Julie Schubert’s battle to defeat depression opened a new life purpose in full click here. 

Julie Schubert

Julie Schubert. Image source: Women’s Agenda.

If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support. The four organisations in blue offer immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

13 Yarn (13 92 76)

Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)

Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)

Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 + webchat)

Lifeline (13 11 14 + online chat)

MensLine Australia (1300 789 978)

NACCHO Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal

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

Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)

$15m to help stop spread of TB

The Malinauskas Labor Government is investing $15.2m to help eliminate the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in Aboriginal communities across the state as part of the 2024–25 State Budget. The funding will help respond to current cases, providing these individuals and their contacts access to culturally informed health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, as well as ongoing care.

There will also be dedicated resources to work with Aboriginal communities, health care and support services to identify any new cases in the identified cluster areas, along with other parts of SA to ensure all Aboriginal communities can respond to TB if needed.

Since May 2022, there has been an increase in TB notifications impacting Aboriginal people with 24 notifications of active TB in the last two years. 21 of these cases are linked to four distinct genomic clusters located in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Murraylands, northern Adelaide and central Adelaide.

Chief Aboriginal Health Officer, Kurt Towers said “TB does not discriminate and is a public health consideration for all South Australians. The $15.2m additional investment is a crucial step towards eliminating TB in Aboriginal communities across SA. This funding will continue to support meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal communities and healthcare services, to provide a culturally informed response, care, and support to stop the spread of this treatable and curable disease.”

To view the Government of South Australia’s media release $15m in funding to help stop tuberculosis full click here.

hand holding oxygen mask to a child's face in hospital

Image source: ABC News.

Kids suffering in silence with ear disease

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience some of the highest rates of middle ear infections globally. Clinical data from Hearing Australia reveals that 26% of First Nations children have undetected ear infections, and one in five live with undiagnosed hearing loss.

Since 2019, Hearing Australia’s Early Ears program has assessed about 36,000 First Nations children from newborns to age six. Analysis of 19,000 assessments shows that children under two face more ear health issues than older ones, particularly those living in remote areas.

Ms. Cross, a Yorta Yorta woman, highlighted the significant impact of middle ear disease and hearing loss on children’s development, learning, and cultural connection. Hearing well is crucial for learning songs and stories from Elders. Hearing problems can lead to difficulties in school, speech delays, and challenges in understanding instructions, making it hard for children to connect with others and participate fully in classroom activities.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Indigenous kids ‘suffering in silence’ with ear disease in full click here and for more information please check the Care for Kids’ Ears webpage on the NACCHO website here.

tile with cartoon AHW checking hearing of Aboriginal girl & boy; text 'care for kids' ears - strong hearing strong start'

Image source: NACCHO website.

Dr Prehn to study access to healthcare system

The Australian Academy of the Humanities has just awarded their 2024 John Mulvaney Fellowship to Sociologist and Social Worker academic to Dr Jacob Prehn, at University of Tasmania. Dr Prehn will undertake the first analysis of how Indigenous men access, and prefer to access, the healthcare system using the Mayi Kuwayu Study.

Dr Prehn comes from a background as an Aboriginal Health Worker, and completed his PhD on how on-Country therapy contributes to positive health and cultural wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous men.

An Australian Academy of the Humanities representative described Dr Prehen as “a seriously stellar recipient” of the Australian Academy of the Humanities’ John Mulvaney Fellowship 2024.

You can read the Australian Academy of the Humanities’ media release Researcher improving Indigenous men’s health receives Academy Fellowship in full here, and find more information about Jacob Prehn and his research on the Australian Academy of the Humanities’ website here.

Dr Jacob Prehn

Dr Jacob Prehn. Image source: University of Melbourne, Poche.

Maggie Beer’s better aged care meals mission

Australian celebrity cook Maggie Beer has long been an advocate for better quality meals in aged care. It led her to a four-month immersion in an aged care residence with the goal of transforming the meals and dining experiences there. She and the producers of a three-part ABC documentary series, Maggie Beer’s Big Mission, hope it will spark nationwide change.

The program was motivated by the high levels of neglect, malnutrition and social isolation identified by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and a new rights-based Aged Care Act, which is currently being drafted.

A team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and researchers had a behind-the-scenes view of Maggie Beer’s “social experiment” and helped evaluate its impact for residents and staff, to understand how other centres could use the same evidence-based approach. At the start of the experiment 78% of residents evaluated were at risk of malnutrition or malnourished and 46% experienced depression. These figures are confronting yet not unusual based on previous studies and the Royal Commission estimate that 68% of Australians in residential aged care are malnourished or at risk of becoming so.

To view The Conversation article Maggie Beer’s aged care eating mission is feel-good TV – but is it a recipe for real change? in full click here. 

