VACCHO|NEWS WINTER 2011

Victorian Representative appointed for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Registration Board

VACCHO would like to congratulate Renee Owen from the Aboriginal Cooperative for her appointment as the Victorian representative for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Registration Board. Renee worked hard to compile her application and it is fantastic to see her hard work rewarded. VACCHO would also like to acknowledge Patricia Cerminara from Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation for also submitting a comprehensive application. We would have been well represented had Patricia been successful but unfortunately is only allowed one representative. We wish Renee well in her representative role and look forward to supporting Renee with her future commitments to the national registration board.

Renee Owen The Kennedy boys Jamain, Jardan and Jamowen

VACCHO Members Meeting in Mildura

Mildura set the scene for the last VACCHO Members Meeting held on the 20-22 July. The Mildura Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) graciously hosted the meeting. The meeting kicked off with the Kennedy brothers Jamain, Jardan, Jamowen and their dad Dameion performing dance and didgeridoo playing. There were presentations from Monash University, State and Commonwealth Government and new Member Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA). Topics such as Infrastructure, Accreditation and Medicare Locals presentations featured prominently on the agenda. One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation by VACCHO’s Sexual Health/BBV Unit (also known as the Sexy Health Team) conducted by Bobby Whybrow and Andrew Bamblett. Bobby’s presentation was a hit with members leaving a smile on everyone’s face. A relaxing boat ride on the aboard one of Mildura’s paddle steamers was very much enjoyed by all, with dinner, dancing and a few good laughs. Dancing was kicked off by Matt Burke and and soon became a full dance floor. A couple of the boys got competitive as to how many girls they could dance down the floor with (would have to say it was a tie). The final day of the Members Meeting finished up with the official opening of the Pine Avenue Activity Centre. It was a beautiful morning which really befitted such a great occasion for the local community and it was great to see such a good turnout. Lauris McCormack, Practice Manager of Mildura Aboriginal Health Service (MAHS) started proceedings with an acknowledgement and thankyou. Lauris also provided a brief summary of the services provided at Pine Avenue and what MAHS are working towards achieving for the community with the activity centre. Gaylene Marquick, MAHS Better Health Longer Living worker spoke in more detail about some of the services

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 2 Tara Peterson and Natasha Roff

available and how the centre is reaching out to community who may not have normally visited the health service. Greg Pepper who runs the Bringing Them Home (BTH) program provided information about the BTH program and how he is reaching out to help community. The property was originally purchased by MAC in 1998 and used for a variety of programs including Community Development Employment Projects. The property had largely been unused for around 4 years when MAC decided to renovate the building in April of 2009 to create a space for delivery of extended programs as there was very limited space available within the existing premises at that time. The renovations have been achieved with funding from various programs and the hard work and determination of everyone involved.

Programs being run at Pine Avenue Activity Centre include: • BTH (Stolen Generation) • BTH Library • Treatment Room (clinic) • Cardiac rehab program • Arts and Crafts, cuppa and a yarn • Men’s program • Health promotion • Meetings • Women’s health • Exercise programs, assessment by trainer • Bumps, babes, beyond mothers and baby’s program • Veggie garden • Food bank (Red earth Tucker bag) • Dietician • Nutrition • Walking group • Barkindji Language • Traditional and Hip Hop dancing • HACC – elders group

Other initiatives include kid’s activities, nutrition and cooking for kids and adults as well as parenting and Baby clinics including immunisations. If you are visiting Mildura pop in and visit Greg and Gaylene for a cuppa and a yarn!

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 3 VACCHO members meeting in Mildura Lauris McCormack , Mark Morgan, Renee Owen and Sharon Thorpe

Katherine Young, Jason King and Louise Carey David Noonan, Matt Burke, Janine Taylor, Judy Cue, Lynette Sailor and Margaret Ferguson

Kaylee Anderson, Edel Conroy, Mo Connolly Roslyn Gardner, Colleen Marion, Rachel Clulow, and Renee Owen Paula Morgan, Chantal Slater and Brendan O’Connell

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 4 Carol Williams and friend Marcus Clarke and Jason King

