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e-bulletin
The Aboriginal health fortnightly e-bulletin disseminates up-to-date, key information to people interested and working in Aboriginal health.
If you would like to submit an article please complete the template below and submit it via email to aboriginalhealth.ebulletin@health.vic.gov.au by midday on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The e-bulletin will be published the following Thursday.
Aboriginal health e-bulletin template
You may also use this email address to subscribe or unsubscribe from the mailing list.
For further information please contact:
Jonas Marasigan
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 8614
Email: jonas.marasigan@health.vic.gov.au
17 November 2011
- Seminar Series: 2011-2012 Reconciliation Action Plan - Providing opportunities to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through football, education and training programs
- On Friday 28 October 2011, approximately 50 staff members from the Department of Health and Department of Human Services attended a seminar as part of a seminar series for the 2011-2012 Reconciliation Action Plan.
The Seminar was held in the Kevin Coombs OAM Conference Room on level 1, 50 Lonsdale Street.
Chris Johnson and Narelle Long from the Australian Football League (AFL) Indigenous Program were guest speakers at the seminar. Chris and Narelle presented on the success of the AFL Indigenous Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The seminar highlighted the AFL's endeavour to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a variety of roles and capacities across all levels and areas within the AFL. They are also looking at partnering with Netball Australia with a focus on supporting and encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females to get involved in the sport.
Contact person: Janannie Blair
Contact phone: 9096 9389
Contact email:janannie.blair@health.vic.gov.au
Web links: docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/Reconciliation-Action-Plan - Reconciliation Action Plan 2011-2012 launch and new Conference room name for 1.01
- On Wednesday 12 October, the Department of Health and Department of Human Services launched the Reconciliation Action Plan 2011–2012 (the RAP).
The RAP was launched by Arthur Rogers, Executive Director Housing and Community Building, Department of Human Services and Fran Thorn, Secretary, Department of Health, in conjunction with the formal naming of the Kevin Coombs OAM Conference Room, formerly room 1.01 at 50 Lonsdale Street. Aunty Di Kerr, Wurundjeri Elder, began proceedings with a warm Welcome to Country. Fran Thorn, Secretary Department of Health discussed the highlights frm the inaugural RAP and spoke about the importance of celebrating the significant contribution Aboriginal people have made and continue to make in Victoria.
The announcement of the Kevin Coombs OAM Conference Room was accompanied with the unveiling of a plaque in honour of Kevin Coombs OAM. The naming of conference rooms is a continuing action of the RAP 2011-12 to honour Aboriginal people who have made a significant contribution to the work of both departments.
Nominations are open to include traditional Victorian Aboriginal language names and names of significant Aboriginal sites.
The RAP demonstrates both departments' ongoing commitment to reconciliation and staff are encouraged to read and engage with the latest plan.
Contact person: Janannie Blair
Contact phone: 9096 9389
Contact email: Janannie.Blair@health.vic.gov.au
Web links: www.health.vic.gov.au/aboriginalhealth/publications
4 October 2011
- More opportunities to yarn
- The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is a free web resource for anyone working in or studying Indigenous health. The resource now has three more online yarning places.
Yarning places are electronic networks that help you keep in touch with people across the country who work in the same area. Members use the yarning places to: stay connected; share information, knowledge and experiences; ask questions; solve problems and network.
The three new yarning places are for eye health, kidney health and physical activity. They are free to join. Please see the link below.
Tara Hoyne
Telephone: (61 8) 9370 6109
Email: t.hoyne@ecu.edu.au
Website: http://www.yarning.org.au/ - Ngurungaeta Males and Fathers Group - four years on
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Ngurungaeta Males and Fathers Group is a support group that brings together up to 30 Aboriginal men in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne.
The group supports the men by:- connecting them to Aboriginal culture through art and dance
- providing a space to yarn about their personal difficulties
- providing information about drug and alcohol support services including rehabilitation and counselling
Rob Patton or Uncle Phil
Telephone: 0417158341 or 0457 069 664
Email: Rob.patton@bchs.org.au or Ngurrungaeta@gmail.com
8 September 2011
- ‘Indigie Grins’ Indigenous Youth Dental Health Project
- ‘Indigie Grins’ is a 12 month research project funded by Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV). It aims to improve the oral health of Indigenous youth aged 5 - 12 years in rural Western Victoria.
‘Indigie Grins’ is led by Western District Health Service in partnership with the Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne and Winda Mara Aboriginal Cooperative.
This project hypothesises that the oral health of Indigenous children can be improved by making linkages between indigenous health care workers and non-indigenous oral health services.
Participants are provided with specific Indigenous-friendly oral health care products, information and education and have contact with Indigenous health care workers and dental therapists The project includes research on Indigenous cultural values, beliefs and meanings regarding oral health
The research is near completion. It has already:- provided critical information about the state of oral health in Indigenous children in western Victoria
- led to an increase in access to, counselling, women’s health and men’s health services by children’s families.
