NACCHO Aboriginal Health @DiabetesAus #NDW2017 #ItsAboutTime for National #Diabetes Week

“It is National Diabetes Week from 9-15 July and Diabetes Australia’s “It’s About Time” campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and early treatment for all types of diabetes.

Too many Australians are being diagnosed with diabetes too late. The is true for both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The delay in diagnosis is putting many people at risk of major life threatening health problems.

It’s About Time we detected all types of diabetes earlier and save lives.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost four times more likely than non-Indigenous Australians to have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Improving the lives of people affected by all types of diabetes and those at risk among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a priority for Diabetes Australia.”

See full Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diabetes info below Part 1

Read over 120 NACCHO published articles about Diabetes in past 5 years

” New research has found that only 5% of Australians aged over 40 have had a type 2 diabetes risk check in the past two years.

Also, more than half of people surveyed were unable name any diabetes related complication despite type 2 diabetes being a leading cause of vision loss, kidney damage, heart attacks, stroke and limb amputation.

The release of the research comes at the start of National Diabetes Week as Diabetes Australia launches a new campaign, It’s About Time, to raise awareness of the seriousness of the type 2 diabetes, and urge 500,000 Australians who could have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes to get checked ”

IT’S ABOUT TIME WE DETECTED SILENT UNDIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES see Part 2 below

Part 1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diabetes info

Watch the short video below for a quick guide to the benefits of the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) ”

You can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating a more healthy diet and being physically active which will help maintain a healthy weight to keep your sugar (glucose) levels normal and your body strong.

If you have any worries about diabetes, check the symptoms below and find out more from your Aboriginal Health Worker, Health Clinic/Community Centre, Aboriginal Medical Service or doctor.

The following information is from the ‘Keep Culture Life & Family Strong; Know Early About Diabetes’ flipcharts for Indigenous Australians.

It is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice or used to alter medical therapy. It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs.

The ‘Keep Culture Life & Family Strong; Know Early About Diabetes’ resource was originally developed by Healthy Living NT with funding provided by the Department of Health and Ageing through Diabetes Australia. The reprinting and distribution of the most recent addition has been made possible with funding by the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) – an initiative of the Australian Government administered by Diabetes Australia.

How do you feel? (Symptoms)

If you have any of the following symptoms you should talk to your doctor, health worker or nurse.

Feeling tired or weak
Go to the toilet a lot
Feeling thirsty
Leg cramps
Feeling itchy
Sores and boils that won’t heal
Blurry vision
Pins and needles
Feeling grumpy or angry.

Through a simple test, a doctor can find out if they’re the result of diabetes.

What is it? (About diabetes)

Sugar (glucose) gives your body energy. The sugar (glucose) moves from your blood into your muscles with something called insulin. With diabetes your insulin isn’t working properly, so the sugar (glucose) doesn’t get into your muscles and body easily and there is too much sugar (glucose) in your blood.

Everyone has a little bit of sugar (glucose) in their blood. The optimum sugar (glucose) level is between 4 to 6 mmol/L (after fasting).

Sugar (glucose) is fuel that comes from some of the food you eat and drink. It gives your body energy to do all sorts of things:

Walk
Think
Play sports
Hunt
Work
Rake
Gardening
Resting.

To help the sugar (glucose) move into your muscles and body cells your body needs something called insulin. Insulin is made in the pancreas – a body part which is near your stomach.

Insulin helps keep your sugar (glucose) levels normal.

With diabetes, the insulin isn’t helping the sugar (glucose) move from your body into your muscles and body cells. So it stays and builds in your body, making your blood sugar (glucose) level high.

Type 2 Diabetes

There are different types of diabetes. A lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is when your body stops the insulin working properly.

Fat bellies, not being active enough, eating a big mob of fatty food can stop the insulin working properly in your body.

Being active, eating healthy and being a healthy weight can help your insulin work better to keep your sugar (glucose) normal. Sometimes people might need to take tablets and insulin everyday to keep their sugar (glucose) levels normal.

Gestational Diabetes

Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This happens when you are pregnant, but not all women get it. It goes away after pregnancy but you and your baby can get type 2 diabetes later in life.

Pre Diabetes

There is also Pre Diabetes or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). This happens when your sugar (glucose) level is high, but not high enough to be called diabetes. It doesn’t mean you have diabetes now, but it does mean you might get it later. Being active and eating healthy you can slow down the start of type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have type 1 diabetes. This usually happens in kids and teenagers. Type 1 diabetes is when your body kills the insulin making part in the pancreas and no insulin is made in your body. To give the body the insulin it needs, insulin injections are needed every day for the rest of their life.

What do I do? (Management of diabetes)

When there is too much sugar (glucose) in your blood it damages your heart, kidneys, feet, eyes and nerves.

You can keep your sugar (glucose) levels normal by:

Eating healthy

Have plenty of bush tucker and have shop foods and home cooked meals that are low in fat, sugar and salt.
Have something from each of the core food groups every day. They give you energy, fight sickness and help care for your body to keep it strong.
Drink plenty of water.

Avoiding and eat less fat, sugar and salt

Eat less fat as it makes you put on weight and gives you problems with your heart.
Pick meat with no fat or only small bits of fat on it. Cut the fat off the meat and take the skin off chicken.
Drain the juices (fat) after cooking meat and scoop out the fat from the top of stews.
Avoid cooking with or having fats like butter, oil, margarine or dripping.
It is better to boil, steam, stew, grill, microwave or stir-fry food.

Being a healthy weight (not too fat and not too skinny)

Do this by eating less, eating healthy and being more active.

Keeping active

It helps you lose weight and keep it off and it keeps you healthy.
It helps your insulin to work properly.
Walk, job, play sport, hunt, garden, work around the place.
Be active for 30 minutes or more every day OR do 10 minutes 3 times a day.

Taking your medicine

Take your medicine at the times the doctor tells you.
Take them with or after eating in the morning, afternoon and supper time every day.
Refill your medicine box in the morning (get some more medicine before it gets low and so you don’t run out).
Take your medicine with you when you go to see family, walkabout or away from home.
Put your medicines somewhere cool, dry and safe so they won’t go bad.
Keep your medicines out of reach of kids.

Remember to:

Have your check-ups with your doctor, health worker or nurse. Have regular check-ups for your eyes, feet, kidneys, blood pressure, skin and teeth. If you notice anything different about your body talk to your doctor, health worker or nurse.
Check your sugar (glucose) levels at the times your doctor, health worker or nurse tells you.
See your doctor, health worker or nurse straight away if you feel sick.
Check your feet and skin for sores and/or cracks every day.

Why take medicine for? (Medications for diabetes)

Diabetes medicine helps to keep your body strong and well and it helps to keep your sugar (glucose) levels normal.

When eating healthy, being active and being a healthy weight isn’t working at keeping your sugar (glucose) levels normal, you might need to take tablets and/or insulin.

The doctor might put you on tablets called Metformin to help your insulin work better and to lower the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood.

After a while the pancreas gets tired from working too hard and can’t make enough insulin, so your doctor might put you on tablets called Sulphonylurea. This medicine helps your body make more insulin.

Or, after awhile, the doctor might need to add another lot of tablets called Glitazone or Acarbose.

Remember to have your medicine with or after eating, in the morning, afternoon or supper time. Take them at the time the doctor tells you to.

All tablets work differently and some can have side effects.

If the following problems don’t go away or if you are still worried about them, then talk to your doctor.

Feel sick like you want to vomit (nausea)
A sore belly
Diarrhoea
Sugar (glucose) levels going too low
Have fluid build-up (retention)

When your sugar (glucose) levels get too high and stays high the doctor might put you on tablets and give you insulin.

Having insulin doesn’t mean you have type 1 diabetes.
Insulin isn’t like tablets so it shouldn’t be swallowed.
You inject the insulin under your skin in different places on your belly.

Talk to your doctor, health worker or nurse about insulin and what is right for you.

Having too much insulin or taking too many Sulphonylurea tablets can make your sugar (glucose) levels go too low (under 3) and make you hypo (hypoglycaemia).

You can also go hypo (hypoglycaemia) if you are:

Not eating, not eating enough or eating too late
Being extra active
Drinking grog (alcohol).

You might not feel anything when you have a hypo (hypoglycaemia), but sometimes you might feel:

Shaky
Hungry
Get headaches
Weak
Confused
Angry
Talk like you’re drunk when you’re not
Sweaty.

When you have these feelings or think you are having a hypo (hypoglycaemia), get your sugar (glucose) level up fast by drinking or eating something sweet.

Keep your sugar (glucose) level normal and stop having another hypo (hypoglycaemia) by eating a sandwich or meal after you have something sweet.

Remember, after taking your tablets or insulin:

Keep them somewhere cool, dry and safe (maybe in the fridge at home or at the clinic) so that they won’t go bad
Keep them out of reach of children
Get rid of your syringes/needles and finger pricking needles by putting them in a “sharps container” or “hard plastic” empty container with a lid (see if the clinic has one).

Remember when you go see family, walkabout or are away for home take your tablets and/or insulin with you.

Why me? (Risk factors)

Nobody knows how or why some people get diabetes but there are some things we know that can add to your chances of getting it. You have more chance of getting it when you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, but not all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islande people have diabetes.

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people live different to how they used to live. Changes that add to your chances of getting diabetes are:

Not as active
More overweight
Eating fatty salty, sugary foods.

People living the old way were:

Active
Leaner and fit
Eating healthy food (bush tucker).

Other chances of getting diabetes include:

It is in your family tree or when someone in your family has diabetes
You had diabetes when pregnant
You get older
You eat too much and you eat too many fatty and sugary foods
You are overweight
You are not active enough
You have pancreatitis (a sickness of the pancreas).

There are things you can’t change or stop you from getting diabetes:

It’s in your family
You are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
You are pregnant with diabetes
You are getting older.

The things you can do to slow down the start of diabetes:

Eat healthy and be a healthy weight
Be active
Don’t drink too much grog.

Nobody knows why or how people get diabetes. After a while it can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, feet and nerves making you really sick.

Talk to your doctor, clinic, nurse or health worker about having a test to find out if you have diabetes.

You can’t always feel it or see it happening, so you might not know you have it.

Part 2 :IT’S ABOUT TIME WE DETECTED SILENT UNDIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES

New research has found that only 5% of Australians aged over 40 have had a type 2 diabetes risk check in the past two years.

Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said there was great concern about the length of time many people have silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes without it being diagnosed.

“It’s about time we detected silent undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Many people have type 2 diabetes for up to seven years before being diagnosed and during that time up to half begin to develop a diabetes-related complication,” Professor Johnson said.

“The tragedy is that much of the damage to the body that causes diabetes-related complications like vision loss, kidney damage, heart attack, stroke and limb amputation is preventable.

“AUSDRISK is a free, online risk assessment you can take to determine your risk of type 2 diabetes. Despite over 60% of Australians having risk factors for type 2 diabetes, the research shows only 5% of Australians over the age of 40 have done the type 2 diabetes risk assessment in past two years” he said.

The survey found:

 Only 21% of Australians over the age of 40 had heard of the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk (AUSDRISK) Assessment;
 Only 5% of Australians over the age of 40 had completed the AUSDRISK assessment in the past two years; and
 More than 51% of people over the age of 18 were unable to name any serious diabetes-related complication despite type 2 diabetes being a leading cause of vision loss and blindness, limb amputation, kidney damage, heart attacks and stroke.

Diabetes NSW & ACT CEO Sturt Eastwood urged people take the free type 2 diabetes risk assessment today.

“Type 2 diabetes is the single biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system and it’s time we did a better job of detecting type 2 diabetes earlier,” Mr Eastwood said.

“The earlier a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes occurs, the sooner a management plan can be put in place delivering better outcomes for the individual and the community.

“The AUSDRISK check only takes about five minutes. If you take the check and get a high score, see your doctor so they can determine if you have type 2 diabetes.

“If you are diagnosed there is a lot of support and advice, and many effective treatments available to help you manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications.”

Professor Lesley Campbell from St. Vincent’s Hospital said front line health professionals were spending more and more time treating patients who present with type 2 diabetes complications. Diabetes was often still undiagnosed until admission for heart attack, stroke or lung or heart transplantation.

“Unfortunately we are seeing people with type 2 diabetes diagnosed too late and the impact of late diagnosis and lack of treatment is filling our hospital beds,” Professor Campbell said.

“Diabetes is ranked in the top ten causes of death in Australia and is the leading cause of preventable blindness, limb amputation and end stage kidney disease.

“Much of this can be avoided with early diagnosis and optimal treatment.”

For Sydney woman Belinda Nakauta, having her toe amputated because of type 2 diabetes was a major wake up call.

“I went to the doctor about a urinary tract infection and he suggested I get checked for type 2 diabetes. I was shocked when it came back positive and the scary thing is I have no idea about how long I was living with type 2 diabetes before I was assessed,” Ms Nakauta said.

“Having a toe amputated a couple of years ago was a wakeup call. Having a part of your body cut off, no matter how small, is a scary experience. With the help of a dietitian and regular gym visits, I’ve lost more than 20 kilograms and dramatically cut back on the medication I need to manage my type 2 diabetes.

“I wish I had done something five or ten years ago. I don’t want to be that person in the ICU on dialysis. I don’t want to have foot complications or lose my eye sight. I don’t want to be that person.

“It was about time I started taking my diabetes seriously and I hope my story helps convince all Australians that it is about time we do something about diabetes.”

NACCHO Aboriginal Health #NAIDOC2017 @TheMJA —Embedding cultural safety in Australia’s main health care standards

” Cultural safety requires embedding in not only course accreditation for each health profession — including measures to reduce resistance — but also in the standards governing clinical professionalism and quality, such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Standards for general practices,19 and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care National safety and quality health service standards.20

Such commitment will need investment in clinician education and professional development, together with measures for accountability. The stewards of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan5 (ie, the Department of Health and their expert implementation advisory group), accreditation bodies, and monitors of the existing frameworks of safety and quality standards in health care need to formally collaborate on a systematic revision of standards to embed culturally safe practice and develop health settings free of racism.”

Martin Laverty, Dennis R McDermott and Tom Calma

Originally published by MJA here

Download a PDF of this Report Paper for references 1-20

MJA Cultural Safety

Read 20 + previous NACCHO articles Cultural Safety

In Australia, the existing health safety and quality standards are insufficient to ensure culturally safe care for Indigenous patients in order to achieve optimum care outcomes.