Brendan O’Connell and Graeme Fletcher Bobby Whybrow and Andrew Bamblett

Karlene Dwyer and Lyn McInnes Lauris McCormack and Brendan O’Connell

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 5 ICAP state-wide forum

Writer: Jacinta Craven

family, having good partnerships, On 7th to 9th June, social emotional wellbeing, which and working together as a team acknowledged the stressful nature in a culturally respectful way. Aboriginal Hospital of the work AHLOs do; and explored Liaison Officers the many things workers do to take Jacqueline Watkins and Carleen (AHLOs) from care of themselves when the day is Miller from Dental Health also gave a over. This session was then followed presentation. They highlighted some around the state by the Connection to Land, Fire and of the barriers they face in their joined together Water Ceremony which again was work, but then moved on to discuss performed by Vicki and encouraged successes, including increased at the Aborigines workers to reconnect with Land, numbers of people identifying, and Advancement League Fire and Water and to reflect on their a reduction in the “fail to attend” for their first state-wide health and wellbeing. numbers. The second session of the day saw DAY TWO: the morning session forum for 2011. two presentations from AHLOs on looked at lateral violence, and Over two and a half days, the AHLOs positive case studies. showcased the lateral violence DVD covered many topics including which was produced for VACCHO. Suzanne Nelson of Austin Health a long awaited workshop on the was joined by a representative During the second session a recommendations of the Improving from Donate Life. Together they presentation was given by Prue Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait highlighted a case-study which Shanahan from St Vincent’s Islander Patients (ICAP) review. involved the organ donation of a Hospital. Prue presented on the DAY ONE: The session opened with patient. Through highlighting the Aboriginal Mental Health Liaison a focus on self care and wellbeing case, and discussing the significant Officer (AMHLO) pilot project. of the AHLOs. Vicki Clark an process involved in organ donation, Prue provided an overview of the Aboriginal Mutthi Mutthi woman Suzanne demonstrated the mental health unit at St Vincent’s and facilitated a cultural session on importance of respecting the client’s highlighted the role of the AMHLO.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 6 Uncle Herb Patten

She also spoke about the important interact with the organisations fought for the rights of Aboriginal relationship between St Vincent’s and gain information about the people to address their health and Hospital and the Victorian Aboriginal organisation and the different wellbeing. Uncle Herb also shared Health Service (VAHS). programs they offer. stories of how he learned to play the gum-leaf music, and about making Another community program For those who stayed on and music with people like Archie Roach, presentation was provided by Jane attended the spit-roast dinner, a Ruby Hunter and Kutcha Edwards. Britten (Yorta Yorta). key highlight of the forum was the Uncle Herb is a well respected elder, performance by Uncle Herb Patten. Jane gave a presentation on Access and we were truly lucky to have him Following a long day of presentations Service for Koories (ASK), which perform and tell stories at the ICAP and discussions, Uncle Herb brought is an organisation based in the dinner. to the stage a bright light, a wealth Northern Metro region, which of history, knowledge and wisdom, On the whole, the ICAP forum provides care coordination for and a beautiful voice which was was well attended by AHLOs from Aboriginal community members with enjoyed by all who attended. One around the state, and provided an chronic conditions in the north-west thing is certain; Uncle Herb knows opportunity for networking, learning metro region. how to tell a good story. Uncle Herb and discussion. These forums are During the final session of the day, shared stories of growing up in important to run as they provide an information stalls were set up with Numerella, of being involved in the occasion for often isolated AHLOs representatives from a range of protest movements of 1970s, and of to join together and provide peer organisations including Travellers the history and importance of the support to one another, whilst also Aid, Onemda, ASK, Palliative Care Aborigines Advancement League. He learning about the successes and Victoria, and VACCHO programs. talked about Aboriginal leaders, both challenges that each often face in AHLOs had the opportunity to past and present who struggled and their job.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 7 Uncle Tom Powell

Koori Mental Health Liaison Officers Forum –

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 8 The second VACCHO Mental Health look forward to is the new multi-million dollar aged care facility currently being built in Shepparton for Liaison Officers (KMHLO) state-wide elderly Aboriginal community members. forum was held on the 20th to 22nd July The final highlight was the development of a story at the Rumbalara Football and Netball for the VACCHO KMHLO program logo. Facilitated Club, Shepparton. by Vicki Clarke, a Mutthi Mutthi artist, Vicki used cultural story telling as a way to encourage workers The forum was planned in partnership with to think about what they want the story of the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, Woongi KMHLO logo to represent. Workers came up with Unit, and Karin McMillan (the KMHLO from Albury a range of different symbols and stories which will Wodonga Adult Mental Health Service). help inform the development of the KMHLO logo. Key highlights of the forum included a presentation This session was identified as a fantastic way to from Uncle Tom Powell, founder of Red Dust finish up a three day forum. Healing; a presentation from the Department of On the whole, the forum received positive Health on the KMHLO Review; A cultural site tour feedback from all who attended, and workers of Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative; the formal thoroughly look forward to the next forum which is KMHLO dinner; and the session facilitated by Vicki scheduled to be held in Mildura. Clarke, Mutthi Mutthi artist on developing a story for the VACCHO KMHLO program logo. For more information on Red Dust Healing please visit www.thereddust.com Uncle Tom Powell (Wiradjuri) gave a presentation on Red Dust Healing, which is “a group program for Indigenous men and women that examines the intergenerational effects of colonisation on the mental, physical and spiritual well being of Indigenous families and encourages individuals to confront and deal with the problems, hurt and anger in their lives.” During this presentation, Tom provided insight into a range of different tools / skills used in the program to help participants move their hurt and feelings from the head to the heart. The presentation on Red Dust Healing was very moving, and touched all participants in different ways. Peter Nathan of the Department of Health provided an overview of the key findings of the recently completed KMHLO review. Following Peter’s presentation, workers formed small groups and wrote down five recommendations for Peter to take back to the Department regarding the review. Another highlight was the cultural site visit to the Rumbalara Cooperative, and the special tour by Uncle Leon Saunders (Yorta Yorta) of the old Rumbalara house, which is now a museum highlighting the history of Rumbalara. Leon shared many stories about the history of Rumbalara, and what it was like to grow up in one of the “concrete block” houses. On Thursday evening there was a formal dinner. With a delicious three course dinner, and a special presentation by Felicia Dean (Yorta Yorta) CEO of Rumbalara. Felicia talked about all of Rumbalara’s programs, and the future direction Vicki Clarke of the cooperative. One significant feature to