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

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

11 July 2024

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

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

NACCHO and Snow Foundation partner to tackle RHD

NACCHO and The Snow Foundation have announced their partnership to prevent acute rheumatic Fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Snow Foundation’s grant of $1m will expand NACCHO’s ARF and RHD Prevention Program into more ACCHOs and their communities.

ARF and RHD are preventable diseases triggered by a bacterial streptococcal infection with lifelong impact. The effects are compounded by the ongoing effects of colonisation, poverty and inadequate access to comprehensive, culturally safe primary health care. A person diagnosed with either ARF or RHD requires lifelong care, including many years of preventive antibiotics and, sometimes, invasive cardiac surgery.

According to the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report released in March 2024, Australia continues to record some of the highest rates of RHD globally. This disease disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“As Australia’s peak community-controlled body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing, NACCHO acknowledges The Snow Foundation as one of the first in Australia to support community-controlled program design and delivery. We all have a part to play in closing the gap,” Dr Dawn Casey, Acting CEO of NACCHO said.

To view the media release NACCHO and The Snow Foundation partner to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to tackle rheumatic heart disease published by medianet. in full click here. 

Members of the NACCHO ARF & RHD Prevention Program Community of Practice, at their first national CoP and Echo Familiarisation session on Larrakia Country (Darwin) in June 2023

Members of the NACCHO ARF and RHD Prevention Program Community of Practice, at their first national CoP and Echo Familiarisation session on Larrakia Country (Darwin) in June 2023. Image source: medianet.

National Healthcare Identifiers Roadmap released

The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) has released its National Healthcare Identifiers Roadmap – a five-year plan to support the wider uptake of healthcare identifiers. Developed in conjunction with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) and Services Australia, the Health Identifiers (HIs) Roadmap provides a framework for bringing in HIs — unique numbers used to identify individuals and are used by healthcare providers and healthcare organisations to connect the right information with the right person at the point of care – and a crucial part of progressing interoperability across the sector.

“Healthcare identifiers are the linchpin for safe, secure and seamless information sharing across the nation’s healthcare system in near real time,” said the ADHA’s chief digital officer Peter O’Halloran. “Increased adoption of the national healthcare identifiers will mean Australians will avoid having to retell their story as they move across the health system,” said Mr Cleverley.

Work is set to being on conducting analysis and engagement with ACCHOs and key stakeholders to work on developing and implementing a plan of identified data matching improvements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It will include investigation into possible design model(s) of interaction with the HI Service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that will ensure accurate and consistent identification, with trust and community at the centre.

To view The Medical Republic article Drive to healthcare identifiers begins with roadmap’s release in full click here. 

text 'START' in yellow on highway

Image source: The Medical Republic.

Consulting Elders delivers better mental health services

Aboriginal Elders in Perth are working with mainstream mental health service leaders to improve mental health services for their community. The Looking Forward research project has enabled mental health service providers in Perth and Nyoongar Elders to be active partners in a steady and sustained engagement process. In this part of the project, four elders worked with one mental health service leader for eight years to pass on this knowledge and transform the way his service treats Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers.

A recent research paper shows how Perth-based mental health services are now becoming more culturally informed and responsive, with Aboriginal people more likely to feel acknowledged, respected and safer when accessing services. The Elders stressed it was vital to work boss to boss, or biddiya to biddiya in Nyoongar language. Strong leadership is needed to ensure changes are embedded across all levels of services.

It is unrealistic to expect quick-fixes and rapid changes to the western medical model, which tends to function in a transactional and clinical way. There is limited scope and time for service providers to interact more personably, so consumers often feel unheard and alienated. For Aboriginal people in particular, the western medical model has done very little for them to feel culturally safe. Cultural safety requires an understanding of their specific needs, as well as the time and commitment of service providers to be respectful and responsive.

To view The Conversation article Mental health services that consult with Elders can deliver better care to Aboriginal people in full click here. 

Curfews have a long history of causing harm

When news about youth crime hits the headlines in the US, the response has often been to introduce curfews even though the evidence shows these are ineffective. The extent of youth crime is often greatly overstated in the US, especially by politicians, while less attention is paid to issues affecting at-risk children such as trauma, poverty and a criminal justice system that has been historically unfair.

In Australia Commissioners from the Australian Human Rights Commission has criticised the tough on crime rhetoric that is infecting Queensland election debate, and the controversial new laws introduced in the NT in May giving the Police Commissioner the power to declare snap, three-day curfews over areas of the NT in response to “public disorder”, which may be extended for a further seven days if the Police Minister approves.

Professor Thalia Anthony and Professor Juanita Sherwood, from the University of Technology Sydney have conducted a review of the colonial history of curfews and research about their contemporary use, and concluding the approach has “high risks for little proven gain”. Those most at risk include Aboriginal young people, people who are homeless, young people in the child protection system, and people with mental health and trauma needs.