Where “business as usual” health care is perceived as demeaning or disempowering — that is, deemed racist or culturally unsafe — it may significantly reduce treatment adherence or result in complete disengagement,1,2 even when this may be life-threatening.3

Peak Indigenous health bodies argue that boosting the likelihood of culturally safe clinical care may substantially contribute to Indigenous health improvement.4 It follows that a more specific embedding of cultural safety within mandatory standards for safe, quality-assured clinical care may strengthen the currently inadequate Closing the Gap mechanisms related to health care delivery.

The causes of inequitable health care are many. Western biomedical praxis differs from Indigenous foundational, holistic attention to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of the person and the community.5 An article published in this issue of the MJA6 deals with the link between culture and language in improving communication in Indigenous health settings, a critical component of delivering cultural safety.

Integrating cultural safety in an active manner reconfigures health care to allow greater equity of realised access, rather than the assumption of full access, including procession to appropriate intervention.

As an example of the need to improve equity, a South Australian study found that Indigenous people presenting to emergency departments with acute coronary syndrome were half as likely as non-Indigenous patients to undergo angiography.7 More broadly, Indigenous people admitted to hospital are less likely to have a procedure for a condition than non-Indigenous people.8

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Indigenous Australians.9 Cancer is the second biggest killer: the mortality rate for some cancers is three times higher for Indigenous than for non-Indigenous Australians.10 Clinical leaders in these two disease areas have identified the need for culturally safe health care to improve Indigenous health outcomes.

Cultural safety is an Indigenous-led model of care, with limited, but increasing, uptake, particularly in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It acknowledges the barriers to clinical effectiveness arising from the inherent power imbalance between provider and patient,11 and moves to redress this dynamic by making the clinician’s cultural underpinning a critical focus for reflection.

Moreover, it invites practitioners to consider: “what do I bring to this encounter, what is going on for me?” Culturally safe care results where there is no inadvertent disempowering of the recipient, indeed where recipients are involved in the decision making and become part of a team effort to maximise the effectiveness of the care. The model pursues more effective practice through being aware of difference, decolonising, considering power relationships, implementing reflective practice, and by allowing the patient to determine what safety means.11

Along with an emphasis on provider praxis, cultural safety focuses on how institutional care is both envisaged and delivered.12 Literature on cultural safety in Australia is scant but growing.13 Where evidence is available, it identifies communication difficulties and racism as barriers not only to access but also to the receipt of indicated interventions or procedures.11

There is evidence of means to overcome these barriers. An Australian study undertaken across ten general practices tested the use of a cultural safety workshop, a health worker toolkit, and partnerships with mentors from Indigenous organisations and general practitioners.13 Cultural respect (significant improvements on cultural quotient score, along with Indigenous patient and cultural mentor rating), service (significant increase in Indigenous patients seen) and clinical measures (some significant increases in the recording of chronic disease factors) improved across the participating practices.

In addition, a 2010 study by Durey14 assessed the role of education, for both undergraduate students and health practitioners, in the delivery of culturally responsive health service, improving practice and reducing racism and disparities in health care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The study found that cultural safety programs may lead to short term improvements to health practice, but that evidence of sustained change is more elusive because few programs have been subject to long term evaluation..

Newman and colleagues10 identified clinician reliance on stereotypical narratives of indigeneity in informing cancer care services. Redressing these taken-for-granted assumptions led to culturally engaged and more effective cancer care. In a similar manner, Ilton and colleagues15 addressed the importance of individual clinician cultural safety for optimising outcomes, noting that provider perceptions of Indigenous patient attributes may be biased toward conservative care.

The authors, however, went beyond the clinician–patient interaction to stress the outcome-enhancing power of change in the organisational and health setting. They proposed a management framework for acute coronary syndromes in Indigenous Australians.

This framework involved coordinated pathways of care, with roles for Indigenous cardiac coordinators and supported by clinical networks and Aboriginal liaison officers. It specified culturally appropriate warning information, appropriate treatment, individualised care plans, culturally appropriate tools within hospital education, inclusion of families and adequate follow-up.

Willis and colleagues16 also called for organisational change as an essential companion to individual practitioner development. Drawing on 12 studies involving continuous quality improvement (CQI) or CQI-like methods and short term interventions, they acknowledged evidence gaps, prescribing caution, and argued for such change to be undertaken in the service of long term controlled trials, as these would require 2–3 years to see any CQI-related changes.

Sjoberg and McDermott,17 however, noted the existence of barriers to change: the challenge (personal and professional) posed by Indigenous health and cultural safety training may not only lead to individual but also to institutional resistance.17 Dismantling individual resistance requires the development of a critical disposition — deemed central to professionalism and quality18 — but in a context of strengthened and legitimating accreditation specific to each discipline. The barriers thrown up by institutional resistance, manifesting as gatekeeping, marginalisation or underfunding, may require organisational change mandated by standards.

NACCHO #NAIDOC2017 Scholarships ( 5) and Aboriginal Health #JobAlerts (16) #Kimberleys #Brisbane #Adelaide #Grafton #Casino this week : #Aboriginal Health Workers / #Nurses

This weeks #NAIDOC2017 #scholarships

1.Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and The Fred Hollows Foundation Workforce Initiative scholarship

2.Futures in Health Indigenous Scholarship

3. Rural doctors help build Indigenous Doctor workforce NAIDOC Week 2017

4.Jeff Cheverton Memorial Scholarship

5.Not-for-profit and diversity scholarships

Please note : Before completing a job application check with the ACCHO or stakeholder that job is still available

1-2 : Nunkuwarrin Yunti SA : Vacancy for 2x Counsellor/Narrative Therapist positions

3. Policy Officer NATSIHWA

4.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Tackling Tobacco Care Coordinator

5.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Nurse Supervisor (Registered Nurse / Midwife)

6. Broome Project Coordinator – Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Trial

7 -11 Kimberley AMS Four Nurse positions

12. Grafton and Casino Registered Nurse (RN) & Early Childhood Nurse (ECN)

13.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Child Health Nurse

14. Nunkuwarrin Yunti Community Midwife

15-16 Two positions at the Healing Foundation

How to submit a Indigenous Health #jobalert ?

NACCHO Affiliate , Member , Government Department or stakeholder

If you have a job vacancy in Indigenous Health

Email to Colin Cowell NACCHO Media

Tuesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Wednesday

1.Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and The Fred Hollows Foundation Workforce Initiative scholarship

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) has partnered with The Fred Hollows Foundation to offer an Indigenous student currently pursuing a career in Optometry with an exciting ‘Workforce Initiative’ scholarship opportunity.

The successful applicant will be provided with up to 30 days of paid employment with IUIH (at a competitive hourly rate) in Brisbane where they will be provided with hands on experience across 17 clinics; the possibility of visiting rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; and a $5000 conference scholarship (to cover conference registration, travel and accommodation).

Applicants are required to:
– Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
– Be currently enrolled (or planning to enroll) in undergraduate optometry study
– Submit an application form to IUIH
– May be required to attend an interview with IUIH.

Applications close 29th September 2017.

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity please email Lisa Penrose, Manager of Eye Health services at IUIH on Lisa.Penrose@iuih.org.au
Or Kate Odgers-Jewell, Student Placement Coordinator at IUIH on

Kate.Odgers-Jewell@iuih.org.au

2.Futures in Health Indigenous Scholarship

Watch NACCHO TV Interview with Dr Mark

“Encouraging more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to pursue a career in medicine, and supporting them to study and succeed, should be a major focus for our nation’s health workforce.

I would encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to apply for the Futures in Health Indigenous Scholarship, along with other programs like it, and aim to make a difference in your own life along with that of your community.”

Dr Mark Wenitong, founder of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and a member of the Kabi Kabi tribal group, said that Indigenous Australians have a vital role to play in our national healthcare workforce.

This $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to an eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student studying a medical or health field at an Australian University. The scholarship supports the second or greater year of study in 2018, with funds contributing to tuition fees and personal learning expenses.

The Futures in Health Indigenous Scholarship will recognise a student who has not only demonstrated exceptional academic performance, but also displayed a commitment to their local community and personal development.

“The Australian healthcare system works very well for the majority of Australians. However, there is great discrepancy in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this country. For Indigenous Australians, there are significant barriers in accessing medical professionals who can communicate effectively and understand cultural approaches to healthcare,” Dr Wenitong said.

Dr Wenitong also said that medicine can offer a highly rewarding career that opens the door to professional success and personal fulfillment for Indigenous students today.

WEBSITE and APPLICATION

3. Rural doctors help build Indigenous Doctor workforce NAIDOC Week 2017

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) celebrates the achievements of Indigenous Doctors and medical students and recognises their important contribution to providing culturally sensitive health care to Indigenous communities.

RDAA, in partnership with the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) and with generous sponsorship from MDA National, offers a Bursary for Indigenous medical students to assist them to complete a rural or remote placement, or to carry out research to benefit Indigenous health care.

Ms Peta Rutherford, CEO of RDAA, said that RDAA works collaboratively with AIDA to support their efforts to encourage the development of the Indigenous doctor workforce, and also to improve services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.

“It has been very rewarding working with AIDA to identify and assist these dedicated Indigenous medical students and we are excited to be able to offer the Bursary again in 2017.

“Over the previous two years that we have awarded the MDA National Bursary, the applicants have been outstanding and we are confident they will go on to make a big impact on the provision of health care to Indigenous Australians.

“The Bursary provides up to $7000 to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander medical student to assist them in supporting their study while undertaking a rural or remote clinical placement, to develop skills in a particular area of medicine in order to assist a rural or remote community, or another activity that would benefit rural or remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

“The Bursary also supports their attendance at Rural Medicine Australia, Australia’s premiere rural medical conference, to be held in Melbourne in October.

“Applications close at the end of NAIDOC week (Friday 7 July 2017) and we encourage all Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander medical students to apply.

“We thank AIDA for their involvement in the project, and look forward to again working with an outstanding recipient and further supporting the development of the Indigenous health workforce in Australia.”

Further information on the Bursary can be found at www.rdaa.com.au.

4.Jeff Cheverton Memorial Scholarship

The Jeff Cheverton Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), together with Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN), to honour the memory of Jeff Cheverton, who demonstrated excellence in health leadership until his untimely death in March 2017.

This six-week scholarship supports scholars to develop an issues brief on a topic relevant to primary health, mental health, aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, or LGBTQI health. It also provides the opportunity for scholars to spend 6 weeks working with a peak national health body, based in Canberra, and to establish connections with policymakers and practitioners working in their field of research.

Who can apply?
The Scholarship is open to postgraduate tertiary students, early career researchers and those working in primary health, mental health, aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, or LGBTQI health.

Why apply?
The successful applicant will receive:
• an honorarium of $5,000 payable as a one-off amount at the conclusion of the six-week placement, subject to completion of expected outcomes (described below)
• the opportunity to gain training and work experience in a peak national health body
• the opportunity to participate in the broader work of the AHHA and Brisbane North PHN, which may include meetings with senior policymakers and political leaders, health service providers and academics
• support from a mentor who will provide advice during the research project
• a fully-equipped work-station within the AHHA office in Canberra.
Please note: The AHHA and Brisbane North PHN are not able to provide any assistance (financial or otherwise) with travel or accommodation in relation to the Scholarship.

Timing
The Scholarship will be offered during the summer academic break following granting of the award, starting from 8 January 2018. Scholars are expected to be based in the AHHA national office for six weeks, and must complete their projects within that period. Alternative arrangements to work remotely will be considered.

Expected outcomes
Scholars are expected to write an Issues brief (no more than 5,000 words) on a topic relevant to primary health, mental health, aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, or LGBTQI health. The format of the Issues brief will be finalised in consultation with AHHA and Brisbane North PHN staff, however, it must:
• clearly outline the policy issue under consideration
• provide a thorough overview of the background to the policy issue and/or overview of the policy context
• outline some policy options/ directions/initiatives
• be objective (non-partisan), and easy to read
• be suitable for online publication by the AHHA.

Website applications

5.Not-for-profit and diversity scholarships

Today the AICD is launching a range of exciting new scholarships for both members and non-members, that will give directors and executives the opportunity to develop their skills and capabilities to be our leaders into the future.

The AICD is proud of the work we do in the not-for-profit sector and our program to promote diversity in the boardroom. The new scholarships continue our important work in these areas.

We encourage all who fit the criteria to apply for the following scholarships:

•	Not-for-profit (NFP) Scholarships 140 AICD funded NFP scholarships will be made available to executives and directors of small NFP organisations to complete a range of AICD short courses.
•	Disability Sector Diversity Scholarships 10 Federal Government funded scholarships will be awarded to women involved in non-commercial organisations in the disability sector, providing them with the opportunity to complete the Company Directors Course™ and 12 months’ AICD membership

1-2 : Nunkuwarrin Yunti SA : Vacancy for 2x Counsellor/Narrative Therapist positions

Click here for link for more information

1x Counsellor/ Narrative Therapist – Harm Minimisation

This position is located within the Harm Minimisation Team. The Team aims to build healthy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by minimising the harm that substance misuse has on individuals, families and communities inclusive of responding to people who inject drugs and reducing the transmission of Blood Borne Viruses.

The purpose of this position is to reduce AOD related harms to individuals and their families by conducting assessments and providing a range of counselling interventions to assist clients and their family members to change harmful behaviours and increase their capacity to effectively manage the problems they are experiencing associated with AOD use and promote recovery.

Enquires to Trish Hickey – trishh@nunku.org.au

1x Counsellor/ Narrative Therapist – Mental Health Recovery

This position is located within the Mental Health Recovery Team and will be based in Nunkuwarrin Yunti offices at Christies Beach and Wakefield Street, Adelaide.

The Mental Health Recovery team provides counselling and support services which assist people to better manage a wide range of issues including grief & loss, depression, trauma, family and/or relationship matters, and any other issues which impact on psychological, social and emotional well-being.

The program also provides holistic, culturally appropriate case work. Narrative Therapists provide support, counselling and education to clients referred through the Primary Health Network, peer agencies, Nunkuwarrin Yunti or other sources of referral.

Enquires to Claire Fleckner, Team Manager – Mental Health Recovery team clairef@nunku.org.au

Applications closes COB 17^th July 2017.

Please send applications to Jynaya jynayam@nunku.org.au

3. Policy Officer NATSIHWA

Award: NATSIHWA Enterprise Bargaining Award

Level: (pro-rata $110,004)

Appointment: Contract to June 2018, extension subject to funding

Position Hours: 30.4 hrs per week (4xdays) permanent part-time

Updated: 6/6/2017

Job specification

Position summary

The Policy Officer coordinates and undertakes policy development, providing analysis/review and advice, to support Organisational and/or Government policy initiatives and commitments.

