1.National : Our CEO Pat Turner joined an amazing line up of experience in all endorsing community controlled #PHC for all Australians at our discussions at PHMOZ
2.1 NSW : Katungul ACCHO Batemans Bay making Deadly Choices by opening gym for clients
2.2 NSW : Yerin ACCHO on central coast is leading the way in Aboriginal health promotion by holding an ACCHO Commmunity Health Expo
2.3 NSW : The Awabakal Ltd Quit Crew visited Nikinpa Aboriginal Child & Family Centre last week to do a presentation about TIS (Tackling Indigenous Smoking).
3.1 NT : Congress Alice springs : Skills boost “the best medicine” for Aboriginal health as ten Aboriginal Health Practitioner Trainees graduate
3.2 NT : Danila Dilba ACCHO Darwin Deadly Choices team visits the Garaworra Supported housing program
4. VIC : VACCHO staff get a run down on the 2018 Victorian election campaign
5.1 SA : The Deadly Choices team are out on the APY lands supporting one of our partners the PAFC Power Aboriginal Program
5.2 SA : Nunkuwarrin Yunti ACCHO Newsletter January-July edition 2018.
6. QLD : Apunipima ACCHO : Aurukun was a hive of healthy activity last weekend with the annual River to Ramp Fun Run and Walk.
7 WA : Derbarl Yerrigan Health Matters – Men’s Health Marmun Pit stop flyer.
Wednesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Thursday /Friday
1.National : Our CEO Pat Turner joined an amazing line up of experience in all endorsing community controlled #PHC for all Australians at our discussions at PHMOZ : With Donna Ah Chee CEO and Doctor John Boffa Congress Alice Springs and Doctor Tim Senior
2.1 NSW : Katungul ACCHO Batemans Bay making Deadly Choices by opening gym for clients
The Batemans Bay Katungul Gym has now been officially opened.
Big thanks to Preston Campbell for attending and speaking on behalf of IUIH & Deadly Choices.
Preston talked to the community about his story & why spaces like these are so important for our Physical & Mental health
What a great turn out to the Katungul Batemans Bay Gym opening.
Always important to have the community support. Once you complete a 715 Health Check and receive your Deadly Choices shirt you’ll have access to the gym. #DeadlyChoices
2.2 NSW : Yerin ACCHO on central coast is leading the way in Aboriginal health promotion by holding an ACCHO Commmunity Health Expo
This event offers the Central Coast Aboriginal community an opportunity to actively engage with their health and wellbeing and learn more about the culturally appropriate health care services that are available to them.
2.3 NSW : The Awabakal Ltd Quit Crew visited Nikinpa Aboriginal Child & Family Centre last week to do a presentation about TIS (Tackling Indigenous Smoking).
The presentation included a Smokerlyzer demonstration to show the CO (carbon monoxide) reading in the bloodstream.
Thank you to everyone who attended the presentation!
If your organisation is interested in educating your workforce about the damages of smoking, give the Quit Crew a call on (02) 4918 6400.
We can provide the tools to support smokers to cut back or quit smoking.
3 NT : Congress Alice springs : Skills boost “the best medicine” for Aboriginal health as ten Aboriginal Health Practitioner Trainees graduate
A record number of Aboriginal Health Practitioners [AHPs] will today graduate from the Congress AHP Traineeship program; a partnership with Batchelor College.” Congress’ General Manager – Health Services, Tracey Brand said today.
“Ten Aboriginal Health Practitioners from our AHP Traineeship program – including three from our bush clinics – will graduate with their Certificate IV Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) and two senior AHPs will graduate with a Diploma in Aboriginal Primary Health Care.
“Aboriginal Health Practitioners are a strategic priority for our workforce. AHPs are critical to the work of Congress in delivering culturally safe and responsive comprehensive primary health care to our people” said Ms Brand.
Aboriginal Health Practitioners are recognised nationally as a fundamental component of Aboriginal comprehensive primary health care. As well as providing primary health care, AHPs provide cultural security and safety, disease prevention and health promotion, and local community knowledge.
They work within multidisciplinary health care teams to achieve better health outcomes for Aboriginal people and play a key role in facilitating relationships between other health professionals to provide care that meets the client’s physical, social, emotional and cultural needs.
Tallira Anderson is one of the ten graduates. “As a young mum, I was inspired to become an Aboriginal Health Practitioner to be a role model for my daughter.”
“Growing up seeing too many of my family with preventable chronic illnesses, I want to make a difference. I am now a graduate AHP and proud to be working in the new Congress Northside clinic.” said Ms Anderson.
“Following a challenging period in recruiting AHPs in 2016, Congress embarked on a mission to develop our own and launched the Congress AHP traineeship program. The graduations this week are evidence of the program’s success.” continued Ms Brand.
“AHP graduates are to be congratulated on their achievement in attaining their qualification.
“Congress now employs 21 AHPs across our town and remote clinics and will continue to invest in the AHP workforce by employing a minimum of three AHP trainees each year.”
3.2 NT : Danila Dilba ACCHO Darwin Deadly Choices team visits the Garaworra Supported housing program
Tracey from our Deadly Choices team visits the Garaworra Supported housing program run by Anglicare NT every fortnight on Mondays and helps prepare some Good Quick Tukka.
Yesterday Corn, Zucchini & Carrot fritters were on the menu.
Thanks to Alberto Dhamarrandji and his little sister Anneka Dhamarrandji, Jackson Mills and Serena Morgan pictured here for helping out #deadlychoices#AnglicareNT
4. VIC : VACCHO staff get a run down on the 2018 Victorian election campaign
Victoria has been a leader for Aboriginal Affairs across Australia. The state has embraced the concept of selfdetermination for Aboriginal people, recognising it is the only policy to produce real and sustainable outcomes for Community.
Since 2006 there have been a number of strategies and frameworks that have been co-designed with Aboriginal leaders and their communities. They prioritise areas including education, health, human services, economic participation, child protection and leadership.
These community-led reforms across Victoria are improving Aboriginal People’s lives. We are seeing healthier babies and mums, more young people completing year 12, and a large increase in immunisation rates for Aboriginal children across the state.
Our communities have the solutions, and we will continue to ensure our voice is heard in achieving better health outcomes for all Victorians. It is vital that the partnerships between Community and government continues. Keep walking with us.
We ask for:
• Multi-partisan commitment to continue legitimate engagement with Aboriginal communities, and reforms
based upon self-determination.
• To honour existing plans, fund their implementation and ensure future policies are based on the principles
of self-determination.
• Continued support of Aboriginal involvement in strategic decision-making at all levels of government.
5.1 SA : The Deadly Choices team are out on the APY lands supporting one of our partners the PAFC Power Aboriginal Program
WillPower Program community visits 2 Amata Ernabella Mimili Indulkana
Massive thx to all students & teachers 4 hosting us, it’s been an amazing few days with more to come
5.2 SA : Nunkuwarrin Yunti ACCHO Newsletter January-July edition 2018.
6. QLD : Apunipima ACCHO : Aurukun was a hive of healthy activity last weekend with the annual River to Ramp Fun Run and Walk.
Almost 100 entrants ran, jogged or walked the seven kilometre course from Obon to the finish line at the picturesque Aurukun Landing.
Deputy Mayor Edgar Kerindun oversaw the race formalities and was on hand to congratulate the participants and winners at the finish line. The overall winner was Gabriel waterman, who set an impressive pace given the hot conditions.
The overall winner was Gabriel waterman, who set an impressive pace given the hot conditions.
The biggest smile of the day went to eight year old Althea Koomeeta, who won a push bike for winning her age group.
The success of events like this are the result of a large group of coommitted stakeholders working together. The River to Ramp Fun Run and Walk was supported by the following organisations: Skytrans, Rio Tinto, Glencore, ALPA, Island and Cape Stores, Kang Kang Café, Ercson, Preston Law, Apunipima, Cape York Employment, Koolkan School, PCYC Indigenous Programs, G&R Wills, Kondo Korp, Pikkuws Restaurant and Builders North.
7 WA : Derbarl Yerrigan Health Matters – Men’s Health Marmun Pit stop flyer.
With; Stan Masters – Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Derbarl Yerrigan Below is the Derbarl Yerrigans Marmun Pit stop flyer. They help men promote better health For more information about Marmun Pit Stop go to http://www.dyhs.org.au or 9421 3888
1.1 NSW: Galambila ACCHO Coffs Harbour leads the way incorporating cultural healing artwork into new building and staff uniforms
1.2. NSW : Indigenous Doctor to specialise in women’s health and high-risk pregnancy care. after graduating this month
2.1 NT : Danila Dilba ACCHO Darwin hosts Wurrumiyanga community on Bathurst Island with information about improving health and career pathways in health.
2.2 NT : Katherine West Health Board Timber Creek’s Women’s Health Day 2018.
3.QLD :Institute for Urban Indigenous Health :Because of Her I must : Adrian Carson and Aunty Pamela Mam
4. SA : Colourful health bus provides medical services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in remote areas
5. VIC : Officially launch in Mildura partnership with MDAS & Deadly Choices hosting a community day for the mob.
6. 1 ACT : Winnunga has commenced a new program for first time mothers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies.
6.2 ACT : Winnunga Save a date : celebrating 30 Years of excellence ACCHO health
Wednesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Thursday /Friday
1.1 NSW: Galambila ACCHO Coffs Harbour leads the way incorporating cultural healing artwork into new building and staff uniforms
” On behalf of the Board and management, NACCHO congratulates the Galambila Aboriginal Health Service in Coffs Harbour on the opening of its new reception and patient waiting area. It is good that staff and community members alike will benefit from this new facility.
It is also great to have the Commonwealth Government’s financial support for this initiative. It is pleasing to see the Galambila Aboriginal Health Service improving its facilities for the benefit of our community, and I congratulate you on your continued efforts to improving Aboriginal health outcomes in the region.”
This week the Chair of the Galambila ACCHO Rueben Robinson officially opened the new building and reception at a smoking ceremony on Gumbaynggirr country
Local artist, Brentyn Lugnan, who designed the artwork for the building and is also embedded on the staff shirts.
Brentyn attended the opening and explained the story his art that follows the journey from the foundations of the family / community thru to the travels of kangaroos , middens connecting to country and the role of bush medicine for Gumbaynggirr people
1.2. NSW : Indigenous Doctor to specialise in women’s health and high-risk pregnancy care. after graduating this month
“I had the opportunity to undertake placement at the Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Medical centre in Wyong, attend rural obstetrics clinics in Moree – the birthplace of my Nan, and complete an elective subject at the Menzies School of Health Research in Brisbane, which explored barriers to early diagnosis and poor outcomes in gynaecological cancers in Indigenous women,”
Following in the footsteps of her Aunty, Professor Gail Garvey, Nicole Whitson is proud to be the third person to graduate from her large Indigenous family of almost 40 immediate relatives.