Stuart Willder
Telephone: 0408393347
Email: Stuart.willder@wdhs.net
Website: www.wdhs.net.au
11 August 2011
- Our Journey, my story, in honour of Doc - Aboriginal Palliative Care
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Ballarat and District Division of General Practice and Aboriginal and Palliative Care stakeholders worked together to develop a DVD that captures an Aboriginal woman's perspective of her palliative care experience. The DVD highlights lessons learnt by the health professional team that cared for her.
The DVD demonstrates how health professionals can tailor services to meet the cultural, social, emotional and spiritual needs of Aboriginal people.
Yvette Sarra
Telephone: (61 3) 5331 6303
Email: yvettes@bddgp.org.au
- Indigenous Affairs Report 2009-10 released
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The Indigenous Affairs Report 2009-10 was released on 1 June 2011. In the report, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs sets out the Victorian Government's intentions in regard to Aboriginal affairs. The report's release demonstrates the government's commitment to closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.
The report covers progress against indicators under the current Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework. It indicates there has been a steady increase in the participation of Aboriginal people in Victoria in education.
The Victorian Government also recently announced the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework will be reviewed. The outcomes of the review will be reflected in future Indigenous Affairs reports.
Email: Hard copies of the report can be requested by emailing aboriginal.affairs@dpcd.vic.gov.au
Website: Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2009-10
Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2009-10 Part 1
Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2009-10 Part 2
Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2009-10 Part 3
Previous Indigenous Affairs Reports can be viewed on the Department of Planning and Community Development Publications page. - Closing the Gap Clearinghouse
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The Closing the Gap Clearinghouse provides access to information on what works to overcome Indigenous disadvantage.
The Clearinghouse collection includes publications relevant to the Council of Australian Governments Building Blocks for overcoming Indigenous disadvantage. The Building Blocks include: Early childhood; schooling; health; economic participation; healthy homes; safe communities; and governance and leadership.
The Closing the Gap Clearinghouse is a Council of Australian Governments initiative jointly funded by all Australian Governments. It is delivered by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Website: http://www.aihw.gov.au/closingthegap/
7 July 2011
- Providing culturally and clinically appropriate healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) online activity: Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness in general practice is a six hour educational activity to help general practice teams and medical students enhance their cultural awareness. Funded by the Department of Health and Ageing, it is available from the College free of charge to general practices wishing to meet the cultural awareness training requirements of the Indigenous Health Incentive.
The online activity is also available to primary healthcare professionals and students wanting to learn how attitudes and behaviours can affect the provision of appropriate healthcare in the general practice setting. The activity explores the barriers to optimal health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Contact phone: 03 8699 0499 or toll free 1800 000 251
Contact email: contactus@gplearning.com.au
Website: www.racgp.org.au/aboriginalhealth
- Developmental review of the ICAP and KMHLO programs
- A developmental review of the Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients (ICAP) program and the Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer (KMHLO) program was completed in June 2011. The review’s final report is now available. The report identifies strategic directions recommending these two programs work more closely together. The report will be used to inform the planning and delivery of high quality, culturally responsive health services for Aboriginal people.
For copies of the final report from the review, please contact the Aboriginal Health Branch on (03) 9096 8614 Contact person: Raelene Lesniowska and Leanne Bird, Senior ICAP Policy Advisors
Contact phone: (03) 9096 1001, (03) 9096 0294
16 June 2011
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples health assessments
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Health assessments are available for all Aboriginal Victorians under the Commonwealth Government’s Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
An information sheet on MBS health assessments can be found on the Aboriginal Health website.
The MBS health assessment item helps ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive primary health care matched to their needs.
Website: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/aboriginalhealth/publications/publications.htm - Aboriginal Spectacle Subsidy Scheme
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The Department of Health has funded the Australian College of Optometry to roll out the Aboriginal Spectacle Subsidy Scheme over the next two and a half years.
The Scheme provides Aboriginal patients with a pair of frames from a specifically designed range with prescribed lens, for a patient contribution of ten dollars. The Scheme is accessible through services currently visited by the Australian College of Optometry, and selected practitioners in rural Victoria.
For further information on how to access the Aboriginal Spectacle Subsidy Scheme, please call Tim Fricke at the Australian College of Optometry on 9349 7533.
Kate Berry
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 6981
Email: Kate.Berry@health.vic.gov.au
Website: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/aboriginalhealth/programs/eyes.htm - Evidence-based oral health promotion resource
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A new oral health promotion resource, with a section committed to Aboriginal health, has been developed by the Victorian Department of Health.