Broadly, the position:

undertakes research and analysis, reviewing alternatives in relation to policy deliverables, to contribute to the policy process and to inform decision making;
provides a range of project management and support services, including preparation of discussion papers, briefs, submissions, progress and annual reports;
contributes to the development and delivery of policy initiatives whilst preparing and reviewing policy advice to ensure alignment with NATSIHWA’s policy and strategic directions and priorities;
undertakes communication with key stakeholders and coordinates working groups, committee meetings, and stakeholder consultations to support engagement as well as policy development and implementation;
collates information for reporting, monitoring and evaluation purposes to contribute to the achievement of policy outcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners on a national basis.

The position will work closely and in partnership with other national peak bodies, RTO’s and relevant external stakeholders to progress NATSIHWA priorities, including to enable, attract and retain growth in a sustainability Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners workforce.

Line management

The Policy Officer reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Special conditions

This is a Canberra-based position Primary responsibilities include;

On behalf of the CEO and membership, interpret National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan and other relevant documents and develop policy responses as required.
Identify and pursue opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders on initiatives aligned with NATSIHWA priorities.
Assist with implementation of advocacy and promotion strategies in line with NATSIHWA priorities.
Represent NATSIHWA on external working groups, committees, forums or events as delegated, and report on the outcomes.
Support the development and implementation of the NATSIHWA three-year Strategic Plan, Annual Activity Plan, Annual Report and Evaluation Strategies.
Support the development and implementation of the NATSIHWA Communication Strategy.
Assist in identifying and implementing self-generating funding initiatives to support NATSIHWA’s sustainability into the future.

Person specification

Demonstrated ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their leaders, respecting cultural values and ways of doing business.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a wide range of audiences on a range of sensitive and complex issues, especially with regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The ability to interpret and identify key information within policy and other relevant publications relevant to the sector and its members.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and across a range of approaches.
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team, identify performance outcomes, plan activities and set priorities to achieve agreed objectives and meet timelines.
Demonstrated ability to appropriately exercise initiative and judgement, and recognise, mitigate and resolve conflict.
As part of a small, dynamic team have the ability to think independently to influence change for the sector.
Proven ability to work independently under broad direction.

Experience

Experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities in the health sector.
Experience in the use of information technology, including word processing packages, electronic mail, databases, spread-sheets and PowerPoint presentations.Closing date: 14/7/2017
To apply please contact sao@natsihwa.org.au for a position description

4.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Tackling Tobacco Care Coordinator

Join Us to Further Reduce Smoking in the Aboriginal Community

Become part of a successful team improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Adelaide
Provide culturally smoking cessation support making a positive difference to people’s lives
Competitive remuneration HSL 4 plus salary sacrifice options

About the Organisation

Nunkuwarrin Yunti is the foremost Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in Adelaide, South Australia, providing a range of health care and community support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

First incorporated in 1971, Nunkuwarrin Yunti has grown from a welfare agency with three employees to a multi-faceted organisation with over 100 staff who deliver a diverse range of health care and community support services.

Nunkuwarrin Yunti aims to promote and improve the health and well-being of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the greater metropolitan area of Adelaide and to advance their social, cultural, and economic status. The Organisation places a strong focus on a client-centered approach to the delivery of services, and a collaborative working culture to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.

About the Opportunity

Nunkuwarrin Yunti has an exciting opportunity for a Tobacco Care Coordinator to join their team in Adelaide on a full-time basis, as part of our Tackling Tobacco program. The initial position is up to December 2017, as the role is subject to ongoing funding. The program has been undertaken since 2010.

With the support of the Tackling Tobacco team this position will utilise approaches to provide effective and evidence based tobacco screening, assessment, quit support and referral programs to clients, staff, and community members who use tobacco. The position will be responsible for supporting health services to talk with clients about smoking and readiness to quit, develop/review clinical guidelines, organise/deliver training to staff, coordinating/ responding to referrals received and ensuring follow up with clients is conducted as per the program plan.

Under direction the primary role of the Tackling Tobacco Care Coordinator is to:

Participate in the planning, development, implementation and promotion of services through the establishment of appropriate plans to ensure services are delivered in a culturally safe manner
Utilise tailored approaches to provide expert advice and support to individuals and groups that promotes the harms of smoking, tobacco cessation techniques and Nicotine replacement therapies.
Initiate relationships with other service providers to support referrals and referral pathways
Coordinate and ensure scheduled follow up is provided to referrals received into the program
Coordinate, deliver and undertake community education programs and activities
Contribute to policy and procedure development related to tobacco interventions
Provide support to lower level staff within the tobacco program as required, particularly in the delegation and scheduling of client follow ups.
Work collaboratively with other community support and health teams on a daily basis to ensure quality services are delivered to clients

Please include your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following 3 questions:

What skills, strengths and experience would you bring to the role? Please also comment on your knowledge and understanding relating to Tobacco use within the Adelaide Metropolitan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
Please outline your experience in working with Aboriginal clients regarding their smoking behaviour and how you would work with individuals to encourage them to stop smoking?
This position is responsible for ensuring a high number of referrals are made to the Tobacco program. Please outline what strategies you would implement for both internal and external stakeholders to ensure that this is achieved?

For a Copy of the Job Description Click Here

Further information: Contact Andrew Schultz, Team Manager – Population Health (Tobacco) – 8406 1600

Written Application and Current CV to be lodged to Human Resource Administration Officer – Ms Jynaya Smith (jynayam@nunku.org.au) by 5:00pm Friday 14^th July 2017.

5.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Nurse Supervisor (Registered Nurse / Midwife)

Australian Nurse Family Partnership Program

Ongoing, full time position

Attractive remuneration package

Starting Salary $95,693.98 + Super + access to Salary Sacrifice
Significant career and training development opportunities

Nunkuwarrin Yunti works to promote and deliver improvement in the health and well-being of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the greater metropolitan area of Adelaide and to advance their social, cultural and economic status. The Organisation places a strong focus on a client centred approach to the delivery of services and a collaborative working culture to achieve the best

The Australian Nurse Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) is a program of sustained and scheduled home visiting for Aboriginal families that begins during the antenatal period and continues until the child is 2 years old. Based on the model developed by Professor David Olds in the USA, the AFNPP involves nurses and/or midwives and Aboriginal Family Partnership Workers working in partnership with women who are pregnant with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander baby, through an intensive home visiting program of evidence based interventions.

The position of Nurse Supervisor contributes by leading, modelling, coordinating and working with a team of 3 Nurse Home Visitors and 3 Aboriginal Family Partnership Workers. The position is located in Nunkuwarrin Yunti’s Women Children and Family Health Unit and will be based at Nunkuwarrin Yunti’s Mile End site. The position manages the team who will provide support to women and families who live within the catchment areas of Playford, Port Adelaide and Enfield (Adelaide Metro) including the two maternity hospitals (Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Lyell McEwin Hospital).

Key Duties

Coordinate the development and implementation of the ANFPP and model a strength-based, culturally safe and client-centred program to achieve operational outcomes.

Provide leadership to the team for practice governance and day to day operations of the ANFPP program in line with the national ANFPP program guidelines and relevant Nunkuwarrin Yunti Clinical and Practice Governance systems.
Develop and maintain a positive learning environment, taking a reflective approach to service, team and individual performance development inclusive of formal training, clinical supervision and regular team meetings.

Key Requirements

Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Midwife
Demonstrated high level of nursing practice in maternal and/or child and family health within a comprehensive primary health care context
Experience in the provision of mentoring and leadership to a team of health professionals, preferably including clinical supervision and reflective practice
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-workers, clients and communities

Click here to download the Job Description

Click her to download the Application Form

Enquiries about the role can be addressed to Virginia Healy at virginiah@nunku.org.au or on (08) 84061600.

Applications to include completed Application Form, Resume and Covering Letter including a brief overview against the key requirements above.

Applications to be forwarded to Ms Jynaya Smith, Human Resource Administration Officer C/o Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc, PO Box 7202, Hutt Street, Adelaide, SA 5000 or Email: jynayam@nunku.org.au

Note – current driver’s license and National Police Check required prior to employment

ABORIGINAL PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS CLOSE DATE – FRIDAY 7th JULY 2017

6. Broome Project Coordinator – Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Trial

Job No: 90286

Location: Broome, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Closing Date: 10 Jul 2017

Rewarding and varied role with the region’s leading provider of Aboriginal health services!
Attractive remuneration circa $81,682 – $96,948 base, PLUS district allowance AND accommodation allowances!
Do you want to really make a difference in your career? This is a unique opportunity to work with Indigenous communities in the spectacular Kimberley region!

About the Organisation

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services LTD (KAMS) is a well-established regional Aboriginal community controlled health service, founded in 1986, which provides centralised advocacy and resource support for 6 independent member services, as well as providing direct clinical services in a further 6 remote Aboriginal communities across the region.

KAMS has successfully delivered high-quality, accessible comprehensive primary health care services over its 30 years of operation and has provided innovation and national leadership in areas such as health information management and evidence-based best practice in primary health care.

About Broome

Broome is located 2,240km north of Perth and has a permanent population of 14,436. Broome promotes a relaxed and easy-going lifestyle, with nearby shopping centres, Sunday markets as well as a broad range of restaurants and entertainment options. It is founded on the traditional lands of the Yaruwu people and is rich in history, culture and beautiful surrounds.

Broome has a deep history in the pearling industry, spanning back to the 1800’s, with memorials throughout the town to commemorate those lost in the early years of pearling. Cable Beach is also a must-see, being named in honour of the Java-to-Australia undersea telegraph cable that reaches shore there. You can explore its beautiful scenery with a bit of 4WDing at low tide, or you can even take a camel ride every day at sunset!

Roebuck Bay is known as one of the most beautiful beaches that surround Broome, with its “Staircase to the moon” phenomenon drawing food and craft markets each time it occurs. The combination of a receding tide and rising moon create a natural phenomenon that can only be described as breath-taking.

About the Opportunity

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd (KAMS) has a truly rewarding opportunity for a Project Coordinator – Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Trial to join their team in Broome, WA. This is a full-time, fixed term role to 30 June, 2018.

This position has an indirect report to the Executive Steering Group of the Kimberley Suicide Prevention Working Group. The Working Group is charged to set strategy and oversee the Kimberley Suicide Prevention Trial in accordance with the parameters described in the National Suicide Prevention Trial Background and Overview, April 2017.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, you will be responsible for delivering project deliverables and progress reports in accordance with the agreed project timeline set by the Steering Group. This will involve a range of project coordination and community development tasks.

Some of these tasks will include (but will not be limited to):

Identifying needs and service gaps, and community strengths and assets, and support for service mapping activities;
Facilitating stakeholder engagement;
Collecting and analysing local and regional data;
Developing detailed planning, schedules and resource requirements for identified projects;
Providing high-level reports, strategic policy, and advice;
Ensuring the Program works within the identified KAMS values and is culturally safe; and
Delivering the position’s work plan within the approved budget and financial delegations.

To be successful you will need:

A qualification in Community Development, Health or related discipline;
Demonstrated skill and experience in managing diverse and high level stakeholders at a regional level;
Demonstrated ability in project management and monitoring and evaluating a regional program using both qualitative and quantitative techniques, including participatory action research methodologies;
Self-motivation and the ability to organise own workload with minimal direction;
Excellent problem-solving skills including a high level of conceptual and analytical ability; and
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of Aboriginal Community Control and demonstrated knowledge of cultural safety principles and practices.

KAMS are looking for candidates with well-developed interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to maintain client confidentially at all times within and outside the workplace. Ideally, you will have experience working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community Organisation and experience working in a mental health or social and emotional wellbeing role, however, this is not mandatory.

A ‘C’ Class Driver’s License, Federal Police Clearance and willingness to travel often by 4WD vehicle and light aircraft will be required.

To download a full position description, please click here.

Please note: Candidates must address the selection criteria outlined in the position description. Please attach answers in a word document and upload with your application.

About the Benefits

If you are looking for a change of routine, a change of lifestyle or a new adventure, this is the role for you. You will see and experience more of Australia’s real outback than most people ever will – and get paid to do it!

KAMS is an organisation that truly values its team, and is committed to improving employee knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, staff development programs are not only encouraged but are often paid for by KAMS. This is a highly attractive opportunity for someone with a desire to develop their professional knowledge and experience in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health!

While you will face diverse new challenges in this role, you will also enjoy an attractive remuneration package circa $81,682 – $96,948 + super.

There is also a wide range of additional benefits for the role including:

District allowances – $2,920 single $5,840 double p.a;
Electricity allowance $1,440
Accommodation allowance $13,000;
Annual Airfares to the value of $1,285 pa (after 12 months of employment).

Don’t miss this exciting and rewarding opportunity to have a positive impact on the mental health outcomes of Indigenous communities in the spectacular Kimberley region – Apply Now!

Please note: Candidates must respond to the questions below and attach a current resume to be considered.

7-11 Kimberley AMS Four Nurse positions

7. Registered nurse child health and midwife

http://kamsc-dahs.applynow.net.au/jobs/90282-registered-nurse-child-health-and-midwife

8.Registered nurse town clinic

http://kamsc-dahs.applynow.net.au/jobs/89298-registered-nurse-town-clinic

9.Remote schools registered nurse

http://kamsc-dahs.applynow.net.au/jobs/90281-remote-school-registered-nurse

10.Child health nurse

http://applynow.net.au/jobs/90283-child-health-nurse

About the Organisation

12 . Grafton and Casino Registered Nurse (RN) & Early Childhood Nurse (ECN)

Job No: 89222

Location: Grafton, NSW & Casino, NSW

Closing Date: 12 Jul 2017

Yulu-Burri-Ba, in collaboration with ATSICHS Brisbane will be providing Family

Take on one of these uniquely rewarding roles and expand your career in Aboriginal Health!
Enjoy above award remuneration plus super & salary sacrificing options!
Enjoy great work/life balance with Monday to Friday, 35 hour week & family oriented work environment!

About Bulgarr Ngaru

Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation (BNMAC) is a not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, providing primary health care services to Aboriginal people throughout the Clarence and Richmond Valleys through its’ network of clinics in Grafton, Casino and Maclean.

With a commitment to promoting health, wellbeing and disease prevention, involving a holistic approach to diagnosis, and the management of illness, Bulgarr Ngaru is a central part of the economic and social fabric of the region

Bulgarr Ngaru employs more than 50 people from local communities across the region including health professionals, clerical, and managerial staff. They are the leading employer of Aboriginal people and workers in the primary health sector in the region and more than 60% of staff members are Aboriginal people.