Commencing her studies at the University as an Open Foundation student, Nicole persevered with her studies and has become a doctor, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine with Distinction.
Nicole said she was particularly interested in medical care for Indigenous people and enjoyed the opportunity to tailor her study to reflect her interests.
It was through this practical experience that Nicole realised her desire to specialise in high-risk pregnancy care.
Reflecting on her experience at the University of Newcastle, Nicole said she was “glad to study in a supportive environment.
“As an Indigenous medical student from a large family with little exposure to the tertiary education system, I expected to encounter challenges but I had a lot of support from the University, its Wollotuka Institute, and my husband Elliot.”
Nicole said she was grateful for her time at university, not only to realise her dream of becoming a doctor, but to have built a network of life-long friends.
“One of the highlights was definitely the close-knit community, I met some of my best friends during my studies at university,” Nicole said.
The University of Newcastle has graduated approximately one-third of Australia’s Indigenous doctors and today celebrates a proud milestone, graduating its largest ever cohort of Indigenous students from the Joint medical Program, with ten students crossing the graduation stage today.
2.1 NT : Danila Dilba ACCHO Darwin hosts Wurrumiyanga community on Bathurst Island with information about improving health and career pathways in health.
This week visiting students from Xavier Catholic College in the Wurrumiyanga community on Bathurst Island came to visit Danila Dilba.
The students got an overview of our organisation, including information about improving health and career pathways in Danila Dilba.
Great to see the enthusiasm of these students and their interest in health.
2.2 NT : Katherine West Health Board Timber Creek’s Women’s Health Day 2018.
A successful day where the ladies from Timber Creek region and Bulla community came together to yarn about women’s health.
A shout out to SARC Katherine for coming long. Thank you Victoria Daly Regional Councill for your spport.
3.QLD :Institute for Urban Indigenous Health :Because of Her I must : Adrian Carson and Aunty Pamela Mam
Adrian Carson has worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health for more than 25 years and has been the CEO of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health since 2011.
Adrian nominated Aunty Pamela Mam’s story to lead the Because of Her campaign, a celebration of women who have made our communities what they are today.
Aunty Pamela Mam (Aunty Pam) was one of the first Aboriginal nurses in Queensland. She was the first Nurse Manager of the Aboriginal and Islanders Community Health Service Brisbane (now ATSICHS Brisbane) and the first Manager of the Jimbelunga Nursing Centre – where she worked for 15 years.
Raised on Palm Island, Aunty Pam started working as a Nurse Aide at Palm Island Hospital, later receiving permission to train as a nurse at Townsville Hospital.
She went on to study midwifery at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Brisbane and in conjunction with her late husband, Uncle Steve Mam, was hugely active in advocating for and establishing many services that exist today.
Adrian says that he chose to nominate Aunty Pam because of the sacrifices she has made to lead our community to where we are today. He says, “She has supported IUIH since we were established in 2009 and has always been here for us when we needed her.
“Aunty Pam is a great leader in the community and we are so lucky to have her as our patron. Her hard work and tireless efforts to make sure we are accessing the health care we need in the way that we need it has made a huge impact on the health of our people.
“Through her amazing work in the community, she connects all of us to our humble beginnings.”
He mentions that Aunty Pam has impacted his life greatly by providing support within the work that IUIH does. He says, “She has always been a great support for me, she always gives a good counsel, and she’s there when I need her.”
“She lives by three words, commitment, compassion and dedication. These are the qualities that IUIH as an organisation reflects on when working with and for our people.”
Aunty Pam continues to serve as the patron for IUIH, and supports many other community projects that focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in South East Queensland.
To recognise Aunty Pam’s contribution the Because of Her project was launched at Aunty Pam’s 80th birthday celebration held at Jimbelunga Nursing Centre in March this year.
Remote communities often grapple with challenges of distance from health care and support, but an outreach service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South Australia’s Riverland is hoping to change this, with the help of a bus.
Bright and colourful, the Pi:Lu Bus is designed to be a safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to receive help and health advice.
The bus is highly regarded and well recognised by Riverland locals, with a role of providing specific health prevention messages and free testing.
The mobile service is one of only a few in Australia.
“The bus is available to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who may not be able to get into our service for reasons that they could not have transport available or their funds may be really low,” Riverland Aboriginal Health Service coordinator Corinne Thompson said.
“I think the bus is helping to build relationships between our local Aboriginal people and some of our mainstream services as well.
“Any needs that the community have around their health, we’re there to support them.”
Community shines spotlight on its health
The Pi:Lu Bus was returned to the community last year at NAIDOC Week celebrations following extensive consultation around local health services.
Previously known as the Peelies Bus — the Aboriginal word for eyes — the bus travelled the region conducting health examinations, with a particular focus on eyes.
It was decomissioned for five years due to mechanical troubles, but a push from the community saw its re-commissioning and name change to the Pi:Lu Bus — Aboriginal for all-seeing eyes.
“Aboriginal people, Torres Straight Islander people have vastly different health needs to mainstream Australia,” Ms Thompson said.
“I guess we need to be working more to get those prevention messages out there.”
5. VIC : Officially launch in Mildura partnership with MDAS & Deadly Choices hosting a community day for the mob.
6. 1 ACT : Winnunga has commenced a new program for first time mothers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies.
Health, justice and land rights Legend Sol Bellear AM will lead his last march at a State Funeral to be held in Redfern on Saturday.
Sol’s family, friends and supporters are invited to gather at Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service on Redfern Street from 10am for a last march to the State Funeral service at Redfern Oval starting at 11am.
WHEN: Saturday 9 December 2017
WHERE:
March from 10am outside Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern Street
Service from 11am at Redfern Oval
For any enquiries please email media@alc.org.au or call 02 9689 4444.
3.1 VIC : Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association wins Victorian Health Award
Last night @quitvic and the Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association took home a @VicHealth award for implementing a shared-care model between Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the Aboriginal Quitline!
Congratulations to Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association & Quit Victoria for taking home the award for Preventing Tobacco Use Pictured here with Health Minister Jill Hennesy
3.2 VIC : Expanding Brabuwoolong Medical Centre East Gippsland Services for a Healthier Future
A $5.14 million Turnbull Government investment in Bairnsdale’s new Brabuwoolong Medical Centre has secured a major step forward for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in East Gippsland.
Welcoming the Centre’s official opening today, Minister for Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt AM, said local services and solutions for local issues were fundamental to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.
“This comprehensive facility provides a one-stop shop for better health,” MinistPDF printable version of Expanding East Gippsland Services for a Healthier Futurer Wyatt said.
“This is about grassroots community support to ensure local indigenous men, women and children have the care they need, close to where they live, work and go to school.
“Experience shows that culturally comfortable and trusted health services empower people to take control of their own wellbeing and achieve their full potential.”
Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said it was a proud day for Koori people across the region.
“This is a welcoming place that will help health professionals work together with local families for better health,” Minister Chester said.
“With five GP consulting rooms, triage, procedure and meeting rooms and a major dental centre, Brabuwoolong has been designed with the future in mind.
“Koori maternity services are also a priority, along with outreach and chronic disease services. The current staff of 28, plus visiting specialists, are providing a whole new level of local health care.”
The new Brabuwoolong centre is operated by the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-op Ltd (GEGAC) and is named after one of the five East Gippsland Koori clans. The overall cost of the centre was $5.26 million, including $120,000 raised by GEGAC.
The capital works program for the new facilities was provided in addition to Turnbull Government funding to GEGAC of more than $1.9 million this financial year, for health and aged care services.
“Working together with local communities in East Gippsland – and right across Australia – is the best way to help ensure we get the results we all want see to close the gap in indigenous health,” Minister Wyatt said.
4.1 SA : Nganampa Health Council Port Adelaide Football Club stars Chad Wingard and Paddy Ryder visit the APY Lands
“What you see is what you get. You see the people with smiling faces and understand there are two different worlds.” Earlier in October, Port Adelaide Football Club stars Chad Wingard and Paddy Ryder visited the APY Lands conducting healthy lifestyle workshops for school children. NHC is proud to be involved in this program, giving children on the APY Lands such a unique opportunity! #NHCPeople
4.2 SA : AHCSA and Umoona Tjutagku Health Service in Coober Pedy to deliver a Meningococcal Vaccination Program
AHCSA is teaming up with Umoona Tjutagku Health Service in Coober Pedy to deliver a Meningococcal Vaccination Program next week on the 12th, 13th & 14th December. Do you live in Coober Pedy or have family there?
5.WA : The 2018 WA Australian of the Year, Aboriginal psychologist Tracy Westerman.
Working with communities that have high rates of suicide, Tracy Westerman knows hopelessness and marginalisation can be deadly.
The Aboriginal psychologist, who delivers suicide prevention programs in remote areas, was this week crowned WA’s Australian of the Year.
She wants Aboriginal teenagers struggling to find hope for the future to know such an honour is not out of reach.
Having grown up in the inland Pilbara town of Tom Price, Dr Westerman did her high school exams via long-distance education.
When she was 15, she read a book about psychology and decided it was her calling.
She won a place at the University of WA and moved to Perth, where she suffered the “biggest culture shock ever” and struggled to catch a bus, cross Stirling Highway and reconcile mainstream psychology with Aboriginal culture.
“As a Pilbara woman, and as someone who had no expectations around me of being successful other than from my family, I find there’s this thing called the tyranny of low expectation,” Dr Westerman said.
“I want an Aboriginal kid to pick up the newspaper and go ‘far out, she did it’.
“Don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do something. Never let go of your dreams.”
Dr Westerman, a Njamal woman, founded Indigenous Psychological Services in 1998 to address the high rates of mental illness among Aboriginal people.
She loves going to work with her people every day, but laments the extent of racism and marginalisation they face and how it contributes to so much stress and mental ill-health.
She wants policymakers to talk more about the Aboriginal communities that don’t have suicides and learn from them.
“To me, that’s the story,” Dr Westerman said. “What is it about those communities that protects them from what troubles other communities that are caught in crisis or a chronic status of suicide and distress?”
Dr Westerman said many Australians had very little experience with Aboriginal people and did not realise they had an unconscious bias, so she gently tried to “make the unconscious conscious” and help them look at their reaction to Aboriginal people in an objective way.