To view the Croakey Health Media article Curfews have a long history of causing harm, and their use is not backed by evidence in full click here.

red alarm light

Photo: Pixabay. Image source: Croakey Health Media.

Leadership reflections, Mabo and beyond

In the 2023 Eddie Mabo Lecture recorded by James Cook University in Cairns on 16 May 2024 Yuin woman Ngiare Brown reflects on Indigenous leadership, and explores how we can create the right conditions for all Indigenous people to flourish, and to “leave a legacy that uplifts, enriches and empowers”.

Ngiare Brown, now the Chancellor of James Cook University, was one of Australia’s first Aboriginal medical graduates, and went on to become a senior leader in Indigenous health. N

To listen to the ABC Radio National Big Ideas podcast episode A reflection on Indigenous leadership, from Mabo and beyond click here.

ABC Radio National Big Ideas podcase banner with text 'A reflection on Indigenous leadership, Mabo and beyond'

Image source: ABC News website.

Caring for First Nations women facing violence

Family violence disproportionately affects First Nations women. In fact, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-Indigenous women. Antoinette Braybrook AM has been working on the frontline of Indigenous women’s safety for more than two decades, and she has only seen the rate of male violence against women increase. Yet in her work with governments on coming up with solutions, she is still sidelined, excluded and shut out of important conversations.

“This is because what I have to say represents the real experiences of Aboriginal women and children and makes some people uncomfortable,” Braybrook said. “It’s also because what I have to say is about Aboriginal women leading and determining solutions for ourselves.”

Antoinette Braybrook is the CEO of Djirra, Victoria’s first specialty family violence legal service established, designed and led by and for Aboriginal women. Her organisation provides holistic care for First Nations women in Victoria who experience family, domestic and sexual violence. “All Djirra’s programs support Aboriginal women’s journey to safety and wellbeing,” Braybrook said.

“We identified a gap in support services in Victoria that rendered Aboriginal women invisible at a time when staying silent was often the safest option and where existing legal and other support services reinforced the paternalistic and racist practices of the past 200 years.” As family, domestic and sexual violence continues to have detrimental health impacts on Aboriginal women in Australia, Braybrook is committed to accessing more government funding and support – now more than ever. “Djirra means everything to me. It is in my blood, it is who I am,” Braybrook said.

To view the Women’s Agenda article Antoinette Braybrook’s fire is burning as bright as ever as she cares for First Nations women facing violence in full click here. 

Antoinette Braybrook

Antoinette Braybrook. Image source: Women’s Agenda.

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.

10 July 2024

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

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

Heartbreaking problem uncovered a life calling 

In the heart of a thriving country town Lynette Bullen gets ready to go into work and inspire Australia’s next generation of healthcare workers. The proud Wiradjuri woman from Orange, NSW, has spent three decades in the health sector dedicating much of her efforts towards children and families trying to overcome the clutches of drug and alcohol addiction.

In communities around Australia, the devastating impacts of multigenerational trauma continue to surface through high rates of substance use disorders. A recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) states that mental and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disease burden for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a significant amount experiencing high levels of psychological distress.

The harsh reality of this hit Lynette once she began working for a service to support mothers and babies through drug and alcohol dependency. “Seeing the effect on children, it was heartbreaking, and I thought if I could provide some stability for the children while they were there with their mothers and I suppose not to be so much a role model, but sort of show and do for the parents, like giving them the skills to be able to set boundaries with their children,” she said.

To view the Women’s Agenda article A heartbreaking problem that uncovered a life calling for Lynette Bullen in full click here.

Lynette Bullen

Lynette Bullen. Image source: Women’s Agenda.

Accelerated action needed to end viral hepatitis

Australia has been urged to accelerate action to eliminate viral hepatitis, with Health Minister Mark Butler MP addressing a renewed push to curb the epidemics. He spoke alongside Senators Louise Pratt and Dean Smith, Co-Chairs of Parliamentary Friends for ending HIV, STIs and Other Blood Borne Viruses, at last week’s federal parliamentary World Hepatitis Day event.

Minister Butler highlighted the need for further action on prevention. “In partnership with affected communities, national peak bodies, peer and community organisations and the clinical multidisciplinary workforce, we are examining how to reduce the transmission of hepatitis C in the prison system,” he said.

Minister Butler also said the government was committed to funding hepatitis B elimination, with $7.8m for a public awareness campaign and workforce training. Hepatitis Australia Vice President Frank Carlus said ongoing investment was crucial to meet Australia’s goals of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

To view The Pharmacy Guild of Australia article Australia urged to accelerate action to end viral hepatitis in full click here.

image of viral hepatitis cell

Photo: kipargeter on Freepik. Image source: The Pharmaceutical Guild of Australia Gold Cross website.