Building on their current regional network of health facilities and a significant client base, Bulgarr Ngaru looks forward to the next two decades of service development and innovation.

About the Opportunities

Registered Nurse – General Primary Health Care

Bulgarr Ngaru is looking for full-time Registered Nurses to join their teams in Grafton and Casino.

As a Registered Nurse, you will be responsible for assisting clients to address health issues in an holistic way. You’ll work collaboratively with Doctors and Health Workers to develop educational and intervention programs that address the contributory factors to wellness and empower clients to put in place a strategy that will improve their overall health and sense of wellbeing.

More specifically, some of your key duties will include:

Working within the treatment room and on outreach clinics taking and recording clinical data;
Performing patient recalls;
Undertaking Health Assessments and Care Plans;
Working alongside the Medical Officers to ensure efficient and effective primary health care to clients of the organisation, outreach clinics and in clients’ homes as required;
Implementing treatment room protocols to ensure optimum infection control, quality primary health care and patient monitoring and immunisations; and
Ensuring compliance with Accreditation procedures regarding cold chain monitoring, drug cabinet and doctor’s bag ordering and monitoring.

The successful RN candidates will be Registered Nurses with AHPRA Registration and relevant post-graduate experience in either an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation or General Practice. Knowledge of clinical accreditation is required, and experience with organisational accreditation processes will be highly regarded.

Importantly, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the primary health needs, early intervention, psychosocial and cultural issues impacting on Aboriginal families, and a genuine desire to further your experience in the area of Aboriginal Health. The ability to work closely with Aboriginal Health Workers as an integral part of the team will be well regarded.

Your highly developed interpersonal and liaison skills will ensure your ability to build strong working relationships with service providers, clients and other key stakeholders.

The ideal applicants will radiate patience and adaptability, and will be the type of person who thrives in busy, varied and often unpredictable work environment. Team players who are willing to jump into any task at hand will fit well within Bulgarr Ngaru‘s dynamic team.

Although not essential, knowledge of / experience with Practice Incentive and Service Incentive Payments (Diabetes and Asthma Cycles of Care) would be well regarded.

Early Childhood Nurse

Bulgarr Ngaru is also looking for a full-time Early Childhood Nurse to join their team in Casino.

Due to the nature of this role, applicants are required to be female. In this position, an applicant’s gender is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised by section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1997.

This position will be responsible for working within the New Directions Mothers and Babies Services – a service that provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with young children access to a range of child and maternal care.

You’ll be responsible for providing a coordinated assessment, identifying goals, planning strategies, and implementing and evaluating nursing care of children and families by:

Monitoring the growth, development and health status of the child (0 to 5 years of age) within the context of the family;
Providing pre and post-natal support, advice, health information, first line counselling (where appropriate) and referral of mothers and families to relevant service providers; and
Actively promoting and providing a holistic approach to care.

The successful ECN will be a Registered Nurse with AHPRA Registration, and will hold recognised qualifications in Child and Family Health Nursing. A background in working with families and young children, particularly within a community setting, will be essential for your success.

It is essential that you have the ability to effectively and sensitively communicate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and have a comprehensive understanding of the primary health needs, early intervention, psychosocial and cultural issues impacting on Aboriginal families. Due to the nature of the role, you must also have demonstrated experience working specifically with Aboriginal children and their families.

Additionally, it’s important you have the ability to plan and coordinate client care, while operating effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Effective communication skills and competency in the use of computer programs will ensure your success.

Please note: Candidates for both roles must be willing to provide outreach services on a rotating roster, and a current driver’s license is required. Accreditation as a Registered Nurse Immuniser (or the willingness to obtain this qualification within six months of employment) is also a requirement for both positions.

About the Benefits

If you are looking for a new challenge, a change of lifestyle or a new adventure, this is the role for you. You’ll love being surrounded by stunning beaches on one side and glorious mountains and rivers on the other, with the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sydney all a quick hop, skip and a jump away!

Bulgarr Ngaru truly values its team, and is committed to improving employee knowledge, skills and experience. You will have access to genuine ongoing training opportunities and professional development.

In return for your hard work and dedication, you’ll be rewarded with an above award, attractive remuneration plus super, salary sacrificing and access to an employee assistance program.

Bulgarr Ngaru offers a family friendly, supportive workplace with strong community ties, and a 35-hour Monday to Friday week, ensuring you achieve a healthy work/life balance.

This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your cultural knowledge in a stunning location. Make a positive difference – Apply Now!

Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

13.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Child Health Nurse

Opportunity to make a difference and support optimal outcomes for Aboriginal children and families

Ongoing, part time position 0.4FTE

Attractive Remuneration package

Starting salary $69,362 Pro Rata + Super + access to Salary sacrifice

About Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc

The Organisation places a strong focus on a client centred approach to the delivery of services and a collaborative working culture to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

About the Role

The Child Health Nurse is located in the MCH Team in the Women Children and Family Health Unit.

The Unit aims to support safe nurturing environments for pregnant women, infants and children, increase uptake and utilisation of services with an emphasis on early intervention and prevention, provide streamlined coordinated care and positive experiences for clients to encourage continued engagement with services.

For infants and young children aged 0-5 the focus of services is on physical health, cognitive, psychosocial and behavioural development to improve the health of Aboriginal children.

The primary role of the Child Health Nurse is to:

Provide proficient infant child and family nursing services in accordance with best practice standards and guidelines
Plan, implement and coordinate appropriate service delivery options including those of other disciplines or agencies as required to meet infant and child health care needs
Provide day-to-day supervision of care within the team and act to resolve local and/or immediate nursing care or service delivery problems
Demonstrate and promote an approach to practice that supports the implementation and maintenance of systems to protect clients and staff
Integrate theoretical knowledge, evidence from a range of sources and own experience to devise and achieve agreed client care outcomes
Engage in continuous quality improvement and change management processes

Contribute to effective multi-disciplinary teams, communication processes and staff development

Liaise with external agencies as necessaryClick here to download the (Application Form)The Child Health Nurse is required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and have a minimum of three years of demonstrated vocational experience in a Primary Health Care setting consistent with the position’s role and responsibilities.

Applications to include completed Application Form, Resume and Covering Letter including brief statements against the following 4 points:

About You

Click here to download the (J&P)

Your experience in child and family health within a comprehensive primary health care context
Your experience of working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-workers, clients and communities
Your knowledge and understanding of issues which may impact on Aboriginal maternal child and family wellbeing
Why you think you would be the best person for the role

Further information: Contact Clare Levy, MCH Coordinator clarel@nunku.org.au Telephone 0419140170 or 8406 1600

Applications to: Ms Jynaya Smith, Human Resource Administration Officer jynayam@nunku.org.au

Note – current driver’s license and National Police Check required prior to employment

ABORIGINAL PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS CLOSE DATE – COB MONDAY 24^th JULY 2017

14. Nunkuwarrin Yunti Community Midwife

Opportunity to make a difference and support optimal outcomes for pregnant women and Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander babies

Ongoing, Full time position

Attractive Remuneration package

Starting salary $69,362 + Super + access to Salary sacrifice

About Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc

Nunkuwarrin Yunti aims to promote and deliver improvement in the health and wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the greater metropolitan area of Adelaide and to advance their social, cultural and economic status. The Organisation places a strong focus on a client centred approach to the delivery of services and a collaborative working culture to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

About the Role

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled health professionals, you’ll have the opportunity to provide a wrap around, holistic service for your clients. The Community Midwife is located in the MCH Team in the Women Children and Family Health Unit. The Unit aims to support safe nurturing environments for pregnant women, infants and children, increase uptake and utilisation of services with an emphasis on early intervention and prevention, provide streamlined coordinated care and positive experiences for clients to encourage continued engagement with services.

The primary role of the Community Midwife is to:

Facilitate the provision of a coordinated, safe and effective antenatal and postnatal care, health counselling and primary health care to women and their families, in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners, GPs and staff in birthing hospitals
Provide support to clients and families, through assessment and appropriate referrals to internal and external service providers
Coordinate and participate in home visiting where appropriate
Develop and implement culturally appropriate antenatal groups
In partnership with Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners develop and maintain suitable, evidence based, health promotion and information resources for pregnant women and their families.
Contribute to quality management systems and continuous improvement processes

Click here to download the (J&P)

Click here to download the (Application Form)

About You

The Community Midwife is required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and have a minimum of three years of demonstrated vocational experience in a Primary Health Care setting consistent with the position’s role and responsibilities.

Applications to include completed Application Form, Resume and Covering Letter including brief statements against the following 4 points:

Your experience in delivery of antenatal and postnatal care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women within a comprehensive primary health care context
Your experience of working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-workers, clients and communities
Your knowledge and understanding of issues which may impact on Aboriginal maternal child and family wellbeing
Why you think you would be the best person for the role

Further information: Contact Clare Levy, MCH Coordinator clarel@nunku.org.au Telephone 0419140170 or 8406 1600

Applications to: Ms Jynaya Smith, Human Resource Administration Officer jynayam@nunku.org.au

Note – current driver’s license and National Police Check required prior to employment

ABORIGINAL PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED MONDAY 24^TH JULY 2017

15-16 Two positions at the Healing Foundation

NACCHO Aboriginal Kidney Health #NAIDOC2017 @KenWyattMP announces $6.3 million investment in family friendly housing for kidney patients

“ The recent Central Australia Renal Study identified accommodation as the greatest challenge to indigenous kidney patients moving to towns for dialysis,

After relocating, these patients and family members often ended up homeless, socially and culturally isolated, and in many instances having to live in town camps.

We acted promptly, prioritising housing to help solve these challenges for families already under immense financial and emotional pressure from this debilitating disease.

Now patients will be comfortably housed, within easy reach of clinical treatment.”

Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt

A joint housing refurbishment project has delivered accessible, family friendly homes for Northern Territory renal patients.

Welcoming the completion of eight houses in Alice Springs and two in Tennant Creek, Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt said collaboration between the Australian and Territory governments had yielded a win-win for some of the most vulnerable people in the NT.

Download Central Australia Renal Study Report

Executive summary – Central Australia Renal Study

The Central Australia Renal Study was undertaken against the following background:

Increasing numbers of Aboriginal people in the Central Australia (CA) region requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), predominantly in Alice Springs.
Recognition of the lack of culturally appropriate service options and, in particular, service options allowing treatment as close to home as possible.
Recognition that treatment may require relocation and, where it does, support needs to be provided for patients and families.
Concerns about the negative impact of a lack of culturally appropriate service options on treatment uptake.

The project

The Australian Government contributed $6.3 million to refit and modify the homes, after the NT Government provided the original houses.

Minister Wyatt said Central Australia accounted for more than 640 patients known to have chronic kidney disease stages 3, 4 or 5.

“The problem is particularly high in the NT, where kidney health complications among indigenous people are compounded by remoteness and challenging living conditions,” he said.

Federal Government Investment Indigenous Health

The Government was now investing $3.6 billion over four years from 2017-18 for the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program, an increase of $724 million compared with expenditure over the previous four years.

“Continued growth in the program will improve access to culturally appropriate, comprehensive primary health care for Indigenous Australians and address areas of critical need through targeted investments to close the gap,” Minister Wyatt said.

Background

The Central Australia Renal Study was a joint study by the Australian, Northern Territory, South Australian and Western Australian Governments to develop a range of feasible clinical service delivery models and care pathways to best meet (current and projected) needs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients from remote communities requiring dialysis in Central Australia.

The study, funded by the Australian Government, assesses the current issues surrounding the delivery of renal services in Central Australia and takes account of stakeholder consultation and activity-based data.

The study was conducted by the George Institute for Global Health for the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

The study was commissioned to assess the current issues surrounding the delivery of renal services in Central Australia taking into account, stakeholder consultation and activity-based data. The findings were to inform policy recommendations on the most effective and feasible service delivery options and care pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in need of renal services, including dialysis, and identify issues around the distribution of these services.

The Report of the Central Australia Renal Study consists of four sections:

Executive Summary – PDF 204 KB
Executive Summary (online)

Part 1: Key findings and Recommendations, and Part 2: Final Report – PDF 1316 KB
Part 1: Key findings and Recommendations, and Part 2: Final Report (online)

Part 3: Technical Report – PDF 1706 KB
Part 3: Technical Report (online)

Part 4: Technical Appendices – PDF 939 KB
Part 4: Technical Appendices (online)

NACCHO Aboriginal Health #NAIDOC2017 : Recognising the communication gap in Indigenous health care

” The communication gap between health professionals and Indigenous Australians has a significant impact on health outcomes

Limited health literacy is not confined to Indigenous people, but it is greatly magnified for speakers of Indigenous languages in comparison, for example, to non-English speaking migrants from countries where a scientific approach to medicine is practised and where these health concepts are already codified.”

Dr Robert Amery Medical Journal Australia NAIDOC Week 2017

Introduction Press Release

Communication gap puts Indigenous health at risk

The need for health professionals to have a stronger focus on communication with Indigenous people has been highlighted by the University of Adelaide’s Head of Linguistics, who says some lives are being put at risk because of a lack of patient-doctor understanding.

In a paper published (Monday 3 July) in the Medical Journal of Australia – coinciding with the NAIDOC Week theme of Our Languages Matter – Dr Robert Amery has raised concerns not just about language but also a lack of cultural awareness that also impacts on good communication with Indigenous patients.

Dr Robert Amery, who heads Linguistics within the University of Adelaide’s School of Humanities and is a Kaurna language expert, says poor communication can lead to “mistrust and disengagement with the health sector” among

Indigenous patients, leading to a lack of compliance with treatment, and ultimately poor health outcomes.

He says there’s a 16-year gap in life expectancy for Indigenous people living in the Northern Territory compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Of these Indigenous people in the NT, 70% live in remote areas, and 60–65% speak an Indigenous language at home.

“While many speakers of Indigenous languages living in remote areas can engage with outsiders and converse in English about everyday matters, they often have a poor grasp of English when it comes to health communications and other specialised areas,” Dr Amery says.

Miscommunication can be subtle, and previous studies have shown that while both parties think they have understood each other, they can in fact come away with very different understandings.

“Miscommunication isn’t just about language. Some of these difficulties also arise from the interface of communication and culture, which are often derived from differences in worldview,” he says.

“For traditionally oriented Aboriginal people living in remote areas, understanding of disease causation is fundamentally different. Serious diseases, even accidents, are often attributed to sorcery. Germ theory and the immune system are foreign concepts.