“It’s very common that people go, ‘Oh my God, I just had no idea’.”
6.Tas: Aboriginal warrior and diplomat Mannalargenna still showing the way forward, elder says
One of Tasmania’s most revered Indigenous leaders, who died exiled from his homeland, is being held up as an example of reconciliation 182 years after his death. From the ABC
Mannalargenna died on December 4, 1835, at Wybalenna on Flinders Island, after being exiled from his homeland of Tebrikunna, now known as Cape Portland, on the state’s north-east coast.
The Aboriginal community has marked the anniversary of his the death with a gathering at Little Musselroe Bay.
Highly regarded by his people, the Pairrebeenne clan, Mannalargenna initially led guerrilla-style attacks against British settlers before shifting to the role of negotiator.
Along with other diplomats, he played a key role in convincing his people to agree to leave their country for Swan Island in 1830, with the promise that one day they would return.
As elder Aunty Patsy Cameron remembered, it was a promise that was never fulfilled for her ancestor
“At that time when you think about our history there are only about 400 Aboriginal people still free in the bush,” she said
“I think he was such a wise man and he could see that the only way forward was to go to the islands for a short while thinking he was going to be able to come back.
“Mannalargenna is the example of reconciliation and the way that we all move forward together.”
Hundreds of people braved wet weather to attend the third annual commemoration to share in a day of cultural food, activities and music.
They travelled from all corners of the state including Hobart and Stanley, while others made the trip from interstate.
Mandy Quadrio came from Queensland for the occasion and said there was “a strong spiritual connection” in being on the land of her ancestors.
“In contemporary times it gives us a sense of belonging,” she said.
The meaning of the day was not lost on the younger generation either.
Emily Wood was one of five girls from Flinders Island who performed a cultural dance which told the story of the muttonbird, a traditional source of food which is still harvested by the community.
“To all come together it’s nice. It means a lot because you can relate to other people and you meet new people,” she said.
Friend Lillie Scown agreed.
“It’s fun just coming here and seeing everybody dress up and just having fun,” she said.
“It’s a day to remember and celebrate.”
7.ACT : Winnunga News : Download November 2017 Edition
8. QLD : Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd Senior Indigenous Games Australian Championship 2017
9 . NT : Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation NDIS Mental Health Team in Sydney presenting
Our NDIS Mental Health Team led an incredible presentation in Sydney recently.
The information delivered and the quality of our presenters shone through amongst the audience, prompting rave reviews from the Community Mental Health Australia hosts and national attendees.
The NDIA Directors were extremely keen on discussing and supporting our NDIS Mental Health Model and processes and we look forward to these relationships developing further in the future.
Congratulations to the NDIS Manager Tim Keane & Acting Mental Health Manager Johnny Wurarr Dhurrkay!
Wednesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Thursday
1.1 NACCHO CEO attends AMA’s Indigenous Health Taskforce
NACCHO CEO Pat Turner and Minister for Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt, attended the AMA’s Indigenous Health Taskforce meeting last weekend to discuss the Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health priorities and actions.
The Taskforce identifies, develops, and recommends Indigenous health policy and strategies for the AMA, and includes Federal Councillors, AMA members, and Indigenous health organisations.
Issues discussed included the growing incidence of type 2 diabetes among young Indigenous people, renal disease, preventable hospital admissions and deaths, mortality rates, and the use of the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
The Taskforce also discussed racism within the health system in Australia, and recognised the need for more programs and strategies to eradicate racism from the entire health workforce
1.2 National : 2017 NACCHO Members’ Conference and AGM Registrations : Only 45 days to go
Last Monday 18 September there was only 45 days to go and we are nearly booked out
This is an opportunity to show case grass roots best practice at the Aboriginal Community Controlled service delivery level.
In doing so honouring the theme of this year’s NACCHO Members’ Conference ‘Our Health Counts: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.
2 .1 NSW: Awabakal ACCHO Leading Indigenous doctors visit to inspire the students to pursue their dreams
A group of leading Indigenous doctors visited Maitland High School on Tuesday to inspire the students to pursue their dreams.
Eight doctors from the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association told the students their experiences and ran medical workshops, including plastering and handwashing with the use of a UV light to detect germs.
The program was part of AIDA’s visit to the Hunter, which included a stop in at Awabakal in Newcastle.
Maitland High was chosen due to its high Aboriginal population (12 per cent).
AIDA president Kali Hayward said they wanted to show the students the opportunities available and leave a lasting impression. “You can’t underestimate the value of a role model,” she said
2. 2 NSW Awabakal is Tackling Indigenous Smoking
Awabakal is facing the issue of increased smoking rates in the community head on with the launch of their I’m Quitting campaign which took place in September at Awabakal Medical Service.
The campaign is part of the national Tackling Indigenous Smoking program and aims to reduce smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with Awabakal highlighting the problem on a local level.
The launch event saw 25 ‘quit kits’ issued to existing smokers who are looking to cut down or completely quit the habit. The kits include a branded shirt to raise awareness, a 30 day progress chart with health information on the first month of quitting, pledge magnets to remind people why they were quitting, Nicotine Replacement Therapy voucher and more.
When discussing the campaign, Chief Executive Officer Raylene Gordon said that smoking rates within the Aboriginal community were continuing to increase and Awabakal was committed to supporting the community in their efforts to quit.
“The I’m Quitting campaign has been introduced to help support members of our community who are wanting to reduce or completely stop smoking all together and it is a program of which I am incredibly proud,” said Raylene.
“Smoking is a real issue for the Aboriginal community it is the most preventable cause of early death, with smoking accounting for one in every five deaths.
“This is an unacceptable figure. The I’m Quitting campaign is designed to assist community members on their quitting journey by providing useful information and quit tips, along with supporting them through our Medical Service to ensure they stay on track,” said Raylene.
Awabakal Project Officer and I’m Quitting participant, Ray Kelly, said he has decided to quit smoking for not only his own health but also for his daughters.
“I have been smoking for about 15 years and I can feel the damage it has caused. I’m mainly quitting for my three daughters, I need to be there for them as they grow and I need to be a healthy role model,” said Ray.
“My goal is to quit completely and while I have attempted to do so in the past, I’m really focussed on making this time stick.
“Even in the last week or so since cutting back I have noticed a difference, I feel healthier while I train and my tastebuds have changed,” concluded Ray.
Awabakal are encouraging anyone that is thinking of quitting smoking to contact Awabakal Medical Service on 02 4907 8555.
3. VIC : VACCHO supports a YES vote for Equality
VACCHO supports the right of every Australian to get married regardless of their gender or sexuality.
We oppose this non-binding postal survey that asks ‘anyone’ to determine the human rights of our LGBTI families and friends, however believe the most powerful act to effect positive change, is to vote yes.
VACCHO will be unequivocally supporting the Equality Campaign, and encouraging our Member organisations to vote yes, as well as ours and the wider community to do the same.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who identify as LGBTI often experience multiple levels of marginalisation and discrimination. VACCHO is significantly concerned about the implications this campaign will have on the social and emotional wellbeing of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander LGBTI community, their families and mainstream brothers and sisters. Already we have witnessed deplorable content generated from the No Campaign.
We know LGBTI people suffer uniquely high rates of suicidality, same-sex attracted people are up to 14 times more likely to attempt suicide. This statistic will be compounded in our LGBTI community, especially for our young brotherboys and sistergirls.
It saddens us that in 2017 the Federal Government can stand silent and allow this level of vilification and discrimination to occur.
Discriminatory legislation is an impediment to the LGBTI Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community achieving the highest attainable standard of health, instead this process is widening the health inequalities of First Australians.
We hope that the Parliament will respect the outcome of the Equality campaign, work swiftly to deliver marriage equality, and heal the harm.
4. WA: AHCWA : Football benefits Indigenous communities long after the siren
” Football has the ability to build a strong heart and mind, and it is making our kids more disciplined and coordinated with their body skills as well as their mentality.
Indigenous sporting personalities needed to be particularly mindful that they were role models for their communities.
They have kids that look up to them and their competitiveness in the sporting industry, and [players need to recognise their] connection to culture and must not forget that they come from a grass roots level “
Michelle Nelson-Cox is speaking about the positive impact footy has on Indigenous communities in Western Australia
Ms Nelson-Cox, a Whadjuk Noongar woman, is the chairperson of the Aboriginal Health Council of WA.
“[Football] is very important to have around, not only for aspiring young kids who fantasise about being an elite sportsperson, but also because of our elite sportspeople who are creating a positive profile [in the community],” she said
A recent report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre – After the Siren: The community benefits of Indigenous participation in Australian Rules Football – has highlighted the physical health, mental well being and community connectedness benefits that flow from playing football.
AFL is the second-most popular team sport among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, with almost 45,000 Indigenous players, and in WA, one in four Indigenous men play the sport.
Indigenous boys living in remote areas and playing football had 20 percent lower rates of truancy from school than those that did not play, according to the report.
In the past year adult Indigenous players reported higher life satisfaction than those who did not participate, and they were twice as likely to rate their health as excellent.
Fifty-six percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who played football were assessed as being in excellent health, compared to 48 percent of children that had not engaged with the sport
Report co-author and Senior Research Fellow, Dr Sean Gorman from Curtin University’s School of Media, Culture and Creative Arts, said the report also found that AFL is an inclusive sport that offers wide accessibility irrespective of socio-economic background.
“Whether it is urban or regional areas, the role of football plays is massive, not just in terms of getting communities engaged, it is massive in terms of the way it presents a positive aspect to people’s lives that are, if we look at social and economic indicators, not great,” he said.
“Football is a really important social mechanism for Aboriginal people to engage their agency, but also to participate in something that all Australians love.”
Dr Gorman also highlighted the important role elite-level Indigenous players held in the community.
“They are seen as significant contributors to the way Aboriginal people feel great pride and great resonance that enables them to see something other than the horrible statistics that we see time and time again,” he said.
“The role they play is completely vital to the way Aboriginal people can feel proud and safe and valued, whether that is in urban, regional or remote Australia.”
Ms Nelson-Cox said Indigenous sporting personalities needed to be particularly mindful that they were role models for their communities.
“They have kids that look up to them and their competitiveness in the sporting industry, and [players need to recognise their] connection to culture and must not forget that they come from a grass roots level,” she said.
Dr Gorman said that for many professional Indigenous players, there was a deeper narrative associated with their participation in AFL.
“When you talk to Aboriginals about why they play they say ‘I am not playing for myself, I am representing my family and my community’,” he said.
