- Wahluu Health officially launches the Aboriginal Health Service (AHS) ‘Wundirra’
- Tharawal – Vaccination Uptake Support Program
- “Anything with mob is where my passion lies” – graduate paying it forward in her community
- Matty Mills: Championing mental health in First Nations and queer communities
- New journals to support Indigenous mums through pregnancy and motherhood
- Sector Jobs
- Events and training
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.
Wahluu Health officially launches the Aboriginal Health Service (AHS) ‘Wundirra’
“WE’RE only starting off, but the dream here is big.”
For decades, the dream of the Indigenous community in Bathurst has been the development of an Aboriginal Health Service (AHS).
Now, with the official launch of Wahluu Health, Wundirra, the community is one step closer to realising this dream, and joining the likes of other cities in the Central West, including Orange and Dubbo.
Read the full article here
Shona Kennedy, Wundirra health manager (centre) with local children at the Wahluu Health Launch of Wundirra. Picture by Alise McIntosh
Tharawal – Vaccination Uptake Support Program
Families flocked to Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in Airds on Wednesday, 23 April, where furry friends and flu fighters turned out for a successful flu vaccination clinic.
Over 200 locals rolled up their sleeves for their annual flu vaccination, with South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) and Tharawal AMS staff working together to deliver the flu shots.
A pizza truck, petting zoo and raffles helped take the sting out of the vaccination for children – and their parents – with one grateful mum posting on Facebook: “Thank you for today, the boys really enjoyed the petting zoo and pizza. Made the whole flu shot experience much more enjoyable”.
The clinic was also an opportunity for some Tharawal AMS patients to keep their shingles, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines up-to-date. It was one of several SWSLHD flu vaccination clinics being held across the region this month.”
If you’d like to know more about getting vaccinated this winter, visit their website: Your 2025 guide to winter vaccines: Flu, COVID-19 and RSV | South Western Sydney PHN
Children at the petting zoo, during a vaccination program in Tharawal
“Anything with mob is where my passion lies” – graduate paying it forward in her community
GO Foundation alumni Makayla Rodrigues wants others to know trusting your gut and backing yourself is the greatest form of self-investment.
The Gomeroi and Worimi woman recently completed her Social Work Bachelor’s degree and is working as a First Nations Community Development Worker at community counselling and support service Interrelate.
At the back end of high school, her scholarship with the GO Foundation helped with the transition into university life and studies – with the added complexities of COVID lockdowns.
“I got early entry into the University of Wollongong with no idea of what I needed for uni,” Ms Rodrigues told National Indigenous Times, with GO’s financial support allowing for her to buy her first laptop and set up for studying at home.
“It definitely made a massive difference for me.”
Founded in 2009 by AFL greats Michael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes, GO Foundation has awarded scholarships to close to 2000 students since 2014 across their footprint in Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra. 664 students, according to last year’s impact report, were supported in 2024.
Read the full article here
Makayla Rodrigues – Image: GO Foundation.
Matty Mills: Championing mental health in First Nations and queer communities
Content warning: this article contains reference to suicide. Please refer to the services at the bottom of this article for support.
Returning for his second year, TV presenter and proud Kamilaroi man Matty Mills brings a deeply personal connection to The Push-Up Challenge, a cause close to his heart as he has been directly impacted by suicide and, as a queer First Nations man, understands the confronting intersection of suicide statistics within his community.
Highlighting the harrowing reality that suicide is the leading cause of death for young First Nations men under 25, Matty sees the challenge as an opportunity to do his part and use his platform for good, aligning with his belief in movement as medicine, having long found strength and mental well-being through physical activity as an outlet for past trauma and a way to maintain his best self.
Read the full article here
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)
Image: Matty Mills
New journals to support Indigenous mums through pregnancy and motherhood
After more than a decade in women’s health, proud Gamilaroi woman Darinka Ondrovic has launched a new range of antenatal journals to support First Nations women during pregnancy.
Ms Ondrovic, who was born and raised on Wiradjuri Country in Dubbo, NSW, said the journals offer a space for cultural connection, emotional reflection, and strength.
Each page includes culturally safe guidance, wellbeing prompts, and artwork reflecting the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Ms Ondrovic said the journals were developed to support women during an important time in their lives.
“Our women deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported during such a sacred time,” she said.
“These journals are created to walk beside them, honouring culture and tradition while supporting health and wellbeing.”
Read the full article here.
Gamilaroi woman Darinka Ondrovic has launched antenatal journals to support Indigenous mums.
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.
NACCHO Governance Program Workshop
Specialised governance workshops for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations will be delivered in multiple locations during 2024 to 2025.
See all dates and details here
