Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Author: Ashleigh Brissett

Healthy Eating, Active Living

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

BlaQ are excited to announce that we will soon be launching a 3-week healthy eating, active living (HEAL) intensive program starting Nov 18!

The HEAL program will cover:

✔️ Fitness Classes ran by the NCIE team to suit all levels of fitness
✔️ Food and Nutrition classes led by Aunty Beryl Van Oploo OAM
✔️ Practical cooking skills classes, featuring a fantastic menu and instruction by Indigenous catering company Yaama Bargay

Plus more! 

✔️Mindfulness and meditation
✔️ Health and wellbeing sessions
✔️ Life skills classes

Who’s it for?

The program is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to learn more about how they can live a healthier and more active lifestyle. If you know someone who would benefit from this program, please pass this information on to them! (Please note, you must be 16+ to attend.)

The HEAL program is completely FREE and kicks off Monday 18th November.  It will run Monday to Thursday for three weeks.

  • Mondays – 10 am to 12:30 pm
  • Tuesdays – 10 am to 3:00 pm (and will include cooking classes)
  • Wednesdays – 10 am to 3:00 pm (and will include cooking classes)
  • Thursdays – 10 am to 12:30 pm

Places are limited so don’t miss out! 

For more info and to sign up, click here.

Anselm John Delaney

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

On behalf of The AHMRC, it is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Anselm John Delaney, a proud Kamilaroi man and an inspiring leader and advocate for his people.

Born in 1934 on Burra Bee Dee Mission, John’s journey began in a family that carried the stories of land and resilience; deeply connected to Land Rights history, encouraged by legends like Jack Patten, William Cooper, William Ferguson, and Aunty Pearl Gibbs. His work, particularly with Aboriginal Health Services, was personal as well as professional. John was instrumental in building community capacity in many organisations and was involved with AHMRC for many years.

John’s legacy is one of dedication to Aboriginal rights and well-being. A former Councillor for the Western Metropolitan region of NSWALC and a member of the first elected NSWALC Council, John fought passionately for Aboriginal Health, Land Rights, Housing, Medical, Legal and Children’s Services, as well as Cultural Heritage and Business Development.

John’s contributions extended far beyond any single role. He served on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) for nine years, three of those as Chairperson of the Sydney Region, where he pushed for the Government to adopt the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Through his leadership on ATSIC’s Sydney Region, his advocacy on the National Health & Medical Council, and his work with numerous Aboriginal Health and Housing Boards, John’s contributions were immense.

As Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Heritage Committee, board member of Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service, and founding board member of Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation and Daruk Aboriginal Medical Service, John’s commitment to improving health services and cultural preservation will be felt for generations to come.

Rest peacefully in the Dreamtime Anselm John Delany, thank you for making the world a better place for Aboriginal people.

Cannabis and tobacco use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood: Webinar

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The Jumbunna sessions are a series of dedicated professional development webinars presented by the Training Support Unit (TSU) for multidisciplinary staff working in the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) and Building Strong Foundations (BSF) teams and interested healthcare colleagues supporting and partnering with Aboriginal families.

  • Event start date: 
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  • Event Categories: Health; Rural & Remote

The Training Support Unit (TSU) presents a Jumbunna webinar focused on the effects of cannabis and tobacco use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and early childhood.

REGISTER HERE

The Jumbunna Sessions are a series of dedicated webinars for multidisciplinary health professionals working in the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) and Building Strong Foundations (BSF) teams.

Early exposure to cannabis and tobacco in the first 2000 days can have lasting effects on fetal development, infant health and early childhood development. Join Dr Ju-Lee Oei, Neonatologist at Royal Hospital for Women and Conjoint Professor at University of New South Wales, to explore the latest research on this topic.

The presentation will also showcase the ‘Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Program’ and provide an update on the refresh of the ‘Yarning about Quitting’ module in My Health Learning.

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the effects of cannabis use in the first 2000 days of life and its potential impacts on families.
  • Discuss the role of the ‘Substance use in Pregnancy and Parenting Program’ and how they work in partnership with AMIHS and BSF services.

Health Policy and Planning at the University of Sydney

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Apply now to study Health Policy and Planning at the University of Sydney

Applications to commence postgraduate study in Health Policy and Planning in Semester 1 2024 are now open and close on 31st January 2024.