“It becomes a deeper narrative, a stronger narrative, which as a broader community we need to appreciate and understand.
“This is where the report becomes so salient because it is how we connect all these disparate narratives up, and we can start to appreciate on a greater level the contribution these men and women have made over time.”
One such role model is the Fremantle Dockers’ woman’s team Vice Captain and Noongar woman Kirby Bentley, who spoke at the launch of the After the Siren report on Thursday.
“I am still one of the most elite Indigenous female footballers in the country and for me that is not so much about saying how good I think I am. It’s more about what I can do with the position I am in,” she said.
The number of women’s football teams has doubled since AFL Women’s League was introduced this year, according to the report.
AFL is also making its mark on remote communities in the far-north of WA.
“It is an integral part of the Western Desert communities,” Michael McMonigal said.
McMonigal is the program manager of Ngurra Kujungka [Inc], an non-for-profit organisation leading the development of the Western Desert’s first community driven, regional sport and recreation program.
“It has a very positive influence on the community, in terms of their overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing,” he said.
“We are hoping to develop programs and pathways for these young footballers to follow in the future.”
In 2003, Newcrest Mining Ltd began sponsoring the annual Western Desert League, a football competition created to benefit and engage the Martu people, the traditional owners of a large part of central WA.
5. QLD : Deadly Choices 2017 STATE QUEENSLAND MURRI CARNIVAL IN REDCLIFFE has kicked off
Arthur Beetson Foundation has announced that 2017 Deadly Choices Arthur Beetson Foundation Murri Rugby League Carnival will take place at Dolphin Oval Redcliffe from 20th to 23rd September.
The Carnival involves teams from across Queensland and is a real show piece of Indigenous Rugby League Talent.
Three Competitions take place over four days include Under 15’s Boys, Open Women’s and Open Men’s. Some exciting additional events and activities will be announced very soon.
The Carnival is much more than Rugby League as it also has a major focus on Health and Education. All players have to complete a “Health Check” as a requirement to participate and all Under 15’s Boy participants must have attended school 90% of time
.
Peter Betros Chairman of QRL stated the “ this Carnival highlights the great reach the game of Rugby League has across Queensland and the Arthur Beetson Foundation should be congratulated in providing this opportunity for so many to get involved”
Brad Beetson, son of the late Arthur Beetson and Board Member of the Arthur Beetson Foundation stated “ Dad through his life had a passion on improving the lives of young indigenous it’s great that the foundation can continue this by using his other great passion of Rugby League the vehicle to do so”.
Murri Rugby League is an annual four day rugby league carnival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queensland rugby league teams. Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has awarded the Arthur Beetson Foundation with the tender for the next three years. The Foundation has employed MRL (Qld Pty Ltd) to event manage the Murri Rugby League carnival.
Giving Back
A significant portion of Arthur Beetson Foundation generated revenue will be invested back into Indigenous Rugby League programs and structures endorsed by the QRL to establish sports focused sustainable community activities.
Murri Rugby League aims to:
Raise the representation of Indigenous players from the current 11% in the National Rugby League to 15%, an overall 4% growth in participation over a 3-5 year time frame.
Provide structure in a drug and alcohol free environment for players to have the opportunity to develop a direction into representation at a national level.
Work with the network of Indigenous communities in Queensland to promote and develop the carnival as a state event.
Develop a sponsorship alliance which will support the participation of all Communities and contribute to the staging of the carnival as an annual event.
About The Murri Rugby League Carnival
The Murri Carnival is a very important date on the Indigenous calendar and is much more than a rugby league event. The Carnival has certain basic rules. An adult person cannot play in the Carnival unless they:
. undergo a health check; and
. enrol to vote or, if enrolled, make sure that their enrolment details are current.
An under 15 player cannot play in the Carnival unless they;
. undergo a health check; and
. have a 90% school attendance record.
Each year a number of people are identified as possible suffers of diabetes a disease that shortens the life span of too many Indigenous Australians.
In 2014 the under 15 side travelled to New Zealand and a Men’s team travelled to Fiji to play and take part in a cultural exchange. The QRL Indigenous under 15 team also played the curtain raiser to the NRL Indigenous All Star Game at Suncorp Stadium last February 2015 against a New South Wales Koori team
6. NT : $6 Million Health Centre for Umbakumba,Groote Eylandt
The community of Umbakumba on the Territory’s Groote Eylandt is celebrating the opening of a new $6 million health centre.
The Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo said the jointly funded facility was sorely needed in the remote island community, 600 kilometres southeast of Darwin.
The community is located approximately 50 km east of Angurugu situated inside Little Lagoon, Point Langton on the northeast coast of Groote Eylandt. Umbakumba is approximately 50 km east of Angurugu on Groote Eylandt, which is 650 km east of Darwin and 50 km off the Arnhem Land coast in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Apart from the fortnightly freight barge service from Darwin, Umbakumba is generally accessed by air.
Groote Eylandt airport, located 1 km from Angurugu, is the main air access point for the island. Owned and maintained by Gemco, the airstrip is sealed and there are flights to and from Nhulunbuy/Darwin most days.
Travel time to Nhulunbuy: 30-50 minutes, to Darwin: 1.5-2 hours. A 50 km dirt road links Angurugu to Umbakumba. Charter flights can also be arranged direct to Umbakumba which has a dirt airstrip that can accommodate twin engine light aircraft.
There is a reasonable dirt road from the airport to Umbakumba. However, a 4-wheel drive is essential and given the number of rivers and streams, travel throughout the island during the wet season can be difficult.
“Groote Eylandt residents want and deserve to access high quality health services,” Ms Uibo said.
“We know that improving the health of Groote Eylandt people, boosts the community and makes the Territory a healthier and stronger place.”
The $6 million build has been funded through a tripartite Regional Partnership Agreement including:
$3 million from Groote Eylandt Bickerton Island Enterprises
$2 million from the Northern Territory Government
$1 million from the Australian Government
Ms Uibo said it was a great example of local decision making with the Groote Eylandt Bickerton Island Enterprises group working with the Territory and Federal Governments to improve health.
“The original clinic was so run down that the costs of repairs was prohibitive,” Ms Uibo said.
“Local contractor GCC was awarded the contract to build a new facility in January last year and after significant challenges including weather and distance they have delivered a state of the art facility for community.
The new Yinumarra health Centre facilities include:
new emergency services with an ambulance bay and a single bed emergency rooms
five consulting rooms including men’s, women’s and children’s consulting areas
dental room
drug storage room
multi-purpose room
enhanced security and privacy for staff and clients
reception and internal and external waiting area
The centre is one of three to be opened, with Ngukurr Health Centre opened last week and Numbulwar Health Centre opening tomorrow
7. TAS : FIAAI ‘No Smokes No Limits’ Public Health Campaign Launched
Flinders Island Aboriginal Association’s Tackling Smoking Program has recently launched their latest ‘No Smokes No Limits’ public health campaign with billboards being revealed across Tasmania. These billboards feature motocross imagery and Aboriginal ambassadors Jay and Josh Woolley from WSM Freestyle.
As part of this campaign, smokers are encouraged to contact their local health service, general practice or the Quitline for assistance in giving up the habit. This campaign seeks to denormalise smoking, and is in stark contrast to some of the messaging typically associated with extreme sports that are often sponsored by energy drinks or other consumables associated with poor health outcomes.
FIAAI CEO Maxine Roughley said “This program especially targets young people who are our future and we are proud to be supporting such an important health issue.”
FIAAI will be looking to expand this campaign to buses and other mediums in the future, with billboards currently being found in several parts of the state including Hobart, Launceston, East Devonport, Burnie and others. FIAAI will also be presenting at the upcoming Oceania Tobacco Control Conference (October 17-19) regarding this campaign.
The FIAAI Tackling Smoking Team can be contacted on 6334 5721 for more information.
8.SA : Aboriginal Health Council of SA and South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium
The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium (the Consortium) was launched on 18 May 2017, as a collaborative partnership formed between the South Australian Aboriginal Health Partnership (comprising of SA Health, Aboriginal Health Council of SA and Department of Health – Commonwealth) and the South Australian Academic Health Science and Translation Centre.
The Translation Centre represents a partnership between SA Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of South Australia, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Health Consumers Alliance of South Australia, Adelaide Primary Health Network, Country SA Primary Health Network and Cancer Council SA. The Translation Centre has 9 priority areas of which one is Aboriginal Health.
Consortium Vision
The Consortium’s vision is to reduce the impact of chronic disease experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in South Australia through the successful implementation of the priorities identified within 3 plans: The South Australian Aboriginal Cancer Control Plan 2016-2021, the South Australian Aboriginal Heart and Stroke Plan 2017-2021 and the South Australian Aboriginal Diabetes Strategy 2017-2021.
How will the Consortium Work
The responsibility to oversee the implementation activity of the SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium rests within its governance structures. The Consortium has 5 active working groups including an Executive Group, an Aboriginal Community Reference Group and three condition-specific leadership groups representing Diabetes, Cancer and Heart and Stroke. We refer to the people and organisations on these groups as our members.
Who is working in the Consortium Coordinating Centre?
The team comprises of two full time staff. Wendy Keech is the Senior Research Translation Manager and Executive Officer. Wendy is supported by Douglas VJ Clinch, in a Project Officer role overseeing and supporting the various governance groups of the Consortium. Strategic policy and cultural advice and support is being provided by Kim Morey and Neville Fazulla both on a part-time basis to the team, and have particular focus on supporting the community reference group. Andrea McKivett, has been providing her clinical, technical and cultural support to the team since the inception of the Consortium, with Katharine McBride recently joining the team to provide technical support one day a week. The team come from various backgrounds and disciplines required to support the work of the Consortium, and all are passionate people with a strong commitment to making a difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in South Australia.
If you would like any further information please don’t hesitate to contact Wendy Keech, on (08) 81284228, email: wendy.keech@sahmri.com or Doug VJ Clinch, on (08) 81284893 or email: douglas.clinch@sahmri.com.
2. TAS : No Smokes No Limits” Campaign – Nova Peris up and running for the Flinders Island Aboriginal Association
Nova Peris was Special Guest Speaker at the Flinders Island Running Festival – brought over by Flinders Island Aboriginal Association .Photo with Nova & FIAAI staff in front of Banner Ads – their new ‘NO SMOKES-NO LIMTS” Campaign
The Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Incorporated (FIAAI) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation established in 1971 by a group of local Aboriginal people and their partners. FIAAI is governed by an Aboriginal Board of Management elected by the community. The Board provides strategic direction to the organisation and delegates the day to day operations to the CEO.