RACGP general practice standards workshops

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has a long-standing tradition of developing standards for general practice with the aim of protecting patients from harm by improving the quality and safety of health services. These standards help general practices identify and address any gaps in their systems and processes, ultimately ensuring higher quality care for patients.

You can find the current 5th edition of these standards – RACGP – Introduction to the Standards for general practices (5th edition) here.

As the RACGP embarks on developing the 6th edition of the Standards for General Practices, the RACGP Working Group – Patient Participation (RWG-PP) and the Standards Team is seeking to involve consumers in this crucial process. Your participation will ensure the new standards reflect the needs and perspectives of those who use general practice services.

Why Your Participation Matters

By participating in these workshops, you will contribute to shaping standards that directly impact the quality and safety of general practice care across Australia. Your insights and experiences will help ensure that the standards are comprehensive, inclusive, and truly reflective of the community’s needs. This collaborative approach aims to embed the concept of co-production within the standards, enhancing service delivery and quality improvement.

What We Are Requesting

The RACGP is inviting individuals who regularly use general practice services and can provide valuable input from both personal and community perspectives to join us in a series of workshops. They are particularly interested in a diverse range of demographics to ensure the standards are inclusive.

Workshop Details

  • Format: Three  workshops in August.
  • Role: Participants will read background materials, actively engage in discussions, and contribute to post-meeting discussions electronically.
  • Remuneration: Participants will be compensated for their time and any travel and accommodation costs, if necessary.
  • Confidentiality: Participants will be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement prior to the first workshop.

Workshop Schedule

  • Face-to-Face Workshop: 2 August at the Park Royal, Melbourne Airport
  • Two Online Workshops: 23 and 30 August, 11am–1pm via Zoom

How to Express Your Interest

If you are interested in participating, please contact the RACGP Standards Team via email here. They look forward to your valuable contribution to enhancing the quality and safety of general practice care in Australia.

cover of 5th edition RACGP Standards for general practices overlaid with text '6th edition being developed - HAVE YOUR SAY'

Image source: RACGP website.

‘Condoman’ a world leader in HIV prevention

When HIV arrived on Australian shores in the early 1980s, politicians and healthcare workers worried the virus would run rampant in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This didn’t happen – thanks to highly successful health promotion campaigns and public health programs rolled out around the country by Aboriginal-controlled medical services, from 1987.

The most famous of these was “Condoman”, the First Nations superhero whose safe-sex directive “Don’t be shame, be game: Use condoms!” captured hearts and minds across the continent. Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood, a proud Birrigubba, Kalkadoon and South-Sea Islander woman and registered nurse/midwife, was central to this public health response, working alongside her colleague and friend Phillip Mills and other health workers throughout the state.

Her advocacy took her from her hometown of Townsville all the way to the highest offices of Australia’s HIV and AIDS response, where she played a part in shaping a world-leading approach to the virus.

To view The Conversation article First Nations superhero ‘Condoman’ was a world leader in HIV prevention. Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood made it happen in full click here.

First Nations safe-sex superhero, Condoman

First Nations safe-sex superhero, Condoman. Christian Haugen/Flickr, CC BY. Image source: The Conversation.

CDU urges NT government to adopt health policies

Charles Darwin University is urging the next NT government to implement a raft of policies to improve the health, wellbeing and economic prosperity of First Nations people. The university wrote to the Members of the Legislative Assembly ahead of the NT election on 24 August 2024, outlining 22 policy requests for the future government in the Top End to deliver, which include measures on First Nations leadership, housing and economic growth.

The list from the university features ongoing funding of the Remote Aboriginal Teacher Education Program; installing a Chief Scientist for the NT; creating a Traditional Uses Forest in Katherine; developing a pilot plant for Northern Australia Food Technology and Innovation; supporting rural placement scholarships for allied health students in the NT; and developing a campus in the Alice Springs CBD.

Under First Nations Leadership, the university wants to see an expansion of the Bidjipidji Program – a four-night residential program designed to provide Indigenous students in years 10, 11 and 12 with an opportunity to experience campus life at CDU. It also wants to see an extension of their pre-programs which target mature-aged First Nations students from across the Northern Territory and interstate.

To view the National Indigenous Times article Charles Darwin University urges NT government to enact series of reforms to help Indigenous communities in full click here. 

Charles Darwin Uni Prof Scott Bowman

Charles Darwin University Professor Scott Bowman. Photo: CDU. Image source: National Indigenous Times.

Rap music video Vaping is a Fool’s Game

For the past few months, students from the Top End’s Clontarf and Stars programs have been undergoing workshops conducted by Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) to develop resources aimed at informing Indigenous kids on the dangers of vaping. The workshop inspired the students to leverage their talent to further highlight the risks associated with vaping and filmed a rap music video titled ‘Vaping is a Fool’s Game’ (available on the Danila Dilba Health Service YouTube channel).