Hosted by the Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, the program is designed for those who are working in or planning a career in health policy, and who are wanting to extend their knowledge of health systems, health leadership, policy development and agenda setting, as well as the practicalities of decision making in an organisational context.

As a critical foundation in health policy and planning, the degree includes Health Policy and Economics, Health Systems and Financing, Health Policy Analysis, Evidence in Policy and Practice, Global Health Policy, and the Health Policy Project, the capstone undertaken in your final semester. The Menzies Centre offers electives for your selection and you have access to many more in the Sydney School of Public Health.

Throughout this program, students work closely with experts in the public, private and non-government sectors to gain an understanding of roles in the health system, and build national and international professional networks.  Graduates of this program are equipped to work at a high level across the health sector, whether it be in government and policy and planning roles, leading health services, or working in advocacy, strategy, political advisory, regulation, or business development.

The accelerated Master in Health Policy and Planning program is 1-year full-time, or equivalent part-time degree and builds on your existing experience. The program is supported by our interactive online learning environment. The program is offered at three award levels – graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master’s degree to suit your professional and personal needs. These three courses are embedded, allowing you to step from one to the next at your own pace.

Webinar – Find out more below

We will be holding a webinar on Monday, 18 November 1-2 pm (AEDT) where Professor Andrew Wilson and Dr Gai Moore will talk about what the program offers, as well as providing opportunities to ask any questions you have about the program.  Available scholarship information will be provided during the webinar.

Register in advance for the webinar.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss study options you can also get in touch with Dr Gabriel Moore on gabriel.moore@sydney.edu.au

AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The AMA recognises the critical importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in contributing to better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Established in 1994, the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship contributes to growing the number of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors by supporting First Nations people who are studying a medical degree at an Australian university.

The scholarship targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students who demonstrate a commitment to their community and to medicine, and who may not have the financial means to realise their dream.

The value of the scholarship is currently $11,000 per annum, which is awarded for the full course of a medical degree, subject to the conditions of award.

Click here to find out everything you need to know about the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship.

Boosting Smoking and Vaping Cessation in Aboriginal Communities: Key Insights from Recent Survey

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Thank-you to the staff from our member services who completed the AH&MRC survey titled “Smoking and Vaping Cessation Support: A Gap Analysis”.

The information from respondents revealed critical gaps in the support for smoking and vaping cessation efforts within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in NSW.  There is a clear and urgent need for enhanced training and resources. 

Key Findings: 

  • Training Needs: ACCHO staff require comprehensive training on smoking and vaping cessation, with a focus on the risks of vaping among youth. Regular refresher courses are essential to maintain high care standards. 
  • Resource Accessibility: Limited access to information on vaping risks and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) resources are significant barriers. 
  • Staffing and Capacity: Dedicated staff for cessation efforts are crucial for effective client support. 
  • Strategic Focus Areas: Early intervention and tailored training are necessary to address smoking and vaping as distinct challenges. Preventative initiatives like Yarning Circles are recommended to increase awareness of risks. 

The survey also highlighted a lack of awareness about the Aboriginal Tobacco Resistance and Control (ATRAC) framework, with 60% of respondents unfamiliar with the ATRAC Yarning Tool. 

Next Steps: To bridge these gaps, AH&MRC plans to partner with training providers to develop face-to-face and online modules, conduct workshops, and offer refresher courses. These initiatives aim to build staff confidence in discussing NRT and provide easy access to updated resources through an online hub. The benefits of cultural activities such as Yarning Circles will be highlighted and the ATRAC framework and program will be reviewed.  

If you would like further details of the survey or would like to provide further feedback, please email Arti Savidis asavidis@ahmrc.org.auor publichealth@ahmrc.org.au

Vape access—what has changed?

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

From 1 October 2024, vaping laws in Australia have changed. Vapes and vaping products can now only be sold in participating pharmacies. It is illegal for other retailers including tobacconists, convenience stores and online stores to sell any type of vape or vaping product.    

In NSW, it is now possible for people 18 years or over to purchase vapes with up to 20mg/mL of nicotine directly from a participating pharmacy without a prescription. A discussion with the pharmacist is required to access these vapes. People under 18 years will still need a prescription to purchase vapes to ensure they receive appropriate medical advice.   