“Silence plays an important role in Indigenous cultures. Indigenous people often respond to questions after a prolonged pause, a concept foreign to those doctors who see silence as impolite in their own cultures.

They compensate by filling the silence and disrupting Indigenous patients’ thoughts. There is a simple solution: pause and allow the patient to think.”

He also suggests healthcare professionals avoid the use of “intangible” conceptual English words and vague sentences, instead focusing on factual communication; that they demonstrate how a medical procedure works; and use simple diagrams to explain medical issues.

“These examples may seem plain and obvious, but astoundingly, despite the many hours dedicated to communication in medical education, such concepts are not taught,” Dr Amery says.

“An investment of time in the consult will have immense payoffs over the long term.”

Download MJA paper here MJA Dr Robert Amery

Published with permission from Robert Amery and Medical Journal Australia

See website for references or PDF

The communication gap is most pronounced in remote areas where cultural and linguistic differences are greatest. The close interdependence of language and culture amplifies the gap, such that communication difficulties in these communities run deeper than language barriers alone.

Life expectancy for Indigenous Australians living in remote areas is considerably shorter than for those living in rural and urban areas.6 Figures are not available for the life expectancy of native speakers of Indigenous languages as a cohort, but the gap in life expectancy exceeds 16 years for Indigenous people living in the Northern Territory,7 70% of whom live in remote areas, and 60–65% speak an Indigenous language at home. The life expectancy gap is, of course, multifactorial, although most studies focus on causes of death.8 The communication gap as a contributor is under-rated and under-researched.1,9

An understanding of the Indigenous language landscape is critical to improving communication. In the 2011 Australian census, 60 550 people, or 11.8% of Indigenous respondents, claimed to speak an Indigenous language at home, and 17.5% claimed not to speak English well.10

More have difficulty with specialised language, with common terms such as infection, tumour, high blood pressure, stroke and bacteria often misunderstood. Native Indigenous language speakers communicate in over 100 different traditional languages and live primarily in the NT, the Kimberley region of Western Australia, northern South Australia and northern Queensland, including Torres Strait.

None of these languages have more than 6000 speakers, and many are now reduced to a mere handful, yet each of these languages is a vast storehouse of knowledge built up over thousands of years. It can be daunting to enter a large English-speaking hospital if you communicate in a language spoken by so few people.

Speakers of some languages have shifted to dominant regional languages, such as Murrinh-Patha (Wadeye, NT), while others have shifted to a creole language, such as Kriol (the Kimberley region and the Barkly Tableland area of the NT and North West Queensland).

Aboriginal people often speak distinctive varieties of Aboriginal English that differ from mainstream English. For most Aboriginal people in remote areas, their Aboriginal English is an inter-language variety, in the same way that Japanese speakers have their own distinctive accent and turn of phrase in English, which may be a challenge for medical personnel to understand.

Data might suggest that only a small proportion (less than 10%) of Indigenous adults under 60 years do not speak English well, and that communication issues would therefore not be significant (Box 1).

However, while many speakers of Indigenous languages living in remote areas can engage with outsiders and converse in English about everyday matters, they often have a poor grasp of English when it comes to health communications and other specialised areas. In a study on comprehension of 30 common legal terms (assault, bail, guilty, warrant, etc),11 200 Yolŋu people (north-east Arnhem Land) were surveyed with over 95% unable to correctly identify the meaning of these terms (Box 2).

A parallel health study has not been conducted, but it is likely that understanding of common specialised health terms would be no better. Personal experience supports this view. In 1990, I taught a short course in medical interpreting to a group of Yolŋu students. In teaching the difference between idiomatic and literal language, I introduced an example (“He chucked his guts up”) that I thought everyone would understand. The Yolŋu students interpreted this idiom literally, thinking he ripped out his intestines and threw them in the air. Even simple little things that might be said, such as “let’s keep an eye on it”, can be baffling, because these expressions are often taken literally.

Proportion of Indigenous Australians who speak an Indigenous language and who are reported to speak English “not well” or “not at all”, 2006 and 2011*

Yolŋu comprehension of 30 common legal terms*

Misinterpretations also arise from the interface of communication and culture, here derived from differences in worldview rather than linguistics. In the 1980s, I talked with Tjapaltjarri (skin name, now deceased), a senior Pintupi Aboriginal health worker, about the location of a relative’s house in Alice Springs. Tjapaltjarri referred to various landmarks such as trees and rocks. I asked him about prominent street names including Bloomfield Street. We conversed with full understanding, but I could not follow Tjapaltjarri’s directions. I never paid attention to these landmarks, he never noticed street names. This was not a linguistic issue. It was literally a matter of different worldview. Extrapolate from this example to appreciate the difficulties first language speakers of Aboriginal languages might have in following medical explanations, even when they seemingly speak good English.

These communication gaps are confirmed in health settings. A study of Yolŋu patients undergoing dialysis in Darwin2 identified, through exit interviews, significant misunderstanding of test results despite both patient and renal nurse having revealed that they were satisfied with the communication.

Trudgen9 discusses a Yolŋu patient suffering from severe diabetes and renal failure who was able to avoid dialysis once his condition was explained to him in meaningful terms, and goes on to estimate that 75–95% of communication with Yolŋu patients fails, even with an Aboriginal health worker involved. Aboriginal health workers are not necessarily trained interpreters, nor is interpreting their primary role, although they are often expected to interpret.

How do we improve? Surprisingly simple communication methods, which are easy to teach within mainstream medical education, can help. Trudgen demonstrates how to explain to a Yolŋu patient their 2% residual renal function.9 Many Yolŋu and speakers of other Indigenous languages do not understand the concept of percentages. A picture of a kidney was drawn, shading in the 2% still functioning and showing the remainder, which was sclerosed (Box 3). The patient responded in shock and, no doubt, with better dialysis participation.

Box 3

Template to explain residual renal function of 2% (hatched area) in an otherwise sclerosed kidney (dots)

Aboriginal patients may not be as trusting of medical implements as others. Refusal of an ear examination, for example, may be overcome by allowing such a patient to look through the otoscope to understand how it works. Silence plays an important role in Indigenous cultures.9,12,13

Indigenous people often respond to questions after a prolonged pause, a concept foreign to those doctors who see silence as impolite in their own cultures. They compensate by filling the silence and disrupting Indigenous patients’ thoughts. There is a simple solution — pause and allow the patient to think.

Studies1,2,3,4,14 have identified a widespread belief among Yolŋu people that information is deliberately withheld, mirroring culturally based misconceptions that lead many professionals to believe that Aboriginal patients do not want to know or that they do not experience pain.15

However, several studies1,4,14 clearly demonstrate the desire of Aboriginal people, both from the Top End and from Central Australia, for information about their illnesses and treatment. Effective communication methods, including the use of interpreters, are grossly underutilised, and frequently there is a failure to recognise that patients do not understand.

In a study of 41 Yolŋu people, only 11 found explanations about diagnosis and treatment satisfactory.4 Other studies have shown that even when patients are satisfied, gross misunderstandings may still exist.2 Trudgen9 again gives an example of how this may occur. A doctor explained to a patient that he “could not tell conclusively why [the patient’s] heart was enlarged”. The patient subsequently interpreted this to be that the doctor had no idea why his heart was enlarged and decided not to engage in treatment. Had the doctor avoided use of “intangible” conceptual English words and vague unrevealing sentences, instead focusing on factual communication, this error could have been avoided.

A failure to develop an adequate understanding does run deeper than words. For traditionally oriented Aboriginal people living in remote areas, understanding of disease causation is fundamentally different. Serious diseases, even accidents, are often attributed to sorcery.16,17 Germ theory and the immune system are foreign concepts.

Traditionally oriented Aboriginal people typically have detailed knowledge of anatomy from hunting, butchering and observing nature,9,18 but the perceived function of the kidneys, lungs, pancreas and other internal organs may be quite different. Finding common ground between these understandings is no easy task, but it is important to understand that it may play into medical treatments in the same way as having insight into the use of alternative medicines does in other cultures.

These examples may seem plain and obvious, but astoundingly, despite the many hours dedicated to communication in medical education, such concepts are not taught. Some strategies are provided in Box 4. There is an urgent need to pay more attention to communication needs of remote Aboriginal people.

Communication strategies

A refusal to take Aboriginal languages seriously not only results directly in less than optimal medical outcomes, but also in mistrust and disengagement with the health sector and non-compliance with treatment regimens.3

An investment of time in the consult will have immense payoffs over the long term. We cannot expect our medical students and colleagues to adapt without teaching.

Concepts are simple to grasp with knowledge of the languages and cultures. Is effective establishment of the Aboriginal patient–doctor relationship not one of the more teachable aspects of communication for generations of doctors?

Education is the way forward to a practical and high impact population of medical staff who contribute to the health and pride of the people who are Australia’s national treasures.

NACCHO Aboriginal Health : Why the @NRHAlliance needs a new Rural and Remote Health Strategy

” The National Rural Health Alliance has been leading advocacy to the Government that it is time to develop a new Rural and Remote Health Strategy, together with a fully funded Implementation Plan.

In developing its thoughts on the need for a new Strategy and its contents, the Alliance is developing a series of discussion papers, with the first now available – considering the reasons why we need a new Strategy and what has been achieved under the 2011-12 Strategy.”

This paper has been prepared to stimulate discussion on an issue of importance to rural and remote health.

The views and opinions in the paper do not necessarily represent those of the National Rural Health Alliance or any of its Member Bodies.

For The National Rural Health Alliance’s new own Strategic Plan just released and spanning the period 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2019

The Alliance intends to focus on seven priority areas including: Improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;

See background 2 below

Download 19 page PDF need-new-rr-health-strategy

How submit comments

Comments on the paper can be directed to

nrha@ruralhealth.org.au .

A new strategy and plan ?

There is no point in continuing to reference a Framework that is not in use and that is deeply flawed (see background 1 below and in download ) . Whatever document replaces the Framework, it must include outcome measures and set indicators to measure progress against the most pressing needs.

And there must be annual reporting against those outcomes to enable jurisdictions to consider how they are progressing and fine tune their responses as necessary.

Ideally, a new National Rural and Remote Health Strategy should be developed with stakeholder input and introduced with a fully funded Implementation and Evaluation plan.

This should include, but not be restricted to, a rural and remote workforce plan – as pointed out throughout this report, the solutions needed to bridge the divide in the health and wellbeing of the city and the bush deserves and requires far more.

We need concrete, on-the-ground actions, which make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities in rural and remote Australia.

The Alliance has been an active participant and co-signatory in the development of previous strategies and plans, and stands ready to fulfil that role again.

We must learn from the past and strive to address the inequity of health outcomes that are experienced by the seven million people living outside Australia’s major cities

Background 1 of 2

The National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health (the Framework) was developed through the Rural Health Standing Committee, a committee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, and agreed by the Standing Council on Health, the committee of Ministers of Health, in late 2011. It was launched in 2012. The Framework was developed through a consultative process that included significant input from the National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) and other rural and remote health stakeholders, including State and Territory governments.

While the Framework can be accessed through the Department of Health website, it is not in use. No reporting has ever been undertaken to present an update on progress, recognition of the range of policies and programs implemented by Commonwealth, State or Territory Governments to address the goals of the Framework, or to examine the effectiveness of the Framework in addressing those goals.

Further, the health workforce strategy developed as a companion document to the Framework – National Health Workforce Innovation and Reform Strategic Framework for Action 2011–2015 – is also no longer in use, having been archived when the Health Workforce Agency was disbanded in 2014.

At the time, the Alliance called for a National Rural and Remote Health Plan to be developed to operationalise the Framework, but this never eventuated.

The role of a comprehensive Framework to guide and direct better health outcomes in rural and remote communities is critical. Where players from communities, jurisdictional and private health providers and federally-funded organisations come together to meet the challenges of delivering health services in rural and remote communities, it must be through a shared understanding of the issues and a clear vision for the future.

At the outset, the Framework acknowledged that the people who live in rural and remote Australia “tend to have lower life expectancy, higher rates of disease and injury, and poorer access to and use of health services than people living in Major cities”.

Drawing on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare publication Australia’s Health 2010, the Framework identified key areas of concern with regard to the health of people in rural and remote communities, particularly:

 higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy;
 higher road injury and fatality rates;
 higher reported rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity;
 higher death rates from chronic disease;
 higher prevalence of mental health problems;
 higher rates of alcohol abuse and smoking;
 poorer dental health;
 higher incidence of poor ante-natal and post-natal health; and
 higher incidence of babies born with low birth weight to mothers (in very remote areas).

The Framework does not include data quantifying these concerns. In referring back to Australia’s Health 2010, the data used to describe the health of people in rural and remote Australia is from 2004-2006 – it was already up to six years old at the time the Framework based on it was launched. It is very difficult to plan appropriately to address inequality when data is this out of date.

Perhaps the biggest gap in the Framework is that it does not link the inequities it identifies in rural and remote health generally to the five goals it develops. While this is largely due to a lack of narrative, what this lack of narrative does is lose the unifying rationale for the five goals and how they will work together to make a difference to the inequities identified in the Framework. If this was simply a lack of a coherent narrative to drive the needed policy responses, it may be excusable. But unfortunately, the lack of this coherent narrative has resulted in:

 lack of recognition of the need for baseline indicators against which progress can be measured and reviewed;
 loss of the connectedness of the goals – at the Commonwealth level we now see rural health reduced to workforce policy responses without a clear understanding of how those responses will actually lead to improvements in health outcomes and the range of health inequities in rural and remote communities; and
 undermining one of the most crucial needs underpinning the Framework as a whole – the need for quality and TIMELY data. The lack of good quality, current, data is apparent as soon as you begin to seek answers to the question “what has the Framework achieved?”

In developing this Discussion paper, the Alliance is seeking to undertake a high level, selective assessment using publicly available data to ascertain to what extent progress is being made in addressing health concerns and inequities in rural and remote Australia, referencing back to the goals and outcomes set out in the Framework.

Where related specific programs stemming from the Framework can be identified and their outcomes assessed, this will be included in the discussion. Given there are nine specific issues identified in the Framework and set out in dot point format above, the Alliance will seek information on only three to discuss whether any change in outcomes following the implementation of the Framework can be assessed accurately, and if so, what outcomes were achieved.

Background 2 of 2

The National Rural Health Alliance’s new Strategic Plan has been released and spans the period 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2019.

Download PDF Copy NRHA_Strategic-Plan

It is a high-level document to set directions, priorities and key areas of activities over the coming two years. It also includes measures of success and effectiveness, identified as process, impact and health outcomes.