FIAAI provides a range of services on Flinders Island including: Primary Health and Aged Care, Housing, Youth Services, a Statewide Tackling Smoking & Healthy Lifestyle Project and three business enterprises.
The Primary Health and Aged Care service employs a full time registered nurse, a number of health assistants/home carers and a range of visiting health professionals including a general practitioner, physiotherapist, dietician and diabetes educator. Services include the delivery of Aboriginal Flexible Aged Care packages, seniors exercise classes and craft activities, chronic disease early intervention and prevention activities, pharmacy services, development of care plans and a range of health promotion activities including weekly Mum’s and Bub’s program.
The aged care program is designed to support people to stay healthy and living in their own homes and provides in home assistance as well as Meals on Wheels.
The FIAAI Healthy Lifestyle project is based in Launceston and outreaches across Tasmania focusing on delivering health promotion messages around tobacco, nutrition and physical activity.
FIAAI supports enterprise development to improve employment opportunities on the Island and owns Thule Farm, Freckles Cafe and the local Bakery.
‘NO SMOKES-NO LIMTS” Campaign
* To increase the number of Aboriginal smokers who make supported quit smoking attempts
* To de-normalise smoking in Tasmanian Aboriginal communities and to normalise quit smoking behaviour
* To protect children from the harm of second hand smoke and to grow a new generation of children who are smokefree
* To increase the number of smokefree homes and cars in Tasmania
* Develop Flinders Island Smokefree Action Plan
Each of these will have activities, outputs and short, medium and long term outcomes against them.
So far we have thought about utilising our social media in the following ways
* A stronger “call to action” from existing marketing material – identifying by region where people could be directed for the best support.
* Promote a smokefree identity amongst elders and leaders focussing on protecting children and grandchildren from the harms of smoking.
* Signage for smoke free workplaces, homes and cars.
Quote from Jay Woolley – AMBASSADOR – No Smokes No Limits”
To summarise your key reasons for not smoking are:
Doing such a physically demanding sport, smoking would have stopped me from getting the most out of my body and reaching my potential /dreams.
Finances: FMX is expensive, smoking a pack a day could cost you about $7000 a year, that’s a start up motorbike
Getting involved early in Motorbike sports creates that expectation you needed to train and be fit to achieve your goals /aspirations – smoking doesn’t support that.
3. ACT : Latest News and Customer survey at Winnunga AHCS
Storage Container – New Addition to the Winnunga AHCS Premises
If you’ve visited Winnunga AHCS recently, you may have seen the latest addition to our premises. Once a plain white storage container, now transformed into an eye catching and culturally safe office and meeting space, was funded by the Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) as part of the Justice Reinvestment (JR) Trial Program.
The new space was beautifully painted by talented and respected artists Uncle Mick Huddleston, Buddy Martin and Rayne Huddleston.
The JR Trial Program is a family focussed program which aims to assist in reducing the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT justice system. It is a partnership between Winnunga AHCS and JACS.
Left to right: Buddy Martin, Rayne Huddleston and Uncle Mick Huddleston
Winnunga AHCS 2017 Client Satisfaction Survey
Winnunga conducted the annual client satisfaction survey in June 2017. The purpose of the survey was to seek client feedback over a snapshot period. The survey was disseminated to people at medical reception areas and was made available in hard copy. 84 responses were received with 69% reporting they had used Winnunga services for more than three years, 24% between 1 and 3 years, 1.2% between 1 and 6 months and 6% for less than 1 month.
The services most reported being utilised were doctors/nurses, which stood at 94%. This was followed by counselling and mental health support at 69%, the dental clinic at 54%, hearing and eye health at 36%, groups (including women’s group, men’s group, no more boondah, diabetes, mums and bubs, healthy cooking, wellbeing/anxiety group, touch football and basketball) at 30%, physiotherapy at 30%, support with Centrelink matters, probation/parole, legal issues, care and protection and or housing/accommodation at 27%, Community days/events at 26%, dieticians at 23%, drug and alcohol support at 23%, transport at 20%, diabetes and liver clinic at 15%, tobacco, midwifery program at 6% and NSP at 4% . Under ‘Other Support’ comments received were: Social Health Team (x1) and Psychiatry (x1).
The low response rates for NSP, could be due to the service being primarily accessed through other points of Winnunga (ie administration entrance).
Three questions were allocated specifically for smoking cessation support, which were answered by 96% of survey participants. 30% reported they had received support from Winnunga with smoking cessation. Of the 30%, 75% stated the most useful support was Nicotine Replacement Therapy, followed by the No More Boondah Group at 58%, phone contact by workers at 33%, information/education at 33%, counselling at 17%, and visits to workplaces at 13%. One respondent noted under ‘other’: fellowship of others trying to change their lifestyle (ie peer support).
98% of survey participants answered the question ‘overall how satisfied are you with Winnunga’s services?’ with 89% of respondents stating they were either very satisfied or satisfied with Winnunga’s services. 11% reported their satisfaction as being neutral. No one reported being unsatisfied or very unsatisfied.
When responding to ‘Would you recommend Winnunga Services to others?’ 97% reported ‘yes’, and 3% reported ‘no’.
When asked ‘what do you like best about the services provided by Winnunga?’
* Know your doctor personally, health checks, bulk billing
* Clinics, including Diabetes clinic
*Easy access, no need for appointment
* The friendly service and transport
*Staff are very welcoming and always respond to enquiries
* All of it (after hours works well)
* NSP gives us access to clean packs
* Community involvement
* The range of services available within the comfort of Winnunga
* Groups
* Social Health Team helps the community
* Number and type of practitioners
* Level of personal care in times of trauma/severe illness
* All services are under the one roof
* Winnunga has been a great service for me, helping me with physical and mental health problems. I wouldn’t be doing anywhere near as good without the help I’ve had from Winnunga.
When asked ‘How do you think Winnunga could improve on the services we deliver?’ responses included:
* Bigger building
* Less wait time to get into dental
* Kids room
* If it isn’t broken don’t fix it
* More Aboriginal Drs
* Book appointments
* More space
* More mental health services
* More community outreach
Winnunga AHCS would like to thank everyone who participated in the June 2017 survey. This is an important tool for receiving client feedback and the Management Team has carefully considered all feedback provided. As a result Winnunga AHCS has commenced to investigate ways we can start implementing some of the ideas clients raised through the feedback received.
Purpose Built Facility The demand for current services is forecast to grow significantly in the coming years. In 2019-20, the number of occasions of service is forecast to increase by almost 25,000 contacts from around 46,000 contacts in 2014-15 to around 70,000. Winnunga AHCS agrees the current building is unsuitable for the range of services provided. Winnunga AHCS is pleased to note the ACT Government announced as part of the 2017-2018 Budget, funding will be provided for a purpose built facility over a four year period. We have undertaken some preliminary work in strategic planning for the current and future needs of the organisation and look forward to continuing this work through a feasibility study to assess options for the redevelopment of Winnunga AHCS premises to a modern fit for purpose community health centre facility, similar to latest standards of mainstream facilities.
Winnunga AHCS agrees it is vital to provide opportunities for community engagement and participation in the ACT through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. As such Winnunga AHCS will continue to deliver groups (ie women’s group, men’s group, cooking group, wellbeing group, mums and bubs group), clinics such as the diabetes, child health, eye care and liver clinic, wellbeing services to detainees at both the AMC and Bimberi, the Boxing Club/fitness gym, touch football and community days including the annual Sorry Day Bridge Walk, NAIDOC event and the Children’s Christmas Party.
Winnunga AHCS will continue to build on opportunities for community engagement. One of which will provide an increased understanding on who our clients are. For example we know clients come to Winnunga AHCS from 246 postcodes around Australia. There are approximately 66 postcodes in the ACT. However, we want to know more about the issues impacting on the approximately 4,500 regular clients who access the service including whether people are on benefits, employed, in contact with the Care and Protection system, have legal matters and their housing situations. This information will build on the robust data collection Winnunga AHCS has undertaken since 2006 and ensure we continue to focus on the areas most needed to respond to and support client need.
Winnunga AHCS has continued to engage with the ACT Government tender process for the management of Boomanulla Oval. We were the only organisation invited to proceed to stage two and are engaged in detailed negotiations with the tender team about the basis on which future management arrangements might proceed. Judd Studio (consultants) have been appointed by Winnunga AHCS to assist with this process whom have been undertaking community consultations and working together with the Boomanulla Oval Steering Committee. We will keep the community informed as the negotiations progress.
4. NT Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation In Relay for Life
Miwatj Health have nominated a huge team this year, including #YakaNgarali, Raypirri Rom, Admin, Nhulunbuy Clinic, Gunyungara Clinic & Yirrkala Clinic!
We hope to see you all down there supporting such a worthy cause! Thank you to the Relay For Life Gove for all your hard work and effort so far!
5.VIC : Better health teaching the aim of VACCHO summit
VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher, more work to meet parity. All health workforce & services must be culturally safe. #HigherEdAboriginalHealth17
From the Koori Mail
Improving how Aboriginal health is taught in Victorian universities was the focus of a summit last month in Melbourne.
Led by Weenthunga Health Network with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the summit attracted participants from around the state.
Weenthunga’s Steff Armstrong said thousands of students are graduating from health courses each year, but some still don’t have the skills required to work with Aboriginal people.
“They go into these health professions and the question is not really asked about what can we do for Aboriginal people,” the Gamilaraay woman told the Koori Mail. “A lot of them don’t have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal health from Aboriginal people.
There is a national curriculum framework on Aboriginal health, and it must be made available to all the health degrees.
“Students have to do so many hours of placement, and there’s only so many Aboriginal organisations that can take them to teach them about Aboriginal health.
“Sharing”
“What needs to happen is a sharing of information so all students can access it. Unfortunately, what is happening now is that universities design their teaching material and hold on to it for themselves.”
Ms Armstrong said the representatives from universities at the summit were keen to share their materials to get health improvements, but it is a matter of changing the culture at universities.
“There was a lot of goodwill at the summit”, she said.
“But these big institutions need to share their resources; that’s how we will get better resourced graduates and better health outcomes for our people.”
Weenthunga executive officer Lin Oke said that alongside the aspect of sharing resources, it is essential Aboriginal health is taught with the guidance of Aboriginal people.
“There’s only a small number of Aboriginal academics.” She said.
“They cant teach all of the students coming through health qualifications, and Aboriginal health organisations can only take so many students on for placements.
