Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Author: Ashleigh Brissett

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.  

Upcoming webinars – Aboriginal Health Workforce Forum

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Aboriginal Health Workforce Forum    

Date: Friday 1 November  
Time: 12:00- 1:00PM AEST  
Cost: Free 

The National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) is holding an online forum and panel discussion on diabetes-related topics that impact First Nations People. The panellists will explore their journey, challenges, cultural influences and the impact of technology. 

This is a great opportunity for individuals living with diabetes, carers supporting a loved one, and healthcare workers to learn, connect, and support one another. 

For more information or to register, visit the registration page here. 

NSW Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program 2025 Webinar 

Date: Thursday 7 November 
Time: 6:00PM – 7:00PM  AEST  
Cost: Free 

NSW Health is holding a webinar on the NSW RSV prevention program 2025 that will outline the serious disease impact of RSV on infants and how vaccination through the prevention program via vaccination can address this.  

This one-hour webinar is open to all ACCHO staff and would be particularly beneficial for anyone interested or involved in providing care to pregnant women, newborn infants and children.  

To register or find out more about the webinar, click here. 

The webinar will also be recorded and made available on the NSW Health website.   

Eye Health 2024 Webinar series  

Date: Wednesday 13 November
Time: 1:00- 2:00PM AEST  
Cost: Free 

Ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14 November, NACCHO is holding the Eye Health and Diabetes Webinar in collaboration with Diabetes Australia. This is the next webinar in NACCHO’s Eye Health webinar series and will explore the importance of yearly eye checks, diabetes management and how ACCHOs can be supported by Diabetes Australia to help patient with diabetes and promote positive messages to communities.  

Register for the webinar here.  

Methamphetamine Treatment: New and Upcoming Research  

Date: Wednesday 27 November
Time: 12:00PM AEST  
Cost: Free 

The National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCCRED) is holding a webinar and virtual expert panel discussion on current and future research into methamphetamine treatment options in Australia and internationally.  

This webinar is open to all ACCHO staff who want to stay informed about methamphetamine treatment and research.  

Register for the webinar here.   

ATLAS Indigenous Primary Care Surveillance Workshop

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Our sexual health nurse Kodie and Dr Kath attended the ATLAS face-to-face workshop in Brisbane 14-15th October. 

ATLAS is a national surveillance and research network that is currently focused on collecting deidentified primary care data relating to STI and BBV testing and control. ATLAS is also extending its scope to include surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The ATLAS network is led by Professor James Ward, Director of the University of Queensland’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health who attended the workshop. 

During the workshop Kodie and Kath joined the ATLAS team, other ACCHO service providers and affiliate representatives from around Australia. It was an opportunity to share knowledge and suggest practical usage of the ATLAS dashboard to enhance STI/BBV screening and provide better health outcomes for our communities. They heard from Cath Kennedy, Data Analyst from our member service Maari Ma in Western NSW on the use of the ATLAS Network and how it supports their CQI activities. 

Every six months, ATLAS releases an individual report detailing 12 key STI and BBV performance measures for each health service. Access to the ATLAS dashboard also enables a snapshot of your services current screening and management (see snapshot example below).

If you are interested in joining the ATLAS Network please reach out to us at publichealth@ahmrc.org.au  

Could it be Syphilis?

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Syphilis is renowned as the ‘great imitator’. Patients can present with various clinical symptoms so it’s important that clinical staff don’t forget to consider syphilis as a possible diagnosis.

The current increase in syphilis notifications in NSW means it is very important that clinics have a low threshold for requesting syphilis testing – it’s a simple blood test that can be added to the request when other tests are being done. 

ASHM has recently released a clinical indicator tool for syphilis that can assist clinicians in diagnosis and management. 

If you have further concerns related to syphilis or other STIs including Mpox you can contact the Sexual Health InfoLine (SHIL) Health Professionals Line Monday-Friday from 9:00am-7:00pm on 1800 451 624. 

Mpox in NSW: Be Aware, Be Prepared!

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

We have continued to see a rise of Mpox cases within NSW. 

It’s important that people at high risk of Mpox infection get vaccinated. To check the recommendations for who should get an Mpox vaccination and where they can be vaccinated, find the latest NSW Health updates here.

NSW Health has also developed a suite of downloadable resources that you can share with your community. You can find them here or on the AH&MRC Member Portal. 

If you missed the NACCHO webinar on the ACCHO Mpox Update you can watch it here. The webinar describes where in Australia and which populations, are being diagnosed with Mpox. It also outlines the signs, symptoms, vaccination options and current Mpox management guidelines. 

ASHM is holding a webinar for GPs and Nurses on National Mpox Webinar: Vaccination and Testing on November 21st at 7pm. You can register for the webinar here.

AH&MRC also has Mpox resources that you can order directly by contacting Publichealth@ahmrc.org.au

Good Medicine Better Health – NACCHO eLearning

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) is a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited learning modules and consumer resources on a range of health topics.

These have been developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners and their communities to improve quality use of medicines and medical tests.

Prior to closing down in December 2022, NPS MedicineWise had developed these modules and resources in collaboration with NACCHO and various other organisations within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.

NACCHO will continue the GMBH program over the next two years with funding from the Department of Health and Aged Care under the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology Program (QUDTP).

Find out more here.

The Partnerships for Cancer Research

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The Australian Government is bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and the research sector to conduct innovative, First Nations-led cancer research through a new grant scheme and a $9.6 million investment.

The Partnerships for Cancer Research program will seek to improve cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by generating knowledge that informs inclusive and equitable cancer care while also building the capacity of the First Nations cancer research sector.