Main rapper, Jade Jackson, said she hoped to make a difference with the creative video. “I’m inspired by my feelings and then I wrote about my feelings to try to make change,” she said. “The aim is to really stop people from vaping and spread the message, hopefully people will listen to it and stop.”

As of July 1, 2024, nicotine vapes in Australia are regulated as therapeutic goods are only available at pharmacies to help people quit smoking or manage dependence. However, despite the crackdown on vaping well under way, Jade said the health risk associated with electronic cigarettes needed to be emphasised. “Vaping is not healthy for you or people around you, you can buy fruits instead of buying vaping flavours,” she said.

The above text has been extracted from an article Northern Territory kids drop rap music video Vaping is a Fool’s Game published by NT News earlier today (Wednesday 10 July 2024).

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.

9 July 2024

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

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

Federal budget allocation will expand access to STI testing for thousands in remote communities

The Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney welcomes the Federal Budget announcement of ongoing funding to support a Medicare rebate for molecular point-of-care testing for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in remote communities across Australia.

The budget decision was based on a submission by the Kirby Institute, with support from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and means that remote health services can continue to offer highly effective and timely tests for STIs.

This rebate is the first Medicare item to provide health services with reimbursement for an infectious disease point-of-care test and will provide a sustainable and enduring funding model for the future.

Dr Louise Causer from the Kirby Institute says that offering a Medicare rebate for this type of testing “reflects the need for point-of-care testing in remote and very remote locations across Australia, where centralised laboratories are often thousands of kilometres away. It also addresses a major inequity in healthcare access, by providing timely diagnostics for infectious diseases in Aboriginal communities.”

Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy CEO of NACCHO, says that the item also recognises the need to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). “The item listing is a formal recognition of the staff time and costs associated with offering these tests. It means that there is now no cost disincentive to providing STI tests. This allows health services to be self-sufficient and have greater ownership and control over the way pathology services are provided to their community.”

To read the article in full, go here.

An Aboriginal Health Worker using the GeneXpert testing platform to conduct an STI test as part of the TTANGO trial.

 

Three metrics could reduce Indigenous health gap by a third

The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) report has found the social determinants of health could be the key to closing the Indigenous health gap. Released ahead of NAIDOC Week, Australia’s Health 2024 offers insights into the size and sources of the health gap for Australia’s First Nations people from 2017 to 2019.

AIHW found the observable health gap was 24% — slightly down from 26.9% in 2013. Almost two-thirds (65%) of the gap is explained by five social determinants of health and six health risk factors.

The social determinants explain around 35% of the health gap. The largest effects are due to differences in employment status and hours worked (14%), household income (13%) and highest level of school attainment (8.9%).

The health risk factors explain around another 30% of the health gap. The largest effects are due to differences in current smoking status (13%) and overweight and obesity status (11%).

The report says changes to just three metrics would bring the gap down to 14%.

“If First Nations adults were to have the same average levels as non-Indigenous adults on just 3 of these critical factors — that is, the same average equivalised household income, same average employment rate and hours worked, and same average smoking rate — the health gap would be reduced by more than one-third from what is seen in the data,” it said.

The Medical Journal of Australia is also celebrating NAIDOC Week with the release of a special edition in collaboration with the Lowitja Institute. It features 12 research papers, editorial pieces and reviews focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge.

To read the article in full, go here.

Image source: Shutterstock.

How Shane Charles found his calling in Community Services

Know the saying, ‘65,000 years strong’? This couldn’t be truer of Shane Charles, a proud Yorta Yorta man whose determination and resilience have shaped his path as a Community Services student at VACCHO.

VACCHO spoke with Shane this NAIDOC Week about his story so far – and what being Blak, Loud and Proud means to him.

Shane didn’t start out dreaming of a career in Aboriginal community services. Having left school at Year 8, he thought education was off the cards. But this month, he’s graduating from VACCHO’s Registered Training Organisation’s nationally accredited Diploma of Community Services, prouder than ever.

Shane’s passion for Aboriginal community service, particularly in mental health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), is deeply personal.

‘I’ve been through the system and came out the other side, which is very empowering for me,’ Shane says. And it’s these experiences that drive his desire to support others – and to study.

Today, he helps run Dardi Munwurrro’s Men’s Healing and Behavioural Change Program – a program he once participated in as a client.

‘I did their NJP program, an 18-month residential behaviour change program. Three years later, they offered me a position,’ he recounts.

‘I want to be someone that I needed when I was going through hard times. It’s a way I can give back to my community and help show these men that there’s a different way.’

With so much already achieved, it could be easy for Shane to sit back and take a breather. But that’s not his style. He plans to continue his work with the men’s group – and further his education.