“Clearly, the number of students outweighs the resources we’ve got and the number of academics.
“There is not a lot of sharing culture between universities.”
6. NSW Celebrations for Awabakal ACCHO 40th anniversary
Major Hunter Valley Indigenous health and community organisation Awabakal has celebrated its 40th anniversary, with about 400 people attending a dinner in Newcastle which featured Aboriginal performer Casey Donovan.
Community members, local businesses and government representatives came together with some of Awabakal’s founding families at the event to take a walk down memory lane and celebrate how far the organisation has come.
Chief officer Raylene Gordon said the event was an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to Awabakal.
Forty years is an incredible achievement and there have been so many individuals and families who have helped the organisation over the years to make it what it is today”, she said.
“It was wonderful that we were able to recognise and acknowledge their contribution in front of so many important people in our community.
“We had some great speeches throughout the night with some of our Elders sharing their memories with us, and on top of that we had so many great entertainers including the amazing Casey Donovan, Street Warriors, Nu Roads and Jacob Ridgeway.
“I would like to thank everyone who joined us for the event, to our board of directors for helping bring the event to life, to those who supported us behind the scenes and to everyone in our community who has played a part in the growth of Awabakal over the last 40 years
“I look forward to celebrating many more successes in the years to come.”
7.WA : Wirraka Maya Aboriginal Medical Service KIDS LOVE SEEING THEIR EARS ON VIDEO
Mining company Fortescue has provided funds to address children’s ear health in Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The Earbus Foundation has received $3800 to help with the purchase of a video otoscope to allow medical staff to help diagnose potential diseases.
Fortescue has also provided $30,000 worth of Qantas flights to help with visits to the Pilbara by medical specialists.
Earbus chief officer Paul Higginbotham said foundation staff spend one week a month in Pilbara communities, providing comprehensive ear screening to Aboriginal children.
“Kids love the (otoscope) device because for the first time they can see inside their own ears,” he said.
“It is an important tool to engage and educate children and makes ear disease real and understandable .”
Mr Higginbothan said the Earbus Foundation worked with Wirraka Maya Aboriginal Medical Service and the Royal Flying Doctor Service to develop a model of continuous care.
Fortescue’s community Support grants program supports a variety of community initiatives with a focus on education and training, Aboriginal engagement, health and wellness, community safety and involvement economic development and environmental responsibility.
The next round of the grants programs opens for applications on September 1. For information, visit http://www.fmgl.com.au
8.QLD : Deadly Choices Murri carnival to celebrate Big Artie’s life
“The Carnival is much more than Rugby League as it also has a major focus on Health and Education.
All players have to complete a “715 Health Check” as a requirement to participate and all Under 15’s Boy participants must have attended school 90% of time.
Peter Betros Chairman of QRL stated the “ this Carnival highlights the great reach the game of Rugby League has across Queensland and the Arthur Beetson Foundation should be congratulated in providing this opportunity for so many to get involved”
Brad Beetson, son of the late Arthur Beetson and Board Member of the Arthur Beetson Foundation stated “ Dad through his life had a passion on improving the lives of young indigenous it’s great that the foundation can continue this by using his other great passion of Rugby League the vehicle to do so”.
NRL legends are lacing up the 2017 Murri Rugby League Carnival, a celebration of Indigenous sport at its very best.
For the first time in the carnival’s seven-year history, a legends game will take place on Thursday, September 21.
More than 30 former NRL greats will line up for the Arthur Beetson All Stars versus Brisbane Broncos Legends match.
They will include Gary Belcher, Steve Renouf, Preston Campbell and Nathan Blacklock for the All Stars and Julian O’Neil, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Smith, Cliff Lyons, Petero Civoniceva and Chris Walker for the Old Boys.
The game is set to be a highlight of the Arthur Beetson Foundation Deadly Choices Murri Rugby League Carnival.
The carnival will be held at Dolphin Oval in Redcliffe, Queensland, from September 20 to 23. More than 20,000 spectators and a record 53 teams of more than 1300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players are expected to attend.
Brad Beetson, son of the late Arthur Beetson and board member of the Arthur Beetson Foundation, launched the carnival and legends match.
“Dad was absolutely passionate about young Australians, and particularly young Indigenous Australians, achieving better health, education and welfare outcomes,” he said.
“He would be proud that many of the NRL stars he had so much to do with have come out to play in the Legends game to support the carnival and he would have been so pleased to see the huge number of teams travelling from all over Queensland to compete in the Under 15s, Men’s and Women’s competitions.”
League legend Steve Renouf, who still holds the record for the most tries for the Brisbane Broncos, said the carnival was a key event for raising the representation of Indigenous players in the NRL.
“The Murri Rugby League Carnival is recognised as a showpiece of Indigenous sporting talent and it really does provide an environment that encourages community to take responsibility for looking after their health,” he said.
“We’ve got teams attending from all over Queensland, including from the Torres Strait, Mt Isa and the Gold Coast.
“With so many competitors, I’m really looking forward to watching some really talented players on field.
“I am particularly excited and honored to be playing for the Arthur Beetson All Stars, named after the legend who did so much for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, against many of my former Broncos team mates.”
A three-hour highlights package from the carnival will be broadcast on Fox League during the NRL grand final weekend. Action from each of the fields will also be live streamed for the first time, including the legends match.
9. SA : Lift’em feet; it’s now fun to run
Would you rather do a long distance run or have a health check ?.
Some people might prefer to avoid both, but not the members of the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network “Lift “Em Foot” team.
Almost 140 Aboriginal people put up their hand – and lifted their feet – to take part in the City to Bay fun run next month, which requires them to either walk or run between 3 km and 12 km.
Getting an Aboriginal Well Health Check was a condition of entry.
Health check coordinator Danielle Lovegrove said participants wanted to take part in the fun run because it combined exercise with catching up with friends and family, providing an opportunity to motivate each other.
“A Lift’Em Foot” Facebook page was established and some participants got together to train for the event,” she said.
“Having a Well Health Check was well received because our clients are interested to know their health status, particularly when there is a family history of medical issues.
“Everything we do as part of a Well Health Check addresses conditions that do affect Aboriginal people, such as the early detection of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and kidney disease.
Ms Lovegrove says that while the check is a tool that uses observations such as blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference and body mass index, it’s also a conversation starter.
“The tests lead to conversation about whether the client smokes, drinks alcohol, their diet and if they exercise”, she said.
“We provide information that is often new to them such as the link between waist circumference and heart disease, diabetes and stroke”.
The health checks are run by Watto Perrunna Aboriginal Primary Health Care Service.
Clients and their families are also encouraged to attend health promotion courses such as gym programs, yoga, taichi, vegie growing, healthy cooking and safe preparation.
Wednesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Thursday
1. National : 2017 NACCHO Members’ Conference abstracts / Expressions of Interest close 21 August
NACCHO is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Member Services for speakers, case studies and table top presentations for the 2017 NACCHO Members’ Conference. This is an opportunity to show case grass roots best practice at the Aboriginal Community Controlled service delivery level.
In doing so honouring the theme of this year’s NACCHO Members’ Conference ‘Our Health Counts: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.
How to submit an EOI
Please provide the following information and submit via email to
2.1 QLD : Apunipima Cape York Charkil-Om Celebrates first birthday
One of NACCHO’s latest ACCHO clinics Apunipima’s Charkil-Om Primary Health Care Centre on Cape York celebrates its first anniversary in August!
Charkil-Om, which means bone fish in local Thanakwith language, provides comprehensive primary health care to the remote community of Napranum which is about nine kilometres south of Weipa.
Opening picture above : R: Tackling Smoking Health Worker Ernest Madua, Receptionist Marissa Sabatino, Casual Receptionist Christine Hall (past employee), Cleaner Melissa Clermont, Medical Officer Dr Lauren Finlay, Indigenous Health Practitioner Regina Coleman, Registered Nurse Alison Boyd, Midwife and Child Health Nurse Noelene Weightman.
Napranum community member, Traditional Owner and Tackling Indigenous Smoking Health Worker Ernest Madua Jnr explained what Charkil- Om means to him.
‘We now have a service that meets the needs of Napranum community members,’ he said.
‘The key to living longer healthier lives (Closing the Gap) is early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and curable conditions. Too long our mob die too early, my people, my community deserves better, big thank you to Apunipima Charkil-Om for providing this opportunity.’
Charkil-Om Primary Health Care Centre manager Kelvin Coleman echoed Ernest’s sentiments, expressing pride in the professionalism and dedication of the Napranum and wider – Apunipima team.
‘I would like to acknowledge and thank the staff (too many to name) for their commitment and hard work that made Charkil-Om what it is today. THANK YOU ALL!’
‘This commitment to community has seen the Charkil – Om team get involved in a number of community events and initiatives – these include:
Participation in the local NAIDOC celebrations – we created a float and held a community barbeque BBQ;
Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do It! (MEND) Program (a healthy lifestyles program for families);
Need for Feed Programs (a cooking and healthy eating education program for young people);
Tackling Smoking video
Supporting Napranum Mokwi Men’s Group;
Preschool screening (providing preventative health checks for four year olds);
Tackling Indigenous Smoking program;
Membership of the Napranum Disaster Management Committee;
Successful ISO accreditation; and
Reestablishment of the Napranum Health Action Team (a community committee which communicates community health priorities to providers).’
Apunipima Chairperson Thomas Hudson said Charkil-Om’s achievements are in line with the Board’s vision.
‘On my last visit to Napranum, I received overwhelmingly positive feedback from community regarding Apunipima staff engagement and participation at sporting events and other local events within the community. These demonstrate the commitment the team shows to the community engagement, education, health promotion and prevention.’
‘On behalf of the Apunipima Board and team, I wish Charkil-Om a happy first birthday.’
2.2 QLD : Minister Ken Wyatt launches new wing of ATSICHS Jimbelunga Nursing Centre
It was an honour to have Ken Wyatt Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health launch the new wings of Jimbelunga Nursing Centre today. Also joining us was Aunty Pam Mam the first Indigenous nurse to be employed by ATSICHS. She continued to work in the organisation for the majority of her working life, sixteen years of it at Jimbelunga.
Jimbelunga Nursing Centre has been providing an extensive range of aged health care and support services in the community since November 1994.
Located in Eagleby in the outer suburbs of Brisbane it provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with residential aged care and support, including, meals, laundry and medical and allied health services.
ATSICHS Brisbane received $12.5m in funding from the Federal Government to redevelop the Jimblelunga aged care facility. This enabled much needed upgrades to the existing facilities and the ability to expand, with an increase of 19 new beds for residents, taking the number from 55 to 74.
