Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Who we are

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We want our People to Live Longer and Stronger.

The AH&MRC is the voice on Aboriginal Health and the peak body who represents ACCHOs in NSW that play a vital role in addressing the needs of Aboriginal people and improving Aboriginal health outcomes.

We support 52 ACCHOs to deliver culturally safe, high-quality primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across NSW. In partnership with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health organisations at a local, state and national level, we address the social determinants of health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people. We work to strengthen the ACCHO workforce and ensure Aboriginal people are involved in the decision-making and delivery of health services.

AH&MRC Strategic Focus Areas and Objectives

Strategy 1

Leadership and governance

Strategy 2

Relevance to members and other stakeholders

Strategy 3

Knowledge developing and sharing

Strategy 4

Cultural capability and humility

Strategy 5

Operational excellence

Our History

  • 1971
  • 1982
  • 1985
  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 2004
  • 2016
  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2022
1971

Established in 1971

The first Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) was established by the local Aboriginal community in Redfern. It was established to address the discrimination that Aboriginal people experience in mainstream health services. The increasing ill health and premature deaths of Aboriginal people provoked the need for culturally appropriate and accessible health services.

1982

Established in 1982

The NSW Aboriginal Task Force Report was released in 1982. The report recognised Aboriginal Community Control as crucial for laying the foundation to a better standard of health for Aboriginal people. The report sought to establish an Aboriginal community-controlled health sector, where communities had authority over health service delivery and resources. The report also acknowledging that, this was the most effective way to make an impact at both a policy and service level.

1985

Established in 1985

AH&MRC was established in 1985, as a registered co-operative, following a recommendation taken from the NSW Aboriginal Task Force Report. One of the most imperative roles for AH&MRC played during this time was to, advise Ministers for Health and Aboriginal Affairs, at State and Federal levels, on Aboriginal health policy, programs and needs in NSW.

1997

Established in 1997

The Ethics Committee was established from local community leaders and Elders due to the information that was research was not ethically and culturally appropriate.

1998

Established in 1998

AH&MRC became registered as a public company limited by guarantee.

2004

Established in 2004

RTO was registered, and course we finalised for the first time.

2016

Established in 2016

Back in 2016-2017, the unit was called Member Services Support Unit (MSSU). Then it was changed to Comprehensive Care Practice Unit (CCPU) towards the end of 2017 (until 2018). In 2019, team was then known as Practice Support Unit until 2020.

2020

Established in 2020

The Service Performance & Quality Unit (SPQ) was created from the Practice Support Unit due to the specialised needs and requirements or our Member Services.

2021

Established in 2021

AH&MRC established the Policy team.

2022

Established in 2022

Ethics Committee won a Indigenous Goverance Award.

History

Our Vision

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) are sustainable and are driving holistic and culturally strong approaches to redressing health inequities for Aboriginal peoples in NSW.

  • Indigenous Health Resources

  • Community Support

  • Culturally Inclusive Care

  • Advocacy for Equity

  • Collaborative Partnerships

  • Engagement Initiatives

Our Purpose

The AH&MRC works with our membership in NSW to ensure accessibility to an adequately resourced and skilled workforce who provide high quality comprehensive primary health care services for Aboriginal communities.

The AH&MRC works in collaboration with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health partners to systematically address the social determinants of health and wellbeing.

Our Values

The fundamental values of the AH&MRC are unity, loyalty, inclusion and respect. The staff of AH&MRC are committed to carrying out their duties with professionalism and integrity.

The AH&MRC is committed to fostering a supportive work culture. The development and implementation of these values reflect a commitment to increasing Indigenous employment and retention within the AH&MRC.

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51

Member Services

198

Students Enrolments

350

Workforce Training

20

Indigenous Trainees Recruited

Join the Cause

Help us raise funds for First Nations Health and Disaster Response.

As the peak body for the ACCHO sector, we are in a unique position to be able to identify gaps in funding and have identified 3 key areas of need – Disaster Response, Elective Surgery and Scholarships.

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Our Staff

Members are Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) led by their respective Aboriginal communities to deliver comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care services.

Meet the Team

Our Board

Governance Support Program created by the AH&MRC and funded by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to strengthen and support NSW ACCHSs in Board Governance.

Meet the Board

Job Opportunities

Explore the abundant opportunities available with AH&MRC or other health sectors.

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