Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Statement about Associate Professor Boe Rambaldini’s commitment & service

The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales (AH&MRC) acknowledges Associate Professor Boe Rambaldini’s commitment and service over many decades to Aboriginal people, Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal health, and Aboriginal health research.

That included the short time that Boe spent as the Chief Executive Officer of AH&MRC.

AH&MRC regrets the circumstances which led to Boe’s employment coming to an end.

The Board is aware that there were reports of allegations of misconduct by Boe in his employment. The Board does not endorse those reports. Boe resigned from his employment with AH&MRC.

AH&MRC and Boe have settled proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia.

 

Capacity Building seminars – July & August

The next seminar The cultural and historical contexts of Aboriginal people and genomic research will be over two sessions (July and August).

This seminar contributes to an ongoing learning process about the historical and cultural contexts of Genomic research and Indigenous people in Australia.

  • How has western science impacted Aboriginal people?
  • How can we begin to address this legacy ?
  • How can Aboriginal knowledges inform our work?

Over two presentations we will begin to explore these questions and more

Presenter: Amanda Richards-Satour

Part 1: 30 July 2024
Part 2: 27 August 2024

Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/host/align-management-team

The National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities

Face-to-face consultation sessions are being held with a range of stakeholders, including with remote communities between July and August 2024. Consultation will be facilitated by PwC Indigenous Consulting. 

NSW has been allocated a face-to-face session, a ‘Hub Forum’ scheduled to take place in Walgett on July 25th, at the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Community Hall from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

For those unable to attend the ‘Hub Forum’, we strongly encourage providing feedback via online submissions by email to RemoteFSConsultations@niaa.gov.au.

Online submissions are currently open until 11th of August 2024.

FASD Strong Born Community Grant closes 19 July!

NACCHO invites applications for the third round of the FASD Strong Born Campaign grants. ACCHOs can apply for funding to raise awareness, enhance resources, and strengthen workforce capability around fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). 

Funding and Activities: ACCHOs can apply for grants of up to $60,000 (GST excl.), depending on annual client numbers. Example activities include:

  • Creating locally relevant communications materials and resources by using existing ‘Strong Born’ campaign materials. This covers translation services, design, printing, and publishing costs.
  • Hosting FASD community events and yarning circles.
  • Conducting FASD information and awareness sessions for staff and community members.

Refer to the funding guidelines for more information on eligible activities. 

Eligibility:
All ACCHOs are strongly encouraged to apply, regardless of whether they currently deliver FASD-specific programs or received funding under Grant Rounds 1 or 2 in 2023. 

Timeline: 

  • Applications Open: 26 June 2024
  • Applications Due: 19 July 2024, 23:00 AEST / 11pm Canberra time
  • Applicants Notified: August 2024
  • Implementation Period: September 2024 to May 2025

How to Apply:
To apply, please complete the short application form, below. Key documents to assist with the application process include: 

Questions:
Please reach out to the NACCHO FASD Grants team at fasdprograms@naccho.org.au with any questions – we are here to help! 

KARI 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner

Join KARI on Friday, October 25, 2024 as they gather at The ICC Sydney to commemorate their incredible journey over the past 25 years.

Come together to celebrate their significant achievements, pause for reflection, and express gratitude to all who have contributed to our journey past, present, and future.

Buy your ticket here. 

2024 National Carer Survey

Are you aged 16-25, and supporting a family member or friend living with a disability, health condition, mental illness, or who is ageing?

Share your experiences in the 2024 National Carer Survey!

This year there are specific questions for young carers, and an optional shorter path through the Survey to encourage more young people to participate. Young carers can also enter a prize draw for a chance to win a $200 gift voucher, with 3 prizes drawn in each state and territory. The National Carer Survey enables young carers to have their say, and helps everyone better understand the experiences and support needs of young carers.

Results are used by the State and Territory Carer Organisations to improve awareness of young carers and the supports available to them. Help make a positive difference for young carers by completing the Survey at www.nationalcarersurvey.com.au by 31 July 2024.

For more information about the National Carer Survey, please visit www.carersnsw.org.au/research/survey or email research@carersnsw.org.au

Shield yourself from shingles

If you’re 50 years or older, shield yourself from shingles.

If you’ve had chickenpox before, you could get shingles. It can be really nasty; especially if you’re older or if your immune system is weak. The good news is, there’s a safe and effective shingles vaccine that can shield you from shingles. It’s free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over.

Yarn with your health professional about your eligibility for the free shingles vaccine.

WATCH Adrian, from Bundjalung, Minjungbal, and Coodingburra Country, shares his experience with shingles.