Stage one of new build and expansion project was completed in 2016 with residents moving in to this building in August. Stage 2 included the re-furbishment of the existing nursing home building known as Casuarinam, which saw the rooms turned into large sized single rooms with shared ensuites and a brand new 7 bed secure unit (formerly known as dementia units).
The final stages were completed recently with residents moving in.
3. WA : AHCWA Youth E-newsletter is to promote and share positive youth stories from within the communities
AHCWA Youth have just released the first edition of the AHCWA Youth E-Newsletter!
The purpose of the AHCWA Youth E-newsletter is to promote and share positive youth stories from within the communities, a brief update on what AHCWA Youth have been up to and also to share any Youth related projects run through the WA Aboriginal Medical Services.
Edition 1 is an introduction to the AHCWA Youth Program, and a new edition will be distributed every 3 months to the sector and wider …community.
The new Youth E-Newsletter can be download or viewed here:
If you would like more information on the Youth Program at AHCWA or if you would like to subscribe to the E-Newsletters, please contact Hayley, our Aboriginal Youth Program Coordinator on Hayley.Thompson@ahcwa.org
AHCWA youth were so excited to run a health workshop with the Deadly Sista Girlz at St Mary’s College in Broome August 7
4.1 NSW Awabakal celebrates National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with welcome to 40 babies
August 4 was National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day and to celebrate Awabakal thought they would share with you some of the photos from the Baby Welcoming Ceremony .
It was a great event with almost 40 babies welcomed into our community.
4.2 NSW : Expressions of Interest (EOI) are open for the Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network Executive Committee
This newly formed Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network (ACCN) will work to improve the experience and delivery of healthcare for Aboriginal people with chronic conditions in NSW.
To achieve this, the ACCN will guide and support the process of evidence-based reform in health services by developing, promoting and implementing new initiatives, frameworks and Models of Care. It will do this by enhancing and supporting the integration of care for Aboriginal communities accessing chronic care services in NSW in accordance with ACI values.
Purpose
This newly formed Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network (ACCN) will work to improve the experience and delivery of healthcare for Aboriginal people with chronic conditions in NSW. To achieve this, the ACCN will guide and support the process of evidence-based reform in health services by developing, promoting and implementing new initiatives, frameworks and Models of Care. It will do this by enhancing and supporting the integration of care for Aboriginal communities accessing chronic care services in NSW in accordance with ACI values.
The ACCN will collaborate with key stakeholders including, other ACI Networks, Local Health Districts/Speciality Health Networks, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, NSW Ministry of Health, Primary Health Networks, Consumers and other Non-Government Organisations.
The ACCN will provide advice and strategic direction to the ACC Network staff and oversee the development and implementation of local and state-wide initiatives as prioritised by the Network. All decision making around the priorities and project work of the Network will be determined by its members through the Network Executive.
Network and executive membership is open to all interested in Aboriginal Health!! (Community members, and non-health related organisation most welcome)
5. SA : International basketball legend supports the Tackling Tobacco Team at Nunkuwarrin Yunti
As a proud sponsor of the Aboriginal Basketball Academy we got to hear the legendary Patrick Mills speak at a fundraising lunch, aimed at getting more of our young mob out on the courts and gaining opportunities to make the world stage, just like Patty.
Patty’s message was a simple one – believe in yourself, stay true to your dreams and commit to them 100%. Our team agreed he could not have been more humble and genuine.
Whatever your dream is, quitting the smokes is a sure path to helping achieve it through a healthier and longer life!
6. VIC : VAHS will be offering $1500 sponsorship grants to one team per sports carnival.
This year VAHS will be offering $1500 sponsorship grants to one team per sports carnival. To apply for these sponsorships one team representative from each team must complete this survey which asks the following questions:
1. Tell us about your club, including the team name, number of players, where you are all from etc.
2. VAHS will provide $1500 in total, what does your team intend to spend this money on?
E.g. uniforms, travel, accommodation, catering, registration fees etc.
3. VAHS values the importance of the following health promoting behaviours. Please tell us how your team will demonstrate these values throughout the carnival.
• Staying Smoke Free
• Choosing water over sugary drinks
• Eating healthy, nutritious foods
• Drinking alcohol responsibly
• Being aware of the dangers of gambling
Here are the carnival dates and closing dates for applications:
Vic Junior Carnival (Horsham)
Wednesday 27th-Thurs 28th September
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 2nd August
Winner announced: Friday 4th August
(1 netball team and 1 football team)
Statewide Koorie Football & Netball Carnival (Ballarat)
14th 15th October
Closing date for applications: Sunday 13th August
Winner announced: Friday 18th August
(1 netball team and one football team)
Women’s Football Carnival AFL Victoria Statewide Koorie Women’s Football Carnival
25th 26th November
Closing date for applications: Sunday 24th September
Winner announced: Friday 30th September
(1 football team)
Looking forward to another great year of carnivals!
7. NT : Miwatj Mental Health Program leading the way in remote Australia
Mental Health professionals gathered at the Garma Festival in East Arnhem Land yesterday to discuss social and emotional wellbeing and mental health, with a particular focus on the success of the Miwatj Mental Health Program.
The Miwatj Mental Health Program is a Yolŋu-led program based in Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island and is administered by the Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, a Yolŋu community controlled Health Organisation.
The Program is leading in the treatment and management of Indigenous mental health. The Mental Health Team works collaboratively with families and the community to provide tailored care to individuals suffering from mental illness.
The Program is an integral part of the community in Galiwin’ku, and the team’s outreach program allows people to be treated in their homes where they feel most connected and at ease.
The concept of health in the Yolŋu culture involves not only the body, mind and spirit being in balance, but also a sense of equilibrium with family and community.
Chief Health Officer of the Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation Dr Lucas de Toca says the program operates on three streams, but the most important aspect is that it is managed and controlled by Yolŋu peoples.
“It is a community based program operating over a continuum of stepped care for all levels of mental illness. We operate three streams, including a therapeutic stream with counselling, a social and cultural stream with traditional approaches to care including family involvement, and a medical stream to deal with acute care and ensure patients with mental health issues receive the appropriate medical care,” said Dr de Toca.
“The three streams function in a coordinated fashion, interlinked through the work of aboriginal health practitioners who are extremely competent both in the medical as well as in the social and cultural aspects of providing care for patients.”
“We are in one of the most remote locations in Australia, but are still able to deliver a high quality and best practice model, following the recommendations of the Mental Health Commission as well as using traditional methods of healing and care.”
Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan, who has been visiting the Miwatj Mental Health Program for a number of years, was joined by Rarrtjiwuy Herdman and Djamaḻaka Dhamarraṉdji to discuss the success of the program and broader issues of social and emotional wellbeing at the Garma Festival.
“The Miwatj Mental Health Program is a huge success and we can all learn from its strengths – local people making local decisions about the care, services and needs of the people in their community,” said Mr Quinlan.
“This is remote country, and to see a service go from strength-to-strength in recent years, with tangible results, is a real success story for community mental health. Certainly a program that could be adapted and used elsewhere in remote and rural Australia.”
8. Clintons Walk announces plans for Canberra September 3 to complete his 5,580 mile from Perth
Clinton’s Walk For Justice calls for support rallies and events to be held all across the country on September 3, as Clinton’s big Canberra arrival event is held.
We’ll be calling on the Governor General to meet with Clinton and begin discussions about treaty – sovereign to sovereign.
We encourage all people – from the cities all the way out to the remote communities – to take part in a national day of action to push for treaty and address issues of injustice faced by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
1.National : Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations pharmacist Special Interest Group ( SIG ) launched
2.NT : Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service $2.4 million for culturally safe and trauma-informed intensive family-focused case management services
3. WA : AHCWA chairperson Michelle Nelson-Cox speaks about cashless welfare cards
4. WA : Wrongful conviction shines light on lack of translators
5. QLD Deadly Choices calls for volunteers for the 2017 Murri Rugby League Carnival
6. SA : Nunkuwarrin Yunti ACCHO promotes World Hepatitis Day.
7.VIC : VAHS mob promotes Healthy Lifestyle message at World Indigenous Basketball Challenge!
8. QLD : Apunipima Cape York Health Council Growing Deadly Families
9. NSW Redfern National Children’s Day Celebration
How to submit a NACCHO Affiliate or Members Good News Story ?
Wednesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Thursday
National : Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations pharmacist Special Interest Group ( SIG ) launched
“For too long Aboriginal people have suffered shorter lifespans, been sicker and poorer than the average non-Indigenous Australian, however, highly trained pharmacists have a proven track record in delivering improved health outcomes when integrated into multidisciplinary practices,
“Strong international evidence supports pharmacists’ ability to improve a number of critical health outcomes, including significant reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol and improved diabetes control. A number of studies have also supported pharmacists’ cost-effectiveness.
Some ACCHOs have already shown leadership in the early adoption of pharmacists outside of any national programs or support structures. NACCHO and PSA are committed to supporting ACCHOs across Australia to meet the medicines needs in their communities by enhancing support for those wishing to embed a pharmacist into their service.”
NACCHO CEO Pat Turner said disparities in the health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are confronting SEE Previous NACCHO post
Pictured above Mike Stephens Director of Medicines Programs and Policy in Cover Photo
In recognition of the growing number of pharmacists working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), the peak national body for pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched the ACCHO Special Interest Group (SIG).
The ACCHO SIG was launched on 30 July at PSA17 in Sydney during theAboriginal Health Service Pharmacist forum.
PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson said pharmacists working in ACCHOs have specific needs and skills and having a Special Interest Group with the primary role of supporting them will assist PSA to drive the growth of this career path.
“In many cases pharmacists working in these positions are providing innovative and diverse services that have the potential to be informative and relevant to the evolution of pharmacy services and inter-professional care.
“Consultation with these pharmacists and services about their needs is vital to ensure PSA and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) deliver relevant and meaningful benefits to PSA members and the wider pharmacy and health sectors,” Dr Jackson said.
A key role of the National ACCHO SIG Committee will be to provide up-to-date information to NACCHO and PSA on relevant issues that relate to both organisations.
This will include input on improvements to PSA’s professional development and practice support programs that benefit ACCHO pharmacists. The SIG will also provide NACCHO with input on pharmacy-related trends and practices that affect ACCHOs.
It is a joint committee to be run by PSA and NACCHO to foster collaboration, inform relevant policy and strengthen the relationships between these organisations with a shared commitment to embedding pharmacists in ACCHOs nationally.