Based on a systematic literature review, the resource:- presents compelling evidence on why action on oral health promotion is needed
- describes oral diseases and their causes plus the common risk factors between oral and other diseases
- identifies the most effective population and individual prevention strategies
- suggests program planning and evaluation processes
- refers to oral health promotion issues
To access the resource visit the website below or email evidence.evaluation@health.vic.gov.au for hard copies.
John Rogers
Evidence and Evaluation Unit. Prevention and Population Health Branch
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 0345
Email: John.Rogers@health.vic.gov.au
Website: www.health.vic.gov.au/healthpromotion/evidence_res/evidence_index.htm - Health InfoNet
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The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, is a comprehensive web resource dedicated to Australian Indigenous health to support improving health outcomes. HealthInfoNet encourages and supports information-sharing among practitioners, policy-makers and others working to improve Indigenous health. HealthInfoNet is a not-for-profit service.
Tara Hoyne
Telephone: (61 3) 9370 6109
Email: t.hoyne@ecu.edu.au
Website: http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/
1 June 2011
- Life is health is life: Aboriginal health promotion resource
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Life is health is life provides information and guidance for action to improve the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal Victorians. It brings together stories of promising health promotion practice from across Victoria and a review of the scientific literature. It provides the evidence for effective interventions that can be used in health promotion planning. This resource is designed for people who work in community and women’s health services, Aboriginal community controlled health services and local government. It will also be useful to others who are working to close the gap.
For electronic copies, see the web link below.
For hard copies, please see contact details below.
Jonas Marasigan
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 8614
Email: jonas.marasigan@health.vic.gov.au
Website: www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/en/Publications/Health-Inequalities/Life-is-health-is-life.aspx - Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA)
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In March 2011, Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association’s (LEAHA) application for ACCHO membership with VACCHO was approved.
As a member of VACCHO, LEAHA will benefit from access to information and services, including attendance to and voting rights at VACCHO’s member meetings, access to VACCHO training and education and input into VACCHO consultations.
LEAHA is an Aboriginal community controlled Incorporated Association It works closely with the local community to improve and increase service access for Aboriginal people to local health services. LEAHA has secured funding to operate programs/projects from the new LEAHA Community Health Centre.
LEAHA has made significant steps towards providing a service to the local community and works in close partnership with Gippsland Lakes Community Health.
Paula Morgan
Telephone: (61 3) 5155 8309
Email: paulam@glch.org.au - Indigenous Parental and Community Engagement (PaCE) Program
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The Australian Government is funding the new PaCE program. This is a community driven program for parents/caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 0-19 years.
PaCE aims to support activities that help parents/caregivers to participate in educational decision making, develop partnerships with education providers and improve educational outcomes for children.
Please see the PaCE weblink below for more information about the program and the guidelines.
Brian Hyde, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Telephone: (61 3) 9954 2825
Email: brian.hyde@deewr.gov.au
Website: www.deewr.gov.au/pace - Learning how to care for Aboriginal people in their end of life journey
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The Victorian Government funds the Victorian Aboriginal Palliative Care Program. This program aims to create a sustainable and culturally safe palliative care service system for Aboriginal people across Victoria to access palliative care services in a setting of their preference.
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) manages the program.
A part of the program provides Aboriginal Health Workers with opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills in working with people with chronic and/or advanced illness through clinical placements and workshops.
Clinical placements and workshops are now available.
Ellen Sheridan (DH)Cherie Waight (VACCHO)Telephone: (61 3) 9096 5296Telephone: (61 3) 9419 3350Email: CherieW@vaccho.com.au - Second funding round for Local Community Campaigns
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A second round of grants for the Australian Government’s Local Community Campaigns to Promote Better Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program opens on 13 June and closes on 30 September 2011.
Local Community Campaigns are grass roots campaigns that deliver healthy lifestyle messages to tackle chronic disease. This funding is for communities to develop their own Local Community Campaign project to promote and reinforce messages about healthy lifestyle choices within their community.
Further information on the grants program can be accessed at: http://livelonger.health.gov.au/grant-funding.html
Email: localcommunitycampaigns@health.gov.au
Website: http://livelonger.health.gov.au/grant-funding.html - 2011 Deadly Awards
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The Deadly Awards recognise the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to their community and to Australian society. The Deadly Awards showcase the outstanding achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and provides identifiable national and local role models to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
There are two awards specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health:- Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
- Health worker of the year
Nominations are for achievements occurring from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011.
Email: deadlys@vibe.com.au
Website: http://www.vibe.com.au/events/deadly.html - New Guidelines and Strategic Directions for the Aboriginal Health Promotion and Chronic Care Partnership (AHPACC) initiative
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Following an extensive review conducted during 2010-11, new guidelines and strategic directions for the AHPACC initiative have now been published.
The new guidelines identify six core activities that will define the AHPACC initiative. These activities were found to be common in successful existing AHPACC partnerships.