‘I want to do more mental health training to really hone my skills,’ he says. And with an enrolment in VACCHO’s Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs starting in mid-August, Shane’s not wasting a minute.

‘Once my studies are done, I’ll be overqualified for whatever I choose to do,’ he says confidently.

Reflecting on the NAIDOC theme, “Black, Loud and Proud,” Shane has as a simple – yet profound – reflection.

‘For me, it’s about being connected to yourself, to your family, to your Community and to the Spirit.’ For Shane, connection is the essence of strength and resilience.

To read the VACCHO article in full, go here.

Image source: VACCHO.

Kambu Health celebrates NAIDOC Week with inaugural Gala Ball

Kambu Health hosted its inaugural NAIDOC Gala Ball 2024 at the historic Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in Tulmur (Ipswich) on Saturday. The event, celebrating cultural heritage, unity, and achievement within the Indigenous community, was attended by more than 300 guests. The evening’s theme, “Our People – Our Community – Our Health – Our Way,” was brought to life through a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and a celebratory atmosphere.

Gomeroi woman and Kambu Health CEO, Simone Jackson was pleased with the celebrations, acknowledging the important role Kambu has served in the community for 48 years.

“It’s so special tonight to bring the Ipswich, West Moreton and surrounding communities together to celebrate NAIDOC Week,” Ms Jackson said.

“We’re the first cab off the rank having it the day NAIDOC actually starts.

“It’s just wonderful to have the community acknowledge our staff and the services… as well as having a laugh with Kevin – it was great!”

Renowned Ngarrindjeri comedian Kevin Kropinyeri, served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through a night filled with laughter and celebration.

The event also featured an Awards Ceremony, recognising local champions for their significant contributions to the community.

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

More than 300 people from the Ipswich community attended Kambu Health’s inaugural NAIDOC Gala Ball 2024. (Image: Joseph Guenzler).

Youth mental health initiatives in the Kimberley

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

Delivering vital mental health programs in the Kimberley is a high priority of youth organisation zero2hero, as suicide continues to be the leading cause of death for Aboriginal children in the area.

The WA based youth mental health organisation has recently been named one of this year’s Telethon beneficiaries, with this new funding being allocated to placing a heavier focus on vulnerable young people in regional WA.

As part of a 12-month strategy, zero2hero aims to positively impact the mental health of more than 1,600 young people in the Kimberley in a three-phase rollout to provide mental health education well before crisis point.

The strategy includes a series of workshops at local schools, a free suicide prevention workshop, and sponsorships for young people to attend Camp Hero LEADERSHIP, a lifechanging program for young leaders.

Already this year, zero2hero has impacted 1,100 primary and high school students from Broome and Kununurra with dedicated school and Camp Hero programs, with more dedicated programs and safe TALK suicide alertness training scheduled for later this year.

Scarlett Boon-Shillinglaw, 15, was one of the Kimberley-based students who attended the camp, sharing that she felt empowered to return to her community as a lifesaving connector.

“This camp has taught me how to assist and support my friends and peers who may be struggling,” she said.

To read the article in full, go here.

If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support. The four organisations in blue offer immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Image source: Business News.

Indigenous leaders hope music festival events will prevent family, domestic violence in Kununurra

The one-day music festival might seem like a fun, carefree community event but for Indigenous groups and traditional owners in Kununurra, 3,000 kilometres north of Perth by road, it has a serious purpose.

Miriwoong woman Margaret Moore said she was heartened to see families and children having fun, especially those she knew lived in tough circumstances.

“It’s a big thing. It touches my heart,” she said.

Petina Pitt-Lancaster, who manages a women’s shelter that organised the alcohol-free Badayijeng Ninggoowoong-woorr Festival said the aim of the event was to encourage families into a positive social environment.

“Over the years everything is about crisis intervention, crisis driven, crisis funding,” she said.

“There’s a lot of work done around separation and court systems and sending people to jail. We’re trying to get in the space before that happens.

“We want people to go home tonight with their family with smiles on their faces and feeling really good about themselves.”

Indigenous leaders hope such events also empower victims to use programs and the justice system to help put themselves on a better path.

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

Family and domestic violence support services:

If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0

People enjoyed letting their hair down at the event.(ABC Kimberley: Ted O’Connor).

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

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

 

 

8 July 2024

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

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

300+ enrol in health worker traineeship program

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAMS secures funding for new facility

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

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

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

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

Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service street sign

Image source: New England Times.

Cheap or free medicine access depends on postcode

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

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

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

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

female pharmacist explaining script to Aboriginal man

Image source: RACGP newsGP.

