- VACCHO celebrates historic step in Victoria’s first Treaty
- Bunjil Wellbeing Place is officially open!
- 13YARN calls on mob to spin a yarn on World Suicide Prevention Day
- KAMS RTO takes home WA Training Award
- 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.
VACCHO celebrates historic step in Victoria’s first Treaty
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) applauds the introduction of the landmark Treaty Bill in the Victorian Parliament today.
VACCHO CEO DR Jill Gallagher AO says that this step towards Treaty is a chance for all Victorians to create a better future together as equals.
“This historic moment honours the strength and resilience of our Communities and marks a decisive shift towards truth, justice and self-determination. Treaty will have the transformative power of sharing the great gift of 65,000 years of rich Aboriginal culture with all Victorians.”
This legislation and the Treaty itself offers more than words on paper – it will mark the beginning of a new chapter where Victorian Aboriginal people have a pathway to heal from the injustices of the past, to protect Culture and Country, and ensure a fairer and stronger Victoria.
“Today celebrates the Victorian Aboriginal Community our Elders past and present, our staunch leaders, and our young people who have not stopped fighting for our right to a future where decisions about us are shaped by us, and for us,” she said.
Read more here.
Image source: VACCHO
Bunjil Wellbeing Place is officially open!
Last week, Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative celebrated the official opening of Bunjil Wellbeing Place. Over 300 Community Members, staff, health and community service organisations and government representatives gathered for the opening.
The centre is named after Bunjil, the ancestral creator and knowledge keeper who takes the form of a wedge-tailed eagle. Its design reflects Bunjil’s outstretched wings – symbolising strength, wisdom, and protection, along with BDAC’s commitment to Culture, respect, and Community.
This purpose-built facility significantly expands our capacity to deliver GP and allied health services. It has been designed with mob, for mob.
See more here.
Image source: Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative
13YARN calls on mob to spin a yarn on World Suicide Prevention Day
Content warning: this article contains reference to suicide. Please refer to the services at the bottom of this article for support.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, 13YARN (13 92 76) is calling on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have open conversations about mental health and reach out if they are feeling worried or no good.
Aunty Marjorie Anderson, Lifeline Australia Head of Indigenous Affairs, said creating safe places where mob can yarn about needs, worries or concerns without judgement is critical to building resilient communities.
“It is devastating that the suicide rate for Aboriginal people is double that of non-Indigenous people – and the fifth leading cause of death compared to the 16th for the wider community,” said Mrs Anderson.
“We need to make sure we look after each other. If you see someone that you think looks worried or no good, just asking ‘you right or what?’ can make a big difference. It might be the thing that nudges them into getting help.”
“All calls to 13YARN are free, they’re confidential – our Crisis Supporters don’t need to know who you are. They can help with your immediate situation, and if necessary, refer you to culturally appropriate programs or services to make sure there is ongoing support.”
“When you ring 13YARN, you don’t have to teach anyone about family makeup, your responsibilities, your link to mob and land before you get the help you need – our Crisis Supporters understand where you’re coming from.”
Read more here.
Image source: 13YARN
If this article brought up anything for you or someone you love, please reach out to, call or visit the 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)
KAMS RTO takes home WA Training Award
Congratulations to Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) Registered Training Organisation for winning the WA Training Awards in the category of WA Industry Collaboration.
This recognition highlights the incredible work being done through the Solid Connections Allied Health Program, in partnership between North Regional TAFE, and Insight Training. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Image source: KAMS
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.
Email us your story with some images to: NACCHOCommunicationsandMedia@naccho.org.au
and we will feature it in the news.