LISTEN as health professionals answer common questions about shingles and the shingles vaccine.
GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED learn more about the shingles vaccine by reading the simple factsheet with more information.
FIND A CLINIC use NACCHO’s map to find an Aboriginal Medical Service near you.

Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Training

Rosemary founded the Healing Centre for GriefologyTM in 1993 and in 2018 was accepted into the Master of Philosophy at University of Adelaide.

Suicide rates among Aboriginal communities are devastatingly high, and the traditional approaches to understanding and preventing suicide seem inadequate. The lack of culturally sensitive and effective methods has left many feeling lost and without proper support.

Generations have suffered the pain of losing loved ones to suicide, feeling hopeless in the face of this ongoing crisis. The existing strategies have failed to address the deep-rooted causes and provide sustainable solutions, leaving communities in a perpetual state of grief.

Griefology for Prevention

Introducing the Griefology Framework by Rosemary – a groundbreaking approach that not only sheds light on the underlying causes of suicides but also offers a path to prevention. With over 30 years of experience in supporting individual with suicidal ideations, Rosemary’s methodology goes beyond theory; it is born out of real-life experience. Her research has been published, peer-reviewed and proven effective in bridging the bap between understanding and action. Embrace Griefology to honour those we’ve lost and pave the way for a brighter, safer future for Aboriginal communities.

PERTH | July 24th
HOBART | August 14th
SYDNEY | August 28th
ADELAIDE | September 11th
BRISBANE | September 25th
CANBERRA | October 30th
VICTORIA | November 20th

Cost: $985 plus GST

Click here to book.

Upcoming Benchmarque Courses

Course in Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation)

Date: Tuesday 24 September
Time: 9am – 4pm
Venue: Noah’s On the Beach, Newcastle. 29 Zaara St Newcastle 2300
Cost: $500 (including GST)

Value for Organisations

Building the skillset required to confidently support Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation) and improve Ear Health Assessment focussing on safe clinical practice. Be workplace ready to understand the changing treatment considerations and processes.

Register HERE early as places are limited and will fill quickly.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the basic anatomy and function of the ear including the basic landmarks of the tympanic membrane
• Assess the ear to define the appropriate wax management decision, identify the risks and risk management considerations.
• Recognise complications of ear irrigation, and appropriate management, documentation, and follow up processes.
• Understand the competencies required for successful ear irrigation.
For further information, please visit the website or contact us.

Course in Ear Wax Removal (Microsuction)

Date: Wednesday 25 September
Time: 9am – 4pm
Venue: Noah’s On the Beach, Newcastle. 29 Zaara St Newcastle 2300
Cost: $500 (including GST)

Register HERE early as places are limited and will fill quickly.

Value for Organisations

Microsuction is a strategic treatment option for ear health, whether it is a foreign body or wax removal that is required. This course requires a strong understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ear. Build the knowledge of when to use microsuction, as a technique, with practice and assessments using mannequins to enhance capability, and strengthen patient care.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess and determine factors that affect ear and hearing health in relation to microsuction
• Assess the client’s physical and pathophysiological auditory status and seek advice where appropriate
• Perform ear canal microsuctioning procedures when deemed appropriate and safe.

As an RACGP accredited provider, our Course in Ear Wax Removal (Microsuction) is the first of our courses to be RACGP accredited activity. We are accredited in:
• Reviewing Performance – 2 Hours
• Educational Activities – 2.5 Hours

We are also a CPD Home Certified Learning Provider and our Course in Ear Wax Removal (Microsuction) is an Accredited CPD Activity.

Maaruma-Li Aboriginal Corporation Family Day

AH&MRC attended Maruuma-Li Aboriginal Corporation (MLAC) in Coonabrarabran in collaboration with Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service (TAMS) to assist with NAIDOC community day events. The primary purpose of this visit was to support MLAC by conducting health checks for the community, demonstrating to potential funders the need for Aboriginal health services in Coonabrarabran. 

In addition to health checks, we engaged with community members to understand their health concerns, promoted the importance of regular check-ups, and distributed health education materials. Promotional stalls were set up for the “Our Healthy Kids” program to engage families and promote child health, as well as for sexual health and ear health promotional materials. The NAIDOC day communty event saw significant participation, highlighting demand for health services. The collected data will be help for advocating increased funding and support for MLAC.

On the day we had 22 individuals see a Dr and a further 6 had an assessment.

A massive shoutout to Paige Dowd, from Maruuma-Li Aboriginal Corporation and Katrina Millgate, Breanna Sanderson, Dr. Ruoshi Cui of Tamworth AMS.