Improving food security in remote communities

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

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

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

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

Milingimbi Store

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

Aunty Dulcie earns lifetime achievement award

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

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

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

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

Aunty Dulcie Flower standing on beach looking out to the sea

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

Filicide study shows action needed to keep kids safe

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

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

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

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

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

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

toy bunny left on cracked footpath

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

If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support. The four organisations in blue offer immediate help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

13 Yarn (13 92 76)

Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)

Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)

Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 + webchat)

Lifeline (13 11 14 + online chat)

MensLine Australia (1300 789 978)

NACCHO Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal

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

Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)

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

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

5 July 2024

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

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

$100m towards Indigenous health infrastructure

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

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

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

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

Pat Turner

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

Moorundi medical centre construction underway

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

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

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

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

Moorundi CEO Steven Sumner

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

AMA praises push for soft drink sugar tax

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

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

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

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

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

Image source: Public Health Association Australia website.

More support needed for remote communities

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

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

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

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

aerial photo of far western town Eulo, Qld

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

Diabetes Inquiry recommendations need adoption NOW

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

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

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

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

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

Image source: Health Times.

Indigenous perspective on plant-based medicine

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

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

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

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

Horticulturalist Uncle Clarence Slockee

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

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

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

4 July 2024

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

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

$5.9m for First Nations Cancer Scholarship program

Applications are being sought for a ground-breaking new scholarship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, health professionals and researchers in the field of cancer. The First Nations Cancer Scholarship, led by the Aurora Education Foundation and backed by funding from the Australian Government through Cancer Australia, represents a significant investment of up to $5.9m over four years.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate students, early career researchers and health professionals can apply for financial support of up to $120,000 annually for up to 3 years, as well as academic, wellbeing and community support.

Cancer remains the leading cause of mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, yet less than 1% of health professionals identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Recognising the urgent need to strengthen the Indigenous cancer workforce, this scholarship program seeks to grow the capacity of Indigenous health professionals and researchers through advanced studies and research opportunities.

The goal of the scholarship program is to expand the network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people actively involved in cancer control, further embedding Indigenous voices into cancer policy making, research and care delivery.

Eligible candidates for the First Nations Cancer Scholarship must be Indigenous students engaged in full-time postgraduate studies or research within a cancer-related field covering health, research, or policy.

Expressions of Interest for the First Nations Cancer Scholarship are currently being accepted until Friday 30 August 2024.

To learn more about the scholarship program and to submit an application, click here. You can also view a flyer for scholarship program here.

Uniting Health Professionals to Ignite Change:
Good Medicine Better Health Online Yarning Circle About Vaping

NACCHO’s Good Medicine Better Health Program, in collaboration with Quit, is thrilled to announce the development of an innovative online Vaping Cessation learning module. This resource is designed specifically for Aboriginal Health Workers/Practitioners, and other Health Professionals working across the sector.

Our goal is to create a culturally relevant and effective learning module that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by our communities. But before we begin crafting this crucial resource, we need your input!

We want to ensure this module is as impactful as possible, and that means hearing from you- the health professionals who are on the front lines. Your experiences, insights, and suggestions are invaluable to us.

Join us in this important yarning circle, and let’s work together to create a healthier future for all. Your voice is essential in developing a module that resonates with and supports our community effectively. Together, we can cook up something truly deadly!

Register your interest here. 

Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership in Mental Health

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia says it recognises the urgent need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership to be fully supported and integrated across all parts of the Australian mental health system. Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia calls for comprehensive strategies to ensure the presence, visibility, and influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, while also fostering their self-care, peer support, and accountability to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

To increase the visibility and influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders across the Australian mental health system, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia recommends the following:

  • Invest in comprehensive, culturally grounded leadership development programs tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals. These programs should provide training in both Western and Indigenous leadership models, fostering a unique and powerful blend of skills and knowledge.
  • Establish formal mentorship programs and create spaces for informal networking to connect emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders with experienced mentors and peers, fostering a strong and supportive community of practice.
  • Mandate comprehensive cultural responsiveness training for all mental health professionals, ensuring they understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership styles, cultural protocols, and decision-making processes.
  • Allocate dedicated funding streams to support the professional development, self-care, community engagement, and cultural leadership activities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health leaders. This funding should be sufficient to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and enable them to thrive in their roles.

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia firmly believes that centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, knowledge, and self-determination within the mental health sector is paramount to achieving culturally safe, effective, and sustainable mental health outcomes for their communities.

To read the Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia position paper in full, go here.

WA government walks away from building Halls Creek renal centre before next state election

The WA government has walked away from a pledge to build a dialysis centre in Halls Creek within this term of government, blaming COVID-19 and once-in-a-century flooding for the delay. Announced in 2021, the $24 million, 20-bed renal hostel would have eight dialysis machines, cater for up to 32 patients, and include accommodation for staff.