The Alliance intends to focus on seven priority areas including:

Unlocking the economic and social potential of the 7 million people living in rural and remote Australia;
Improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;
Integrating teaching, training, research and development to attract and retain the right workforce;
Strengthen prevention, early intervention and primary health care;
Developing place-based, community and individualised local approaches to respond to community needs;
Reducing the higher burden of mental ill-health, suicide and suicide attempts; and
Securing long-term, sustainable funding to extend our core work.

These seven priority areas have been strongly influenced by the recommendations coming out of the recent 14^th National Rural Health Conference held in Cairns. Further, these are all areas in which the Alliance believes further efforts and advocacy is required to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in rural and remote Australia.

A common link across all these priority areas is the need for a National Rural and Remote Strategy and associated Implementation Plan. The Alliance will work with members and other stakeholders in the pursuit of such a Strategy and Plan.

The Alliance is currently developing a workplan that will guide specific work streams.

NACCHO Aboriginal Health News : 10 Winners profiles National #NAIDOC2017 Awards

The National NAIDOC Committee on the weekend congratulated ten outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who were honoured at the 2017 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Cairns.

See all 10 winners profiles full below Part 2

Dianne Ryder, a proud Noongar woman from Western Australia, was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Dianne served a 21 year career in the Army, being awarded the Army Australia Day Medallion in 1990.

She is currently the President of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association of WA and challenges us all to consider how we can improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Elverina Johnson, a highly respected Gurugulu and Indinji Gimuy women from Yarrabah in far north Queensland won the Artist of the Year award. Elverina has been involved in the arts industry for over 30 years as a singer, songwriter, playwright, actor, photographer and artist.

She believes that the arts can empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and restore a genuine sense of pride in their culture and communities.

The Person of the Year Award, sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank, went to National Basketball Association (NBA) Champion and a three time Olympian, Patrick Mills. Patrick is a Muralag man from the Torres Strait, Ynunga man from South Australia who is dedicated to using his international profile to promote and raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

NACCHO extends its congratulations to all of the 2017 National NAIDOC Award winners and nomination

“It is inspiring to see the tireless work being done by so many talented and dedicated individuals to benefit themselves, their communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our land,” said Committee Co-Chair, Benjamin Mitchell.

Congratulations to:

• Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (QLD) – Caring for Country Award winner

• Latia Schefe (QLD) – Youth of the Year

• Elverina Johnson (QLD) – Artist of the Year

• Dr James Charles (SA) – Scholar of the Year

• Sharee Yamashita (QLD) – Apprentice of the Year

• Amanda Reid (NSW) – Sportsperson of the Year

• Faye Carr (QLD) – Female Elder of the Year

• Ollie George (WA) – Male Elder of the Year

• Patrick Mills (QLD/SA) – Person of the Year

• Dianne Ryder (WA) – Lifetime Achievement Award winner

2017 National NAIDOC Theme – Our Languages Matter

The importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages will be the focus of national celebrations marking NAIDOC Week 2017.

The 2017 theme – Our Languages Matter – aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role that Indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land and water and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song.

Some 250 distinct Indigenous language groups covered the continent at first (significant) European contact in the late eighteenth century. Most of these languages would have had several dialects, so that the total number of named varieties would have run to many hundreds.

Search languages with this interactive website

Today only around 120 of those languages are still spoken and many are at risk of being lost as Elders pass on.

National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Anne Martin said languages are the breath of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the theme will raise awareness of the status and importance of Indigenous languages across the country.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait languages are not just a means of communication, they express knowledge about everything: law, geography, history, family and human relationships, philosophy, religion, anatomy, childcare, health, caring for country, astronomy, biology and food.

“Each language is associated with an area of land and has a deep spiritual significance and it is through their own languages, that Indigenous nations maintain their connection with their ancestors, land and law,” Ms Martin said.

“We are grateful to have worked with some outstanding partners this year, whose support contributed to success of the 2017 national celebrations.” said Committee Co-Chair, Anne Martin.

The Awards were hosted at the Cairns Convention Centre and attended by just under 1000 guests including the Yirrganydi and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, the Cairns community, federal and state politicians and high profile Indigenous affairs identities.

The Committee welcomed back Hannah Hollis and Luke Carroll as hosts for the evening alongside a colourful line-up of entertainment including the AustraNeisia and Gondwana Indigneous Childrens choirs, Torres Strait Islander dance groups Gerib Sik and Naygayiw Gigi, local band The Nightshift and teen superstar Isaiah Firebrace.

The Committee thanks all involved in making this year another successful National NAIDOC event.

“It is a privilege to stage the Awards each year in a different city around our sacred country. I would like to thank the Cairns NAIDOC Committee for its assistance with the Awards and the Yirrganydi and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people for welcoming us onto their land”, said Mr Mitchell.

Lastly, congratulations to Sydney which was announced last night as the National NAIDOC Host City for 2017.

Highlights of the night are available at http://www.nitv.org.au

For more information on NAIDOC Week and the 2016 National NAIDOC Awards winners, visit www.naidoc.org.au

Caring for Country Award – Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders -in -Council

The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation in Queensland was created to record and teach people about caring for Country for future generations. They represent descendants of the Noonuccal, Ngugi and Goenpul people of North Stradbroke (Minjerribah), Moreton (Moorgumpin) and the Moreton Bay (Quandamooka) islands.

Each year the Elders deliver cultural education services to approximately 6000 participants. They teach knowledge of local languages; bush plants, and environmental management skills that they learned growing up.

As well as education, the Elders are preserving a regional ecosystem which includes significant vegetation and habitats.

Their success has seen the Elders involved in cultural heritage assessments, the publication of books to unique flora, bush tucker and medicinal plants of Stradbroke Island, and the re-introduction of local language to the younger generation, through publication of the Jandai Language Dictionary

Youth of the year – Latia Schefe

Latia Schefe is a young Yuggera woman from Brisbane, Queensland who has overcome serious illness and adversity to become a strong role model among her peers.

Diagnosed with Neuroblastoma cancer when she was only 6 years old, Latia endured multiple operations, chemotherapy and the loss of a kidney.

Despite her hardships, Latia went on to complete Year 12 education and in her final year was awarded the Jane Prentice Award for Indigenous Student of the Year.

Latia stands out as a promising future leader, participating in a Biking Program which fixes old bikes for people with disability, and coordinating local NAIDOC celebrations.

For her future, Latia wants join the police force, or drive the giant trucks in the mining industry

Artist of the Year – Elverina Johnson

Elverina Johnson is a highly respected Gurugulu and Indinji Gimuy women from Yarrabah in far north Queensland – and one of Australia’s most highly respected Indigenous artists.

With creative talents spanning the spectrum of visual and performing arts, Elverina has been involved in the arts industry for over 30 years as a singer, songwriter, playwright, actor, photographer and artist.

She believes that the arts can empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and restore a genuine sense of pride in their culture and communities, and works with youth and Elders alike to promote cultural respect and integrity.

Elverina volunteers her time to address critical social issues impacting on the lives of people in Indigenous communities, living true to her traditional family name -Bunya Badjil – which means “Good Woman”

Scholar of the year –Dr James Charles

Dr James Charles is a Kaurna man from Adelaide, South Australia and is currently working at Charles Sturt University as a lecturer in Podiatry.

He graduated from the University of South Australia in podiatry, completed his Masters, recently completed his PhD, and his research is being published in peer review journals.

James is passionate about providing podiatry services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and believes that foot health is undervalued. He has worked for many years at leading Universities, educating on providing culturally appropriate health care.

In 2008 James undertook a two year chairmanship of the newly formed Indigenous Allied Health Network, an organisation he helped build.

Always giving back to his community, James has raised significant money for the Rotary Indigenous Health Fund to provide scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Apprentice of the Year – Sharee Yamashita

Sharee Yamashita is a young Thanikwithi woman from Thursday Island who has recently completed her Electrical apprenticeship while managing the demanding responsibilities of a young family. She is now a full time employee working with Rio Tinto in Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula.

Sharee has overcome many obstacles along her journey, and says her determination has been inspired by many people, including her father. Her success in her apprenticeship has increased her confidence and she is keen to share her journey to inspire others.

Sharee’s leadership has a powerful positive impact on everyone that she interacts with. Her success in a male dominated industry makes Sharee an important role model for other young Indigenous women.

Sharee’s goal for the future is to help other young people to create opportunities and succeed in their chosen careers.

Sportsperson of the year – Amanda Reid

Amanda Reid is Gurinagi & Wamba Wamba women from Sydney, New South Whales and an accomplished Indigenous Paralympic athlete.

Amanda is the first Aboriginal cyclist and medallist, winning Silver at Rio 2016, and the first female athlete since 1992 to achieve a podium status.

Amanda is the current UCI Para World Cycling Champion in the 3000 meter Pursuit and the 500 meter time trail, breaking the Paralympic record in Rio.

Previously an Australia Day ambassador and currently delivering presentations in local schools, Amanda is an inspirational role model to all Australians. She mentors young disabled athletes as well as Aboriginal youth in care and plans to increase her community work prove that people with disability can achieve in their community.

Amanda lives every day by her mantra “dream it, believe it and you will be it.”

Female Elder of the year – Faye Carr

Faye Carr is a Yuggera Elder from Ipswich in Queensland, who has overcome a tough childhood to become a strong advocate and leader in her community.

Passionate about sharing her culture and knowledge with her community, Faye has been contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since the 1960’s.

Faye was involved in establishing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, the Kambu Progress Association and the Kambu Aboriginal to deliver important legal, housing, recreational and health services to Ipswich and broader Queensland. Among many accolades, Faye was honoured with Ipswich Citizen of the Year in 2016.

Always an advocate for her people, Faye recently met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other key stakeholders to raise awareness about the impacts of domestic violence on women and families.

Male Elder of the year – Ollie George

Ollie George is a Badimaya Elder from Western Australia who has worked tirelessly since the early 1990s to preserve his mother tongue, Badimaya.

He has taught Badimaya at the school in his hometown of Mt Magnet and works with community members to create language materials and resources. He has recorded hundreds of hours of Badimaya language, much of it by himself.

Since 2012, Ollie has worked to produce 7 publications in Badimaya, has been featured in two ‘Indigenous Community Stories’ by the Film and TV Institute of WA, and the primary consultant on several projects on Badimaya language and country.

Ollie is now completing his ‘Nganang Badimaya Wangga’, a project based on 24 yarns he tells about life growing up on his country, learning language from old people, and the cultural and historical legacy of the Badimaya people.

Person of the year – Patrick Mills

Patrick Mills is a Muralag man from the Torres Strait, Ynunga man from South Australia and sporting legend.

A National Basketball Association (NBA) Champion and a three time Olympian Patrick is a member of the San Antonio Spurs who famously won the 2014 NBA Championship.

Patrick is the first Indigenous player to represent Australian Men’s Basketball at three consecutive Olympic Games and is preparing for his record fourth Games in Tokyo 2020.

He is the youngest player to represent Australia in Men’s Basketball and he holds the Olympic record for being the overall highest points scorer at the London Olympics in 2012. Patrick has won numerous awards including ACT Young Australian of the Year in 2015 and ACT Sports Male Athlete of the Year in 2016.

Patrick uses his international profile to promote and raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and often takes time to share parts of his language with his teammates.

A strong role model, Patrick’s goal for the future is to be an ambassador for Indigenous people and continue educating the world on his culture. Patrick says ‘It’s who I am. It’s what I know – even more than basketball.’

Life time achievement award – Dianne Ryder

Dianne Ryder is a proud Noongar woman from Western Australia with a legendary reputation for her contribution to family, community and country.

After school, Dianne embarked on a 21-year career with the army and in 1990, she was awarded the Army Australia Day Medallion.

Since leaving the Army, Dianne has worked as a community outreach worker in Sydney and later Perth. She is currently the President of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association of WA and heavily involved with the Indigenous Veterans Memorial Service.

Her contribution and involvement with her community has led to her being sought out to share her wisdom with government departments and politicians at a state and national level. In 2015, Dianne was nominated for Australian of the year in 2015 and for the Prime Ministers Advisory Council on Mental health.

Dianne’s favorite saying is “Just imagine …” where she challenges us all to consider how we can improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Aboriginal Children’s Health : Targeted Early Childhood learning programs 6 months to 3 years key to #healthyfutures

“By age four children in the most well off families had been exposed to 32 million more words than children in welfare dependent families,

In addition to this, children in the most well off families had been exposed to 560,000 more positive affirmations than negative, whereas in the welfare families children had 160,000 more negative affirmations than positive.

This is a staggering difference of 720,000 from a supportive environment towards a discouraging one.”

The next generation of young people, who are likely to be impulsive, have unhealthy brain development leading to poor school performance, develop alcohol and other drug addictions, be violent on the streets and incarcerated, are already there.

We must do better at preventing this from occurring and early childhood is key.”

Ms Donna Ah Chee is the CEO of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Alice Springs which, not surprisingly, has early childhood care as its top priority.

Pictured above : Ms Ah Chee , Doctor John Boffa and staff showing NACCHO CEO Pat Turner through ” Arrwekele akaltye—irretyeke ampere ” A targeted Early Childhood learning program Aboriginal children 6 months to 3 years

See NACCHO TV Interview with Donna Ah Chee

” Denying children stimulation – talking with them, reading to them, praising them – very early in their life is more serious than either sexual abuse or physical abuse in terms of impact on life long health and well being.

Donna Ah Chee quoted these findings by the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child at a keynote address to a recent national health conference in Alice Springs.

Originally published in Alice Springs News Online

Congress has runs on the board. It is one of the oldest Aboriginal NGOs in town, founded in 1973.

“We [Aboriginal people] controlled it from the beginning, and still do,” she says.

“In some ways we had no choice. Our health status was very poor as you can see from the infant mortality rate and Life Expectancy figures in 1973 when Congress started.

“The mainstream health system had completely failed us.”

There was a heavy dose of politics to get the point across.

Congress was the key organiser of the first land rights rally here “as the newly formed organisation was clear about the connections between health, control, land, culture, employment, shelter and so on long before we started to use the language of ‘Social Determinants of Health’.”

Congress has had a role in an improving health system that has had many big players, not least the NT and Federal governments: Infant mortality in the mid ’70s was 120 per 1000 live births. Now it is 10. Life expectancy for men was 52 – now 63; and 54 for women – now 70.

The organisation now looks after 12,000 people a year, including 2000 bush visitors.

“Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man,” Ms Ah Chee quotes the 17th century saint Francis Xavier.

“Children who start behind tend to fall further behind. Babies are born with 25% of their brains developed, and there is then a rapid period of development so that by the age of three their brains are 80% developed.”

Ms Ah Chee quotes epidemiologist Sir Michael Marmot, former chair of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, producer of “Closing the Gap in a Generation” in 2008 and recently presenting the Boyer Lecture series on the ABC.

SEE NACCHO POST

NACCHO Aboriginal Health #SDoH #MarmotOz : ‘Aunty, with our prospects in life – what is the point of being healthy?

She says he published the results of a British study on 70,000 children all born in 1970.

“He showed that brain development by age four is highly dependent on being read to every day, conversational language in the home, going to bed at the same time every night, being part of a good playgroup and being physically active – that is responsive parenting,” says Ms Ah Chee.

“Such programs can help some children to “leapfrog” out of the intergenerational disadvantage that they are otherwise destined to.

“They can reverse the large social gradient seen in this graph. In the second Boyer lecture Professor Marmot describes one such program that has achieved this in the poorest part of London – in Hackney,” she says.

“Yet in spite of all the evidence for the effectiveness of early years interventions this is how most OECD countries spend their funds – it is the inverse of what is needed,” flicking the graph on the screen.

She says more than 70% of Aboriginal mothers who have accepted participating in the Congress early childhood program “are significantly educationally disadvantaged so it is reaching the right families.

“Corresponding with the educational disadvantage is the reality that 80% are not working and have incomes of less than $500 per week.

“The program is clearly accessing some of the most disadvantaged families in Alice Springs with whom it will have it greatest impact.”

She says there needs to be one carer for every four children “but the carers can be community people trained on the job. This is another advantage to this approach as it provides employment for local Aboriginal people who want to care for kids.”

The primary health care sector through “its antenatal care and healthy kids checks establishes supportive relationships with mothers, families and children in the critical period from conception to age three.

“The education sector should continue to take responsibility for pre-school from age three and primary education. This is how the two sectors should work together in partnership to ensure all children get the best possible start to life.”

“When Congress started 40 years ago, infant mortality rates were around 170 deaths per 1,000 live births and now they are around 12 . Our babies are no longer dying from easily preventable causes and the challenge has moved to the promotion of healthier development.

More than 300 staff are able to provide more than 160,000 episodes of care each year to about 12,000 Aboriginal people living in Alice Springs and in six remote community clinics in Central Australia.”

The Congress’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Donna Ah Chee, says there has been a 30% decrease in all cause mortality for Aboriginal people in the NT since 2001

Download the Report Here : CPHC Congress Final Report

NACCHO Aboriginal Health : Our #ACCHO Members Good News Stories from #SA #NT #WA #VIC #NSW #QLD

1.QLD Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s (IUIH) Sports Health Carnival attracts 600 kids

2. NSW Coffs Harbour Aunty Mary ” 94% of vision loss in Indigenous Australians is preventable or treatable

3. SA : Sharon Bilney ACCHO Nurse celebrate and acknowledges NAIDOC Week

4.SA : Community Controlled Health Service works to close the life expectancy gap in Murray Bridge

5. WA : AHCWA In battle ” meth use problems rival alcohol abuse

6. NT : The NT ‘Intervention’ led to some changes in Indigenous health, but the social cost may not have been worth it

7.VIC : VAHS Indigenous superhero empowering the next generation of ‘smoke-free ambassadors’

How to submit a NACCHO Affiliate or Members Good News Story ?

Email to Colin Cowell NACCHO Media

Mobile 0401 331 251

Wednesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Thursday

1.QLD Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s (IUIH) Sports Health Carnival attracts 600 kids

The University of Queensland has welcomed the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s (IUIH) Deadly Choices Junior Murri Carnival to the St Lucia campus.

From 26-29 June, the carnival is showcasing the strong links between health, wellbeing, sport and education.

More than 600 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 6 to 12 have nominated to participate in rugby league and netball games, in addition to a tour of the campus, demonstrations from Faculties, and meeting some of their sporting heroes, including the Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Firebirds.

UQ is supporting the IUIH event through the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Director of the UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit, Shane Drahm, said the carnival demonstrated strong links between UQ and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight our partnerships and the fantastic work of IUIH and the Deadly Choices program in community,” Mr Drahm said.

Deadly Choices General Manager Keiron Lander said the event focused on promoting positive messages for the young participants and their families.

“A healthy choice is a deadly choice,” Mr Lander said.

“The carnival is a smoke-free, sugar-free and alcohol-free event. All the children here this week have been attending school and have undergone a health check through their local services.

“The event is about bringing little people together in a safe environment focused on health, education and physical activity.”

2. NSW Coffs Harbour Aunty Mary ” 94% of vision loss in Indigenous Australians is preventable or treatable ”

“I think it’s important for other Aboriginal people to hear my story and understand it is important to take your health seriously and listen to your doctor,

“Most cases of blindness in Aboriginal people are preventable and I want to prevent others losing their sight like me.”

Aunty Mary lost her sight to diabetes and will speak about the importance of maintaining a healthier lifestyle to prevent this illness.

INDIGENOUS elder Aunty Mary Hooker has a full dance card for her upcoming visit to the Coffs Coast for NAIDOC Week.

The Bundjalung woman will be at Coffs Harbour Showground on July 5 as a guest in the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT information stand at the Who Ya Gunna Call forum.

She will also visit family fun days in Nambucca Heads and Grafton during her stay.

A keen knitter and painter, she will be bringing along a giant 5.5 metre scarf she knitted in the colours of the Aboriginal flag as an example of how she keeps busy.

“Guide Dogs came to my home to teach me cane training, how to get to the shops, cross the road safely and move around my community on my own.

“I wouldn’t have gained my confidence without the free training and support.

“Now I have a cane in Aboriginal colours and it makes me feel proud.”

Guide Dogs orientation and mobility specialists will be on hand at the forum to speak to anyone who may be experiencing or know someone experiencing sight loss.

Regional manager Jeremy Hill said Aboriginal adults are six times more likely to be blind than other Australians.

“Yet 94% of vision loss in Indigenous Australians is preventable or treatable,’ he said.

“We’re hoping our information stand will help to reduce these worrying statistics by providing eye health advice and practical solutions if they are having trouble getting around due to vision loss.”

3. SA Sharon Bilney ACCHO Nurse celebrate and acknowledges NAIDOC Week

“Deciding to become a nurse is a decision that I’ve never regretted,

It’s a career that you can have around children and I’ve loved the opportunities that have come with it as well – I loved that I’ve worked in a hospital setting but also been able to lecture and have the chance to mentor and support young Aboriginal students on their path into nursing.”

The mother of four, who is Manager of Client Services for Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service, began her early career working at Port Lincoln Hospital.

Going home with the feeling that she’d made a difference in someone’s life that day is what Sharon Bilney says is the best part of being a nurse.

“When I was working at the hospital, it was just so nice to feel as though I’d made a difference,whether it was to an Aboriginal patient that day or educating a non-Aboriginal person about Aboriginal culture,” Ms Bilney, who belongs to the Kokatha family group, said.She also had a two-year stint lecturing in nursing at TAFE South Australia’s Port Lincoln Campus.

Ms Bilney is speaking about her nursing career to help highlight NAIDOC Week, which runs from Sunday, July 2-9, and is urging young Indigenous people to explore nursing as a career option.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is Our Languages Matter.

“I highly recommend nursing. Even if you don’t want to work in a hospital, the possibilities and options are endless. Take every opportunity that comes your way,” Ms Bilney said.

“NAIDOC week is an important week to celebrate our history and culture. If not for anything else, it is just a wonderful opportunity to recognise our people for one week.”

Ms Bilney said the best thing she had ever done was switch from her previous career in office work to nursing.

“Once I knew that I would be able to study at home part-time while I still had my youngest little boy at home with me, I thought the opportunity was just amazing,” she said.

“Once I was enrolled, I just wanted to focus on getting through the next five years of study and really achieve that goal of becoming a nurse.”

In her final year of study, Ms Bilney received the Federal Government-funded Rural and Remote Undergraduate scholarship, through the Australian College of Nursing (ACN). ACN Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said Ms Bilney was a perfect example of how diverse a career in nursing could be, and how it could be explored at different stages in life.

“Sharon was a mum at home caring for her young son when an opportunity came her way to be able to study nursing,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.

“On completing her studies, she has had the opportunity to work in a hospital and experience theatre work, accident and emergency, the surgical and medical wards and has also had the chance to work in palliative care and mental health.

“She has also lectured in nursing and been able to mentor young Indigenous students and is now leading the way in providing health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Port Lincoln.”

4.SA : Community Controlled Health Service works to close the life expectancy gap in Murray Bridge

Imagine two newborn babies lying next to each other, one Aboriginal, one white.

Their whole lifetimes lie ahead of them.

But on average, one can expect to live about 10 years longer than the other.

That is the problem the Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service hopes to solve in the Murraylands and Fleurieu areas of South Australia.

Photo above Clinton thanks Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service for donating $500 dollar’s to our go fund me page and also Murray bridge community for helping to by donating to our walk. Thank you Moorundi and Murray bridge community for helping us by donating to keep us going on our walk

The service held an open day, with a free lunch and health checks, on Wednesday at its Standen Street, Murray Bridge premises as part of wider Reconciliation Week celebrations.

But closing the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians would take a much wider effort, said Aboriginal health Director, Damian Rigney.

He hoped Moorundi staff could scan every person in the Murraylands’ Aboriginal community for the common conditions which tended to affect them more than the general population: diabetes, heart problems and chronic obstructive diseases of the lungs and airways.

‘A lot of what we’ve got to talk about is tobacco cessation, staying active, eating the right foods,’ he said.

‘We hit risk factors at quite a high level in the Aboriginal community.’

‘Regular testing played an important role in preventing chronic disease,’ he said.

‘Better to run a urine analysis and find out about kidney disease at an early stage, before a patient became tied to a dialysis machine for the rest of his or her life.’

But Mr Rigney said the service was still a long way away from connecting with every member of the Aboriginal community.

Many Aboriginal people still centred their health care on their everyday General Practitioner, he said, perhaps not realising that more holistic help was available.

‘Our goal would be that every Aboriginal person in our catchment has an annual health check, and if they have a chronic disease they have a care plan to help with that disease,’ he said.

Source: The Murray Valley Standard

5. WA : AHCWA In battle ” meth use problems rival alcohol abuse

“While there is evidence that alcohol use is still higher than methamphetamine use, from the Aboriginal community perspective, we are certainly seeing methamphetamine use becoming just as significant as alcohol use.”

AHCWA Chairperson Michelle Nelson-Cox

Read more in this story from Page 6 in the North West Telegraph

6. NT : The NT ‘Intervention’ led to some changes in Indigenous health, but the social cost may not have been worth it

The measurable health outcomes of the Northern Territory National Emergency Response (NTNER), better known as The Intervention, have scarcely been documented. Health-related assessments have focused on the process itself, perceptions of those affected and some limited data regarding eventual dental and hearing health.

From the Conversation

The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association released a “health impact assessment” of The Intervention in 2010. But the report did not seek to evaluate health impacts and instead attempted to predict what these might be. At that stage, three years after the start of the NTNER, the message was:

the intervention could potentially lead to profound long-term damage, with any possible benefits to physical health largely outweighed by negative impacts on psychological health, social health and well-being, and cultural integrity.

Direct health care activities were a limited component of the NTNER, accounting for less than one-tenth of its A$1.4 billion budget from 2007-2012. Any enduring health benefits stemming from the policy were always likely to relate to the focus on housing and education – key social determinants of health.

Policies directed at the social determinants, as well as child health checks, certainly played a part in some health-related changes. But the overall implementation of the NT Intervention was so coercive that the negative feelings associated with it would likely outweigh any of the measurable health impacts.

Community-based child health checks

The major defined health care initiative of the NTNER were the community-based child health checks.

These were closely aligned with the government’s initial driver of The Intervention, which was to “protect Aboriginal children in the NT” – in part a response to the earlier “Little Children are Sacred” report. When initially implemented, the health checks were compulsory for all Aboriginal children aged 0–15 years. While these aimed to identify and treat health problems, their purpose was also to investigate for effects and evidence of sexual abuse.

Like much of the NT Intervention, the initially compulsory, intrusive and contentious nature of such assessments of children without carer consent ensured a difficult reception.

The policy also suffered from staffing issues. Although detailed numbers are difficult to ascertain, it was clear many of the 1,080 well-meaning clinicians who responded to the NTNER staffing hot line had little or no experience of Indigenous or remote health.

The child health checks failed to integrate with and support existing primary health care (such as GP clinics). A “fly-in, fly-out” workforce created the perception existing health providers were in some way inadequate, or complicit in the health issues the checks were detecting. Whether this undermined existing staff morale or contributed to already high turnover of remote primary health care staff is difficult to assess.

On the plus side, many Indigenous children had health screening in association with the NT Intervention. More than 10,000 children up to 15 years of age, representing more than 50% of the population, had health checks over the first 18 months. The fact that half did not is perhaps testament to the limited value local communities placed on such screening. Whether such screening would have occurred irrespective of the NTNER remains unclear.

There were other benefits too. Two-thirds of children were referred for follow-up review, including 39% to local primary health care, 35% to a dentist, 14% to audiology, 12% to paediatricians and 9% to ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists.

Reassuringly, by 2012, the majority (94%) of children identified as requiring referral had been seen, including 94% for dental, nearly 100% for audiology and 97% for ENT care. This appeared to have measurable health impacts. Oral health problems decreased by 12%, hearing loss by 10% (and 60% in those with documented hearing loss at initial review) and ear disease by 21%.

Whether this translates to sustained improvement remains to be seen. Without change in the underlying social determinants of health, this is unlikely.

Social determinants

While the NTNER did not include measures for new housing, it occurred in close association with the Strategic Investment Housing and Infrastructure Program, a partnership between the NT and federal governments. The emphasis this program placed on secure tenure of properties made the negotiation and provision of long-term leases to the government a core requirement for housing support.

In close parallel with the health care component of the NTNER, people and organisations had to cede autonomy and ownership to the government to access adequate accommodation.

Unlike many elements of the NTNER, this received some initial cautious support from the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association’s health impact assessment. Nonetheless there remains little evidence this government takeover of Indigenous Australian housing has improved the quality of housing or overcrowding. Indeed, measures of household overcrowding have barely changed over the time of the NTNER.