For more information on the vape access changes, visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.    

To assist patients trying to stop smoking or vaping there are a number of resources:  

Please reach out to Publichealth@ahmrc.org.au if you would like further information. 

Enhancing Immunisation Efforts in 2024

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

In our September Newsletter, we highlighted the Immunisation Grants that AH&MRC provided to 18 member services to support their winter immunisation efforts in 2024. 

We are actively collecting feedback and success stories from ACCHOs that received the grant.  

Some of the effective strategies reported by ACCHOs included: 

  •  upskilling of registered nurses and Aboriginal health practitioners to become certified immunisers;  
  • one-on-one education sessions focused on vaccination awareness during community health days, and 
  •  incentives for community members who receive vaccinations.  

These locally designed strategies have proven successful in increasing immunisation participation rates The recent systematic review, ‘Strategies to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in First Nations peoples’ summarises how important using First Nations designed strategies were during COVID and AH&MRC is wanting to continue to support your community-driven immunisation strategies.

We are really looking forward to hearing from all our member services about your immunisation programs and learn from your experiences to better support your ACCHO in the coming year. 

To facilitate this, we invite you to complete a short survey where you can share any feedback, suggestions for improvement, and any specific requests to enhance our support. You can access the survey here:

Immunisation Activities – 2024 Winter Season 

We hope to collect valuable insights from all our member services and look forward to sharing success stories and highlights of immunisation programs taking place across our communities this year. Stay tuned! 

Stay Informed on COVID-19 Vaccination Updates

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Although rates are not high, we are still seeing COVID-19 in our communities with people presenting unwell to hospital emergency departments.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) should continue to encourage vaccination particularly to our elders and those with chronic disease. It is also important to make sure patients who are at risk of severe illness have a pathway to access a test if they have symptoms and anti-viral medication if they get COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 vaccine program continues to change and staying informed about the latest updates is important. Notably, starting October 11, the Commonwealth will no longer supply the 0.9% Sodium Chloride 10mL ampoule under the COVID-19 vaccination program. This means ACCHOs need to adjust their vaccine management practices. 

To help manage vaccine stock effectively, the COVID-19 Vaccine Administrative System (CVAS) is a great resource. It allows you to order and manage vaccine supplies, ensuring your ACCHO can continue to provide essential services without interruptions. To reduce wastage, consider ordering smaller quantities and transferring excess stock according to the COVID-19 Vaccine Transfer Policy. 

If you have any questions or need more information, contact the Vaccine Operations Centre on 1800 318 208. 

Additionally, resources like the “COVID-19 Vaccines in Australia”and the “Recommended COVID-19 Vaccine Doses” poster can help raise awareness in the community. It’s also beneficial for clinicians and ACCHOs to subscribe to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) updates, which provide the latest clinical and program guidance for delivering immunisation services. 

Let’s stay informed and continue protecting our communities! 

Cervical Screening Updates

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Self-collected cervical screening testing—let’s “Own It” 

The “Own It” campaign was launched in September to improve cervical screening rates in women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age. The “Own It” campaign celebrates empowerment and choice offered by self-collected swabs.  

Self-collection is: 

  • available for all (asymptomatic) women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 
  • just as sensitive for detecting HPV as a clinician-collected test taken with a speculum. 

For resources and more information, visit the “Own It” campaign webpage and the ACPCC Resource Hub for Health care providers.

Are Aboriginal Health Workers delivering self-collected cervical screening in your ACCHO?

To increase access to cervical screening across Australia, the Department of Health and Aged Care has engaged KPMG to develop Non-Medical Provider (NMP) Pathways for cervical screening tests.  

KPMG is looking for Aboriginal healthcare providers to participate in virtual interviews (up to 60 minutes) and co-design workshops to better understand how different stakeholders are currently supporting NMPs deliver cervical screening tests for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.   

This is an opportunity for the ACCHO sector to have input into this new care pathway so that it meets the needs of your workflow and is viable, sustainable and culturally safe for your communities.   

If you’re interested in being a participant or would like more information, please get in touch with Anna Jackson, Consultant in Health, Ageing and Human Services KPMG at ajackson14@kpmg.com.au or on 0450 004 252.