Fifty percent of funded service hours will be allocated to ‘service and program delivery for the Aboriginal community’, and the remainder will be directed towards five other activities: community engagement; new settings for health services and programs; organisational change and development; workforce development; and ‘partnerships and inter-sectoral collaboration’.
The guidelines are now available on the Aboriginal Health Branch website.
23 May 2011
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project - National Consultation Workshops 2011
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Health Workforce Australia (HWA) is holding 12 National Consultation Workshops across Australia between 16 May and 8 July 2011. Victorian workshops will be held in Melbourne on 14 June 2011 and Mildura on 16 June 2011.
The project aims to identify how the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker workforce can be strengthened to deliver care to help meet the health and service needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
If you are interested in participating, please visit the weblink below to register.
Project manager – Pat Maher
Freecall: 1800 707 351
Website: http://www.hwa.gov.au/atsihwconsultations - Weenthunga Health Network - open to all
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Weenthunga Health Network Inc is a new Victorian network for all health professionals, practitioners and workers with a desire to see improved health of Aboriginal Australians living in Victoria.
Lin Oke, Executive Officer
Telephone: +61 (0)414 473 482
Email: lin@weenthunga.com.au
Website: www.weenthunga.com.au
11 May 2011
- Well for Life – funding available for older Aboriginal people
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Aged Care Branch is pleased to announce $280,000 as part of the Well for Life program to improve the physical activity, nutrition and emotional and spiritual wellbeing of older Aboriginal Victorians.
This is the first time Well for Life has specifically targeted older Aboriginal people in Victoria.
The Well for Life approach focuses on health promoting activities and opportunities for partnerships between organisations. It has a strong focus on supporting agencies and their staff to enhance older people’s health and wellbeing, and promotes long term change.
Sonya Ellmers
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 8770
Email: sonya.ellmers@health.vic.gov.au
Website: www.health.vic.gov.au/agedcare/maintaining/wellforlife - Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections - Clinical Management in General Practice - Engaging your Aboriginal clients course
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Date: Saturday 28 May 2011
Venue: RACP Level 2, 417 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Time: 8.30am – 4:30pm (Lunch provided)
This is a FREE course
Priority will be given to GPs however nurses and allied health workers are also invited.
This course provides an overview of the epidemiology, testing principles, pathogenesis, natural history and treatment of HIV, hepatitis B and C infections and common sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Aboriginal populations.
Sexual history, taking and performing a sexual risk assessment will also be covered and cultural competency will be discussed in detail throughout the course. The course has a regional and local focus, providing an overview of local service provision and referral pathways within the area. It will outline the public health aspects and clinical management of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and STIs and advocates for a proactive approach to health care and evidence-based practice.
Approved with ACRRM for 8 Core PDP Points
Approved by RACGP for 40 Category 1 QI&CPD Points
Arnawaz Merchant
Telephone: (61 2) 8204 0767
Email: arnawaz.merchant@ashm.org.au
Website: Register online at: www.ashm.org.au/courses
Registrations Close: Friday 20 May 2011 - Developmental Research to inform the Local Indigenous Community Campaigns to Promote Better Health
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In November 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a $1.6 billion National Partnership Agreement (NPA) to close the life expectancy gap within a generation. The Australian Government will contribute $805.5 million over four years from 2009-10 to the NPA in the form of its Indigenous Chronic Disease Package. To increase the understanding of risk factors and knowledge of how health services can help prevent or better manage chronic disease, the Australian Government has embarked on the development and implementation of the Local
Indigenous Community Campaigns to Promote Better Health measure (the Local CommunityCampaigns measure).
It is envisaged that through these partnerships health messages and promotions will be reinforced, leading over time to gradual improvements in Indigenous people’s health behaviours and greater use of health services to prevent and better manage chronic disease.
The Department of Health and Ageing commissioned Winangali and the Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute (Ipsos-Eureka) in October 2009 to undertake a research program to provide recommendations for the development of local social marketing campaigns.
Website: www.health.gov.au - Developmental Research to inform the National Action to Reduce Smoking Rates Social Marketing Campaign
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Tobacco smoking is a significant contributor to poor Indigenous health outcomes and estimated to account for 20% of Indigenous deaths. In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments agreed to a $1.6 billion National Partnership Agreement (NPA) to address Indigenous disadvantage. The Australian Government will contribute $805.5 million to the NPA over four years from 2009-10 in the form of its Indigenous Chronic Disease Package. As part of this package of initiatives, the Government is funding the rollout of a national network of regional tobacco coordinators and tobacco action workers. This measure also incorporates a range
of community-based support activities.
To inform the development of anti-smoking social marketing campaigns, the Department of Health and Ageing commissioned Winangali and the Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute in October 2009 to undertake a large scale qualitative research program.
Website: www.health.gov.au