Delivered by Cancer Australia in collaboration with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), up to 12 community-based grants between $800,000 to $2.5 million will be awarded for projects up to three years. The program will fund translational, community-based cancer research projects across three areas – prevention and early detection, access to cancer care, and patient experiences and outcomes from diagnosis through to survivorship.

The grant funding is designed to support the establishment of new partnerships but also to strengthen existing collaborations between organisations committed to improving cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now and into the future.

Outcomes of these partnerships will include:

  1. improved health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by generating translational knowledge to inform equitable cancer care;
  2. building the research capacity and skills of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer workforce, including increasing research partnerships and collaborations;
  3. establishing governance arrangements that enable shared decision-making and increased involvement of communities in research co-design.

This investment is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities under the $238 million Improving First Nations Cancer Outcomes program announced by the Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care in the 2023-24 Budget.

This program includes $38.6 million provided to Cancer Australia to invest in First Nations-led cancer research, build the capacity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research sector and ensure mainstream cancer care services are culturally safe and accessible.

Applications are encouraged from partnerships that involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations collaborating with research groups and mainstream health services, working closely with communities.

Grant applications  are now open and will close on Wednesday, 12 February 2025.

For more information visit canceraustralia.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous, Health Ged Kearney MP:

“Cancer affects all Australians, but we know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often face worse outcomes. This program is about closing the gap by ensuring First Nations knowledge and voices are central to the research process and cancer care.

“As a nurse I know the importance of lived experience in health research. We’re including First Nations Australians and their unique lived experience to improve cancer outcomes and build the capacity of the First Nations cancer research sector.

“This grant opportunity presents a new and innovative approach to supporting cancer research in First Nations communities. I encourage interested organisations to seek out partners and make an application.”

Quote attributable to Adjunct Professor Jacinta Elston, Cancer Australia’s Advisor on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control:

“Through the Partnerships for Cancer Research grant program, we have a unique opportunity to transform cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By investing in community-based research and strengthening partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and mainstream cancer services, this grant program will empower our people, honour our knowledge, and build capacity for generations to come. It represents a vital step towards achieving equity in health outcomes and closing the gap in cancer care for our communities.”

Source: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-ged-kearney-mp/media/the-australian-government-investing-in-first-nations-led-cancer-research

Anti-vaping Research with Aboriginal Youth and Community

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Anti-vaping research with Aboriginal youth and community has been conducted via a collaborative partnership of Waminda, Pius X, Walgett AMS, Eleanor Duncan, Inside Policy (a 100% Aboriginal-owned and led agency), and the Cancer Institute NSW.

The purpose of the project was to increase a shared understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and use of e-cigarettes (vapes) by Aboriginal young people 14 to 24 years of age, including activities and strategies that may reduce the uptake and encourage quitting among Aboriginal young people.

The community report provides the Key Findings and Considerations.

While the Considerations will involve a broad range of organisations, which the Cancer Institute NSW is working to disseminate, a priority is first to communicate the findings to all AH&MRC members to help inform any work being conducted to reduce vaping amongst young people in the community.

The results will be published by collaborating with interested ACCHOs and the Cancer Institute NSW to contribute to National and International First Nation’s research. Publication requires that results cannot be formally presented at conferences or published on any websites before a paper is published.

We encourage members to use the results to inform their work; however, we ask that the report is not placed on their website until after publication.

Service NSW Mobile Service Centres

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Each week, Service NSW update their website to provide the most current schedule, including the dates Mobile Service Centres will be visiting different communities. This schedule is available up until December, allowing residents to plan ahead for our visits.

NSW Service Mobile Service Centres bring many of the same essential services found at their physical locations directly to your community, offering convenient access to a variety of government services, including:

  • Driver Licence Services: Applications and renewals for driver licences and photo cards.
  • Driver Knowledge Tests: Assistance with completing Driver Knowledge Tests for new drivers or those seeking a licence upgrade.
  • Working With Children Check: Applications for the Working With Children Check, ensuring compliance for those working with minors.
  • Hazard Perception Tests: The opportunity to take the Hazard Perception Test, a requirement for advancing from a learner licence.
  • Registry Services: Applications for birth, death, and marriage certificates to keep your personal documentation up to date.
  • Savings Finder Program: A service that helps you discover and access over 70 government rebates and vouchers, potentially saving money on services and utilities.

We strive to ensure that all communities have access to these critical services without the need to travel long distances to our fixed locations. Stay informed by checking our website regularly for the most up-to-date information on our mobile service schedule.

View the MSC Northern Schedule 

View the MSC Southern Schedule 

View the MSC Western Schedule

View the MSC Kangaroo Schedule

Find out more info here. 

Expressions of Interest for the NSW Health Aboriginal Heart Health Grants are now open

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The NSW Health Office for Health and Medical Research is pleased to announce that Expressions of Interest for the Aboriginal Heart Health Grants are now open.  

This is a targeted call to fund high impact Aboriginal-led research that will improve the cardiovascular health of Aboriginal peoples in NSW.

All grants must be led by an Aboriginal Chief Investigator and applications are encouraged from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Aboriginal Medical Services, Aboriginal peak bodies, as well as local health districts, specialty health networks, other public health organisations, universities, medical research institutes and not-for-profit organisations.

An information webinar will be held on 16 October to support applications. Register here

Learn more about available grants, how to apply and register for the webinar.

Expressions of Interest close 13 December at 5pm AEDT.

We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with your networks.