The NTNER had the initial plan of encouraging education attendance by linking income support and family assistance payments to school attendance for everyone on Aboriginal land and providing meals for children at school at parents’ cost. Unfortunately Indigenous school attendance rates for years one to ten remain stubbornly fixed at 80% nationally and 69% in the NT.

The right thing, the wrong way

While the NTNER may have brought about improvements in the ear and dental health of children, the process was associated with disenfranchisement of Indigenous Australian communities. Broader change in the underlying health determinants relating to education and housing have not been seen. The experience has also created further mistrust in the relationship between Indigenous Australians and governments.

The overall message is that investment and resourcing of initiatives to improve Indigenous Australian health can bring about measurable improvements. These must nonetheless occur in partnership with stakeholders and communities and empower services that already exist and, as in the case of primary health care, are functioning well.

The NTNER has both demonstrated how increased resourcing of health care for Indigenous Australians can lead to positive measurable change while, at the same time, showing how not to do it.

7.VIC : VAHS Indigenous superhero empowering the next generation of ‘smoke-free ambassadors’

Watch NITV SBS TV Coverage HERE

“You smoke, you choke!” That’s the message to the youngest members of our Indigenous community.

And the messenger is a fictional anti-smoking superhero by the name of ‘Deadly Dan’.

Cloaked in possum fur – and using a boomerang, ‘Deadly Dan’ highlights the dangers of smoking, in a new book.

“I can smell cigarette smoke all over Wurundjeri country,” ‘Deadly Dan’ shouts from the pages.

“And if my people call me, I can fly as fast as Bunjil.”

For the three and four-year-olds at Yappera Children’s Services in Melbourne northern suburbs, the message seems to have had an impact.

“Smoking is bad,” little Maya told SBS World News.

Aliyah added” “It makes you sick.”

‘Two fruit, five veg’

A collaboration between the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Quit Victoria, ‘Deadly Dan at the League’ also aims to spread the word about healthy living.

During a visit to Yappera, the children sing along to the super hero’s song:

“Two fruit, five veg, they’re the bomb. They keep our bodies, healthy and strong.”

“Let’s tell our mob, let’s tell them quick – cigarettes, they make you sick!”

The book is set in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, using local landmarks the children are familiar with.

Laura Thompson, the regional coordinator at ‘Tackling Indigenous Smoking’, said the aim was for the children to then initiate a conversation with their families.

“We found that they’re our best smoke-free ambassadors, and that they’re able to go back into their homes and have a Quit conversations with their parents actually, and advocate for smoke-free environments.”

Quit Victoria Director, Dr Sarah White, said young people were the strongest advocates of anti-smoking campaigns.

“A lot of people are surrounded by adults and their role models smoking, around them.”

“If you look at the community, about 60 per cent, or a bit over 60 per cent, are 30 and under. So if we reach the children, we’re actually reaching a big proportion of Indigenous communities in Australia.”

Having an impact

The Aboriginal Health Service has seen an increase in the number of adults visiting its clinic, wanting to quit.

But there’s still a way to go.

While the smoking rate is declining among the Indigenous community, it’s still high, at 39 per cent.

That’s compared to 12.2 per cent, for the overall Australian community.

The ultimate aim of the ‘Deadly Dan’ book is to ensure the smoke-free message has a lasting legacy in these youngest of ambassadors.

“When they go to any environment, it’s a healthy, smoke-free environment, that they can enjoy,” Ms Thompson told SBS.

“And that our next generation of kids, choose not to smoke, and that their elders and parents, before them, are on their quitting journey.”

&amp;amp;lt;img height=”525″ width=”700″ alt=”&amp;amp;amp;amp;#039;Deadly Dan at the League&amp;amp;amp;amp;#039; book reading” title=”‘Deadly Dan at the League’ book being read to young Indigenous children.” class=”media-element file-body-content” src=”http://www.sbs.com.au/news/sites/sbs.com.au.news/files/styles/body_image/public/deadly_dan_reading.jpg?itok=jAlheIWY&amp;amp;amp;amp;mtime=1498196813″ itemprop=”image” /&amp;amp;gt;<span id=”mce_marker” data-mce-type=”bookmark” data-mce-fragment=”1″></span>

NACCHO TOP 10 Aboriginal health #JobAlerts #Kimberleys #Brisbane #Adelaide #Grafton #Casino this week : #Aboriginal Health Workers / #Nurses

This weeks #Jobalerts 28 June

Please note : Before completing a job application check with the ACCHO or stakeholder that job is still available

1.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Tackling Tobacco Care Coordinator

2.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Nurse Supervisor (Registered Nurse / Midwife)

3. Broome Project Coordinator – Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Trial

4-7 Kimberley AMS Four Nurse positions

8. Grafton and Casino Registered Nurse (RN) & Early Childhood Nurse (ECN)

9-10 Brisbane :North Stradbroke Island part of the Yulu-Burri-Ba team?

How to submit a Indigenous Health #jobalert ?

NACCHO Affiliate , Member , Government Department or stakeholder

If you have a job vacancy in Indigenous Health

Email to Colin Cowell NACCHO Media

Tuesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Wednesday

1.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Tackling Tobacco Care Coordinator

Join Us to Further Reduce Smoking in the Aboriginal Community

Become part of a successful team improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Adelaide
Provide culturally smoking cessation support making a positive difference to people’s lives
Competitive remuneration HSL 4 plus salary sacrifice options

About the Organisation

About the Opportunity

Under direction the primary role of the Tackling Tobacco Care Coordinator is to:

Participate in the planning, development, implementation and promotion of services through the establishment of appropriate plans to ensure services are delivered in a culturally safe manner
Utilise tailored approaches to provide expert advice and support to individuals and groups that promotes the harms of smoking, tobacco cessation techniques and Nicotine replacement therapies.
Initiate relationships with other service providers to support referrals and referral pathways
Coordinate and ensure scheduled follow up is provided to referrals received into the program
Coordinate, deliver and undertake community education programs and activities
Contribute to policy and procedure development related to tobacco interventions
Provide support to lower level staff within the tobacco program as required, particularly in the delegation and scheduling of client follow ups.
Work collaboratively with other community support and health teams on a daily basis to ensure quality services are delivered to clients

Please include your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following 3 questions:

What skills, strengths and experience would you bring to the role? Please also comment on your knowledge and understanding relating to Tobacco use within the Adelaide Metropolitan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
Please outline your experience in working with Aboriginal clients regarding their smoking behaviour and how you would work with individuals to encourage them to stop smoking?
This position is responsible for ensuring a high number of referrals are made to the Tobacco program. Please outline what strategies you would implement for both internal and external stakeholders to ensure that this is achieved?

For a Copy of the Job Description Click Here

Further information: Contact Andrew Schultz, Team Manager – Population Health (Tobacco) – 8406 1600

Written Application and Current CV to be lodged to Human Resource Administration Officer – Ms Jynaya Smith (jynayam@nunku.org.au) by 5:00pm Friday 14^th July 2017.

2.Nunkuwarrin Yunti Nurse Supervisor (Registered Nurse / Midwife)

Australian Nurse Family Partnership Program

Ongoing, full time position

Attractive remuneration package

Starting Salary $95,693.98 + Super + access to Salary Sacrifice
Significant career and training development opportunities

Key Duties

Coordinate the development and implementation of the ANFPP and model a strength-based, culturally safe and client-centred program to achieve operational outcomes.

Provide leadership to the team for practice governance and day to day operations of the ANFPP program in line with the national ANFPP program guidelines and relevant Nunkuwarrin Yunti Clinical and Practice Governance systems.
Develop and maintain a positive learning environment, taking a reflective approach to service, team and individual performance development inclusive of formal training, clinical supervision and regular team meetings.

Key Requirements

Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Midwife
Demonstrated high level of nursing practice in maternal and/or child and family health within a comprehensive primary health care context
Experience in the provision of mentoring and leadership to a team of health professionals, preferably including clinical supervision and reflective practice
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-workers, clients and communities

Click here to download the Job Description

Click her to download the Application Form

Enquiries about the role can be addressed to Virginia Healy at virginiah@nunku.org.au or on (08) 84061600.

Applications to include completed Application Form, Resume and Covering Letter including a brief overview against the key requirements above.

Note – current driver’s license and National Police Check required prior to employment

ABORIGINAL PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

APPLICATIONS CLOSE DATE – FRIDAY 7th JULY 2017

3. Broome Project Coordinator – Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Trial

Job No: 90286

Location: Broome, WA

Employment Status: Full-time

Closing Date: 10 Jul 2017

Rewarding and varied role with the region’s leading provider of Aboriginal health services!
Attractive remuneration circa $81,682 – $96,948 base, PLUS district allowance AND accommodation allowances!
Do you want to really make a difference in your career? This is a unique opportunity to work with Indigenous communities in the spectacular Kimberley region!

About the Organisation

About Broome

About the Opportunity

Some of these tasks will include (but will not be limited to):

Identifying needs and service gaps, and community strengths and assets, and support for service mapping activities;
Facilitating stakeholder engagement;
Collecting and analysing local and regional data;
Developing detailed planning, schedules and resource requirements for identified projects;
Providing high-level reports, strategic policy, and advice;
Ensuring the Program works within the identified KAMS values and is culturally safe; and
Delivering the position’s work plan within the approved budget and financial delegations.

To be successful you will need:

A qualification in Community Development, Health or related discipline;
Demonstrated skill and experience in managing diverse and high level stakeholders at a regional level;
Demonstrated ability in project management and monitoring and evaluating a regional program using both qualitative and quantitative techniques, including participatory action research methodologies;
Self-motivation and the ability to organise own workload with minimal direction;
Excellent problem-solving skills including a high level of conceptual and analytical ability; and
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of Aboriginal Community Control and demonstrated knowledge of cultural safety principles and practices.

A ‘C’ Class Driver’s License, Federal Police Clearance and willingness to travel often by 4WD vehicle and light aircraft will be required.

To download a full position description, please click here.

Please note: Candidates must address the selection criteria outlined in the position description. Please attach answers in a word document and upload with your application.

About the Benefits

While you will face diverse new challenges in this role, you will also enjoy an attractive remuneration package circa $81,682 – $96,948 + super.

There is also a wide range of additional benefits for the role including:

District allowances – $2,920 single $5,840 double p.a;
Electricity allowance $1,440
Accommodation allowance $13,000;
Annual Airfares to the value of $1,285 pa (after 12 months of employment).

Don’t miss this exciting and rewarding opportunity to have a positive impact on the mental health outcomes of Indigenous communities in the spectacular Kimberley region – Apply Now!

Please note: Candidates must respond to the questions below and attach a current resume to be considered.

4-7 Kimberley AMS Four Nurse positions

4. Registered nurse child health and midwife

http://kamsc-dahs.applynow.net.au/jobs/90282-registered-nurse-child-health-and-midwife

5.Registered nurse town clinic

http://kamsc-dahs.applynow.net.au/jobs/89298-registered-nurse-town-clinic

6.Remote schools registered nurse

http://kamsc-dahs.applynow.net.au/jobs/90281-remote-school-registered-nurse

7.Child health nurse

http://applynow.net.au/jobs/90283-child-health-nurse

About the Organisation

8. Grafton and Casino Registered Nurse (RN) & Early Childhood Nurse (ECN)

Job No: 89222

Location: Grafton, NSW & Casino, NSW

Closing Date: 12 Jul 2017

Take on one of these uniquely rewarding roles and expand your career in Aboriginal Health!
Enjoy above award remuneration plus super & salary sacrificing options!
Enjoy great work/life balance with Monday to Friday, 35 hour week & family oriented work environment!

About Bulgarr Ngaru

Building on their current regional network of health facilities and a significant client base, Bulgarr Ngaru looks forward to the next two decades of service development and innovation.

About the Opportunities

Registered Nurse – General Primary Health Care

Bulgarr Ngaru is looking for full-time Registered Nurses to join their teams in Grafton and Casino.

More specifically, some of your key duties will include:

Working within the treatment room and on outreach clinics taking and recording clinical data;
Performing patient recalls;
Undertaking Health Assessments and Care Plans;
Working alongside the Medical Officers to ensure efficient and effective primary health care to clients of the organisation, outreach clinics and in clients’ homes as required;
Implementing treatment room protocols to ensure optimum infection control, quality primary health care and patient monitoring and immunisations; and
Ensuring compliance with Accreditation procedures regarding cold chain monitoring, drug cabinet and doctor’s bag ordering and monitoring.

Your highly developed interpersonal and liaison skills will ensure your ability to build strong working relationships with service providers, clients and other key stakeholders.

Although not essential, knowledge of / experience with Practice Incentive and Service Incentive Payments (Diabetes and Asthma Cycles of Care) would be well regarded.

Early Childhood Nurse

Bulgarr Ngaru is also looking for a full-time Early Childhood Nurse to join their team in Casino.

You’ll be responsible for providing a coordinated assessment, identifying goals, planning strategies, and implementing and evaluating nursing care of children and families by:

Monitoring the growth, development and health status of the child (0 to 5 years of age) within the context of the family;
Providing pre and post-natal support, advice, health information, first line counselling (where appropriate) and referral of mothers and families to relevant service providers; and
Actively promoting and providing a holistic approach to care.

About the Benefits

In return for your hard work and dedication, you’ll be rewarded with an above award, attractive remuneration plus super, salary sacrificing and access to an employee assistance program.

Bulgarr Ngaru offers a family friendly, supportive workplace with strong community ties, and a 35-hour Monday to Friday week, ensuring you achieve a healthy work/life balance.

This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your cultural knowledge in a stunning location. Make a positive difference – Apply Now!

Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

9-11 Brisbane :North Stradbroke Island part of the Yulu-Burri-Ba team?

Yulu-Burri-Ba, in collaboration with ATSICHS Brisbane will be providing Family Wellbeing Services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community within the North Stradbroke Island and Bayside catchment area.

The aim of this new service is to provide family wellbeing targeted interventions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in our community who are experiencing family wellbeing challenges.

To deliver these new services, Yulu-Burri-Ba has created three new positions:

Click the position title to download the corresponding Position Description

Why work for Yulu-Burri-Ba?

We can offer you:

An opportunity to make a difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families
Ability to salary sacrifice
A positive, supportive and learning work environment
Challenging and rewarding employment

How to apply

Please send us your resume and a covering letter addressing why you would be the best person for the job.

Applications close

Wednesday, 5 July 2017 – 9AM

Need more information?

Email us at mailto:HR@ybb.com.auor call the Human Resource Team on (07) 3409 9596

*This position is identified to be filled by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

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