Local Indigenous health leaders lobbied for the facility to ensure residents in Halls Creek and the surrounding communities, 2,600 kilometres north of Perth, could receive life-saving treatment without having to leave their family and country. The Kimberley maintains some of the highest rates of kidney disease in Australia.

In late 2021, then Minister for Health Roger Cook told the ABC in a statement that the government was committed to building the renal centre within the parliamentary term. In February this year, the minister’s office said that statement still stood, but in a press conference in Kununurra in June, Mr Cook all but confirmed it was unachievable.

Local Indigenous health leaders are frustrated by the slow progress, saying the government has failed to meaningfully consult. Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) said the proposed Halls Creek facility was a crucial addition to its large regional network of operations, which were under strain from increasing demand.

In a statement to the ABC, chief executive Vicki O’Donnell criticised comments current Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson made in a parliamentary committee in May.

The minister said the government was working with the relevant Indigenous health organisations in the Kimberley on the “model of delivery”.

Ms O’Donnell said there had been no formal meeting between state government representatives and KAMS or the locally based Yura Yungi Medical Service in the past 18 months.

“I’m disappointed … it seems the minister has been ill-advised,” she said.

“Along with the Halls Creek community, I am concerned that there was no allocation in the recent state budget for the total project to build a renal centre, renal hostel, and staff accommodation.

“More broadly, I am also concerned that the state government will fail to deliver on their Kidney Disease Strategy.”

To read the full ABC News article, go here.

Dialysis is an essential treatment for people with end stage kidney disease. (ABC News: Lee Robinson).

Fulfilling cultural safety expectations in specialist medical education and training

It is increasingly evident that health inequities within Indigenous populations “are primarily due to unequal power relationships, unfair distribution of the social determinants of health, marginalisation, biases, unexamined privilege, and institutional racism,” prompting the need for attention at a variety of levels within health care, including at the systemic, organisational and individual levels.

Specialist medical colleges are prominently placed to promote, facilitate, and enact the principles of cultural safety within their institutions. If we are to close the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous communities, colleges must fully appreciate their role and the ongoing commitment required to realise such outcomes for its staff, members and the Indigenous community.

Colleges must direct efforts to centre the development of critical allyship to support Indigenous peoples in managing cultural load, ensure Indigenous employees are respectfully engaged in the prioritisation of tasks and roles, and facilitate critical immersive activities for trainees and Fellows.

They must always be conscious of the expectations of the Indigenous communities they profess to serve. It is not simply enough to undertake this journey as a reaction to the nudging stick of accreditation, rather it must be a genuine, proactive commitment that recognises the injustice of doing the bare minimum, progressing at a slow pace, or, worse, not progressing at all.

To read the full article Fulfilling cultural safety expectations in specialist medical education and training: considerations for colleges to advance recognition and quality in the Medical Journal of Australia Special Issue in partnership with the Lowitja Institute: centring Indigenous knowledges, go here.

The Medical Journal of Australia Special Issue in partnership with the Lowitja Institute: centring Indigenous knowledges.

Outreach immunisation clinic brings care closer for families

In the heart of La Perouse lies the Aboriginal Community Health Centre, where every second Tuesday morning, a dedicated team provides opportunistic immunisations to Aboriginal bubs and their families. This outreach initiative, led by Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick (SCH), in collaboration with the Public Health Unit (PHU), works to educate and support families about childhood immunisations, with a current focus this winter on flu and RSV.

“We’re seeing significant increases in hospitalisations due to flu and RSV, so it’s crucial that we provide better access to these immunisations for bubs and their families within their own community,” Emma Birrell, Registered Nurse in the Opportunistic Child Immunisation Service at SCH said.

Flu and RSV can be serious, especially for young bubs. In NSW, all Aboriginal bubs born after 31 October 2023 are eligible for the free RSV immunisation, Beyfortus. In addition, the flu immunisation is available free for the whole family. These immunisations are offered at the La Perouse clinic.

The immunisation clinic is run through the support of many staff including pharmacy, medical professionals, Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs), and nurses. The team work together to engage local schools and childcare centres, to drive community engagement and awareness.

The clinic aims to overcome barriers preventing families from immunising their bubs, striving not only to increase immunisation rates but also to enhance accessibility. Integration into the La Perouse community is vital in achieving these goals.

“During visits to the Centre, we provide immunisations for bubs through working closely with our staff including Aunty Bev, Aunty Lola, and child and family health to ensure culturally safe care for the families we see. Families can just drop in to La Pa or give us a call and book an appointment”, Kelsey Fletcher, Registered Nurse in the Opportunistic Child Immunisation Service at SCH said.

However, the team’s role extends beyond immunisations. “Sometimes it’s just about having a yarn, I enjoy just chatting and spending time with families, building rapport and relationships,” Emma said.

To read the article in full, go here.

Image source: NSW Government.

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.