PSA also welcomed the announcement of a trial to support Aboriginal health organisations to integrate pharmacists into their services.
The ACCHO SIG will support pharmacists participating in this trial.
Dr Jackson said having a culturally responsive pharmacist integrated within anAboriginal health service builds better relationships between patients and staff, leading to improved results in chronic disease management and Quality Use of Medicines.
NT : Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service $2.4 million for culturally safe and trauma-informed intensive family-focused case management services.
The Federal Government will provide up to $2.4 million for a tailored project to address family violence experienced by Indigenous women and children in Katherine.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said the funding formed part of the $25 million Indigenous-focused package under the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
“I am pleased to announce this support for Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service, a local community service with specialist experience in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families,” Minister Scullion said.
“The funding will deliver culturally safe and trauma-informed intensive family-focused case management services.”
Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service CEO, Suzi Berto, said the project would provide intensive family-focused case management delivered within a trauma-informed framework to address behaviour often associated with domestic violence. It would also aim to break the cycle of domestic and family violence and child removals from families.
“Wurli welcomes this new program and would like to thank the Federal Government for selecting Wurli to take on this particular project,” Ms Berto said.
Minister Scullion said community-based, culturally-appropriate solutions were required to reduce the rate of family violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.
“In total, $18.9 million will be invested in eight Indigenous community organisations across Australia to deliver a range of services, including trauma-informed therapeutic services for children, services for perpetrators to prevent future offending and intensive family-focused cased management.
“We have actively sought the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on how best to address family violence.
“Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service has been identified based on its expertise, as well as local needs in the community.
“I commend Wurli-Wurlinjang.”
3. WA : AHCWA chairperson Michelle Nelson-Cox speaks about cashless welfare cards
” Targeting welfare is not, by itself, a panacea but it just might give Roebourne the circuit-breaker it needs to allow the state government to build a safe and resilient community.
There has been no conclusive evidence to date that cashless welfare cards play any role in reducing the impact of issues such as illicit drug use or child sexual abuse.
Ultimately, we need to see an increase in community programs and comprehensive support services to help address these complex social issues in Aboriginal communities.”
AHCWA chairperson Michelle Nelson-Cox said the group did not support the “ill-conceived idea” that cashless welfare cards could turn the tide on child abuse.
Paedophiles in Western Australia’s Pilbara region are allegedly using welfare payments to bribe children for sex, prompting the police commissioner to call for an expansion of the cashless welfare program.
But the Aboriginal Health Council of WA says the commissioner should be more concerned about policing in remote communities rather than advocating further disempowerment of indigenous people.
Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said in an opinion piece in The West Australian newspaper on Tuesday that welfare cash was also being used for drugs, alcohol and gambling at Roebourne and surrounding Aboriginal communities.
He said in an area of about 1500 people, there were 184 known child sex abuse victims, with police charging 36 people with more than 300 offences since the operation began late last year, plus another 124 suspects.
Mr O’Callaghan, who will retire this month after 13 years as police commissioner, said that in 2014 the previous government noted 63 government and non-government providers delivering more than 200 services to Roebourne.
“Despite all of this effort, we have failed to protect the most vulnerable members of that community and have witnessed sufferers of abuse grow up and become offenders, and so the cycle continues,” he said.
“We often find children sexually abusing children.”
The commissioner said the problem was so widespread that some families had normalised it and he described the hopelessness as a “cancer quickly spreading throughout the community”.
“Given the longstanding issues in Roebourne, we ought now to be looking at more fundamental structural reform around welfare and income to reduce the opportunity for offending,” he said.
AHCWA chairperson Michelle Nelson-Cox said the group did not support the “ill-conceived idea” that cashless welfare cards could turn the tide on child abuse.
“There has been no conclusive evidence to date that cashless welfare cards play any role in reducing the impact of issues such as illicit drug use or child sexual abuse,” she said.
“Ultimately, we need to see an increase in community programs and comprehensive support services to help address these complex social issues in Aboriginal communities.”
Ms Nelson-Cox also said the commissioner’s admission that officers could not protect children in remote communities was gravely concerning.
Imagine if you were taken into custody to be questioned over a crime you did not commit in a language you could not even read and write in — and were then charged with murder.
4. WA : Wrongful conviction shines light on lack of translators
While there were many complex factors which led Mr Gibson to being jailed for the manslaughter of Josh Warneke in 2014, after a conviction which was quashed earlier this year, it might never have ended up that way if he had a skilled interpreter to steer him through crucial meetings with police.
Mr Gibson’s first language is Pintupi, with Kukutja his second.
He has a limited understanding of English and his cognitive impairment makes it difficult for him to comprehend complex information.
Today the Court of Appeal outlined its reasons for quashing his conviction, explaining that Mr Gibson’s problems with language were one reason why “the plea was not attributable to a genuine consciousness of guilt”.
It gives many examples of how Mr Gibson often did not understand his own lawyer, who in turn could not understand what the interpreter was telling Mr Gibson about important matters like how to plead.
He was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter after police interviews were deemed inadmissible for several reasons, including the lack of a qualified interpreter.
Mr Gibson, like many Indigenous Australians who do not speak English as a first language, is somewhat like a foreigner in his own justice system.
It is something which concerns WA’s chief justice Wayne Martin.
Earlier this month, he told a conference of criminal lawyers in Bali that language was causing “significant disadvantage” for Indigenous people in the justice system, with WA’s translation services not reaching everyone who needed them.
“If we do not have properly resourced and effective interpreter services for Aboriginal people, then they will continue to fare badly in the criminal justice system,” he wrote in a submission to a Senate committee inquiry last year.
The interpretation and translation of Indigenous languages for the WA justice system is undoubtedly a niche industry.
There are about 45 Indigenous languages in the Kimberley, many of them considered highly endangered. Fewer than 600 people speak Pintupi, according to the Australian Indigenous Languages Database.
So not only do you have to find an interpreter who speaks Pintupi, but you also need someone who is trained to understand police and court proceedings, and relay them to a defendant.
It is a massive problem, according to Faith Baisden, the coordinator of First Languages, which helps Indigenous communities maintain their languages.
“Particularly in those small community groups we’re talking about, we’re not necessarily going to find someone who’s got the skill and the confidence to be trained. It takes really specialised training,” she said.
Another problem is that WA’s only Indigenous language interpreting service is struggling for funding.
The Kimberley Interpreting Service (KIS) is dependent on federal money after being stripped of funding by the WA Government in recent years.
But its chief executive Dee Lightfoot said she was hopeful of securing money from the new WA Government in September’s budget, with Treasurer Ben Wyatt writing to inform her he was reviewing her request.
She said Mr Gibson needed an interpreter to help him navigate the justice system from the very start
5. QLD Deadly Choices calls for volunteers for the 2017 Murri Rugby League Carnival
Volunteers aged 16+ years are needed for the 2017 Murri Rugby League Carnival! More details are below! To register your interest please email admin@murrirugbyleague.com.au.
6. SA : Nunkuwarrin Yunti ACCHO promotes World Hepatitis Day.
World Hepatitis Day. Nunkuwarrin Yunti provides treatment, Specialists, prevention, advocacy and information support for people with Hepatitis. Here is Jorge from our Harm Minimisation Team #showyourface
7.VIC : VAHS mob promotes Healthy Lifestyle message at World Indigenous Basketball Challenge!
Check out our newest healthy lifestyle local sport champions!
These deadly women make up the Maal-Ya Indigenous Basketball team. They are off to Vancouver, Canada on Sunday to play in the World Indigenous Basketball Challenge!
So proud to see these women represent their mobs and proudly display our Healthy Lifestyle Values: staying smoke free, healthy eating, active living, drinking water and being deadly role models!
With Georgia Bamblett, Courtney Alice, Thamar Atkinson, Montanna Hudson, Sophie Atkinson, Klarindah Hudson-Proctor, Edward Bryant, Tyler Atkinson and June Bamblett.
Good luck Maal-Ya! Can’t wait to hear how you go! Stay tuned to this page and Sports Carnival for updates throughout the week!
8. Apunipima Cape York Health Council Growing Deadly Families
Apunipima Cape York Health Council Region Two Manager Johanna Neville and Maternal and Child Health Worker Florida Getawan will head to Brisbane today to deliver a presentation on the Baby One Program to the Queensland Clinical Senate’s Growing Deadly Families Forum.
Johanna and Florida will focus on the Baby One Program, an integral part of antenatal care in Cape York
‘Apunipima’s award winning, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – led home visiting Baby One Program runs from pregnancy until the baby is 1000 days old,’ Florida said.
‘Baby Baskets – an integral feature of the Baby One Program – are provided to Families at key times during pregnancy and the postnatal period. The Baskets act as both an incentive to encourage families to engage with health care providers, as a catalyst for health education and as a means to provide essential items to families in Cape York.’
‘It’s well known that best practice care during pregnancy and baby’s early years has been proven to provide positive health outcomes. There is a still a gap in the maternal and child health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders compared to other Australians. It’s this gap we are trying to bridge with the Baby One Program which sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers visit families in their homes to deliver health care and health education.’
Florida Getawan helps deliver the Baby One Program in Cairns and Kowanyama and said home visiting makes the difference when it comes to mums getting care.
‘As a Maternal and Child Health Worker I spend time in Cairns and Kowanyama, educating pregnant women about healthy eating, what’s good and what’s not good for them during pregnancy such as the dangers of smoking, and safe sleeping for bubba,’ she explained. ‘I love doing home visits and yarning with mothers about healthy parenting and being a support person for them in their own space.
I love being there for families who are too shy to come to the clinic so if I can engage with them in their own environment, families feel safe to access health information I love watching mothers grow because I’ve had seven pregnancies myself and can relate to what they are going through and I’m able to develop a healthy relationship with them.’
Johanna and Florida will deliver their presentation at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre 10:50 am on Thursday 3 August 2017.
About the Growing Deadly Families Forum
The Queensland Clinical Senate – which provides clinical leadership by developing strategies to safeguard and promote the delivery of high quality, safe and sustainable patient care – is holding the Growing Deadly Families Forum which will focus on improving the health of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families, through a healthier start to life.
The Forum runs from 3 – 4 August.
9. NSW Redfern National Children’s Day Celebration
AMS Redfern will be celebrating ‘National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day’ come along and share stories about the importance of staying connected to culture and having strong positive family relationships
Friday 4th August from 2:30 pm-4:30 pm
#BBQ will be provided
#Value our rights, Respect our Culture, Bring us home.
#Limited Giveaways
