- Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service staff unite to combat cervical cancer
- Positive progress in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health
- New Borroloola multi-purpose centre to transform community health and wellbeing
- Jobs and Skills Australia Roadshow 2024
- Empowering community healing: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led rehabilitation centre making a lasting impact
- Understanding mental health: Key findings from Charles Sturt University research
- Federal Government’s $43 million boost to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boarding students across Australia
- Sector Jobs
The NACCHO Sector News is a platform we use to showcase the important work being done in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, focusing on the work of NACCHO, NACCHO members and NACCHO affiliates.
We also share a curated selection of news stories that are of likely interest to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, broadly.
Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service staff unite to combat cervical cancer
The Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service has partnered with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to promote cervical cancer awareness and improve screening rates within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In September 2024, the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Ged Kearney launched a $10 million initiative aimed at encouraging more women to undergo cervical cancer screenings, keeping Australia on track to eliminate the cervical cancer by 2035.
John Fetuani, BACHS CEO emphasised the importance of this campaign.
“I want to personally thank Minister Kearney and her government for collaborating with NACCHO on this vital initiative,” he said.
“This campaign marks a significant step forward and builds upon the successful implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection, already available in clinics like ours.
To learn more about the Own It cervical screening campaign, go here.
To read the full article, go here.
Positive progress in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health
A major initiative has led to a significant reduction in preventable eye and vision issues like trachoma among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that trachoma rates in children aged 5 to 9 have dropped from 14% in 2007 to under 2%.
This success is attributed to strong collaboration between agencies and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, promoting early detection, hygiene improvements, and access to essential health services.
To read more, go here.
New Borroloola multi-purpose centre to transform community health and wellbeing
The Borroloola community is set to benefit from a new multi-purpose service centre that will greatly enhance residents’ lives, particularly those with chronic kidney disease. With $13.5 million in funding, Borroloola Central will provide essential services, including a renal dialysis clinic, child and family centre, youth centre, pharmacy, and more.
A further $4.02 million will ensure the establishment of a dialysis unit and workforce accommodation in Borroloola, a significant step toward improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The dialysis services will be run by the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation (Purple House), supporting the community to receive life-saving treatment closer to home and on-country, strengthening the connection to family and culture.
This initiative is part of a broader $73.2 million investment to deliver better renal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, addressing the pressing needs of communities in remote Australia.
To read more, go here.
https://ministers.pmc.gov.au/mccarthy/2024/more-services-remote-borroloola
Jobs and Skills Australia Roadshow 2024
Jobs and Skills Australia invites stakeholders to attend the National Roadshow, visiting each capital city in November and December 2024. The National Roadshow will share the Jobs and Skills Report, key products and discuss future direction.
Come along for:
- an overview of the annual Jobs and Skills Report
- panel discussions on localised areas of interest from the Jobs and Skills Report, with representatives from Jobs and Skills Australia, state/territory governments and local experts
- showcase booths with information and opportunities to speak to staff on our work and initiatives, including Atlas, the Occupation Shortage List and the Early Childhood Education and Care study plus more
- networking opportunities with stakeholders across the skills, employment, VET and higher education sectors, business, industry and union representatives.
To find out more and to register in your state/territory, go here.
Empowering community healing: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led rehabilitation centre making a lasting impact
The Glen Centre, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led rehabilitation facility in New South Wales, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, continuing to serve as an example of culturally safe recovery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
The centre, located on the Central Coast, provides a culturally grounded approach to addressing alcohol and drug addiction, blending traditional healing methods with contemporary therapeutic models. The facility not only offers a path to sobriety but also empowers participants to reconnect with their cultural roots, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
After 30 years, The Glen now looks toward future growth, aiming to address a critical need for housing post-rehabilitation with a particular emphasis on helping men reintegrate into society and promoting long-term stability and wellness. This approach has far-reaching benefits for the broader community, creating a model of care that emphasises cultural respect and self-determination.
The Glen’s efforts continue to inspire positive change, proving that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led initiatives are key to driving meaningful solutions for communities across Australia.
To read more, go here.
Understanding mental health: Key findings from Charles Sturt University research
Research from Charles Sturt University has identified key factors contributing to depression and anxiety among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The study, Population attributable fractions of depression and anxiety among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, highlights the impact of modifiable risk factors such as health behaviours, social circumstances, and experiences of discrimination.
Analysing data from over 5,300 people across diverse Australian communities, the findings reveal that lower personal income, limited access to cultural knowledge, obesity, and daily smoking are linked to 45% of depression cases and 39% of anxiety cases.
Key recommendations stress the importance of restoring access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and cultural connections, alongside promoting nutritious diets and active lifestyles for better mental health outcomes. The study emphasised that systemic change is crucial, advocating for constitutional recognition, anti-racist legislation, and policies that support land rights and economic opportunities.
This research, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, highlights the need for equitable mental health strategies that prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and knowledge.
To read more, go here.
If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the online resources listed below for support.
- 13 Yarn (13 92 76)
- Beyond Blue (1300 224 636)
- Brother-to-brother (1800 435 799)
- Kids Helpline (1800 551 800 + webchat)
- Lifeline (13 11 14 + online chat)
- MensLine Australia (1300 789 978)
- NACCHO Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal
- QLife – anonymous LGBTIQ support (1800 184 527 + webchat)
- Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
Federal Government’s $43 million boost to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boarding students across Australia
Thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boarding school students across Australia are set to benefit from more than $43m in Federal Government funding. This funding will support 2,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attending more than 40 boarding schools, providing essential wrap-around services to improve educational outcomes.
The initiative is a significant step in offering students from remote areas access to quality education, helping them complete their studies and enhancing the impact of Closing the Gap efforts.
To read more, go here.
Sector Jobs – you can see sector job listings on the NACCHO website here.
Advertising Jobs – to advertise a job vacancy click here to go to the NACCHO website current job listings webpage. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a Post A Job form. You can complete this form with your job vacancy details – it will then be approved for posting and go live on the NACCHO website.