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 9 Talkin Bout Your Accreditation Workshop 26th & 27th July, 2011

The VACCHO Workforce Issues Unit’s Quality & Accreditation Team held the Talkin Bout Your Accreditation in July – a peer support focussed 2 day workshop in Healesville. The workshop started off with a re-cap of the first 3 years of the Establishing Quality Health Services (EQHS) budget measure and highlighted why Victoria is seen to be one of the states that is leading the way. It then jumped into what the next budget measure might look like once negotiations with the Commonwealth Government are finalised. Anthony Carter from NACCHO gave participants an overview of what is being done on a National level amongst ACCHS across Australia as well as NACCHO and Affiliates. VACCHO’s draft implementation plan for the National Strategy was then discussed and each measure looked at. This will be circulated once a chance to further consult is complete. At the moment, there are 3 main accreditation frameworks (amongst many, many others being utilised by Victorian ACCHOS) recognised under the EQHS measure – RACGP, QIC and ISO 9001: 2008. The Quality & Accreditation Team invited an ACCHO representative from each framework to discuss their pathway through accreditation and to give a presentation of their experience. To support this we also had Jill Dixon from RACGP and Anne Hastie from QIC to talk about their experience with ACCHOS and take back points of discussion and actions to their organisations.

To wrap it up we discussed the upcoming The Quality & Accreditation For any enquiries or GPA plus Surveyor training opportunities, team would like to thank all additional information our pilot Accreditation DVD project and participants for their input and regarding the outcomes of this looked at some support tools available to we have been delighted by the forum or general accreditation ACCHOS including the NACCHO NCN feedback and directions given to assistance, please call Belinda and the Quality Coordinator Software. us in the evaluations. or Brendan at VACCHO.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 10 SACS AWARDS FOR LEADERSHIP 2011 The SACS Award for Leadership is an annual event that recognises outstanding leadership in the state government, local government and not-for-profit sectors. We are pleased to announce Jill Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation was recognised for her outstanding leadership and innovation in Aboriginal health in Victoria by receiving second place in the not-for-profit sector Executive category. We would also like to congratulate Karen Bryant, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Northern Health for receiving second place in the State Government Non-Executive category. We congratulate both Jill and Karen and commend their commitment to improving the health of and contribution to closing the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians.

VACCHO is very proud to announce that it has been certified under the ISO9001: 2008 accreditation framework. ISO is an internationally recognised set of standards used across many different industries to implement or refine quality management systems. The process of going through accreditation was a tough one (as you would all be aware). It took dedication from our quality committee and buy-in from all staff to get us across the line. It was a process that has encouraged us all to have a look at how we do business and to continuously improve it. This process could never have been successful without the support and vision of Jill and VACCHO’s Board of Management. While we would like to highlight our own achievement, we have been inspired by the leadership and dedication of VACCHO’s membership who are all either accredited under one or more frameworks, or underway on their journey.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 11 Review supports Aboriginal Community Control

Mr Justin Mohamed, Chair of NACCHO says, “The effectively balance the variety of Indigenous governance Federal Government report released by Channel Seven styles with the governments’ responsibilities for properly under Freedom of Information supports what we have managing public funds. These governance approaches been saying for years; that Aboriginal people need to should be designed to empower Indigenous people and be intimately involved in the design and delivery of communities, including equipping them with relevant programs to ensure they are effective”. skills, so that they can progressively take meaningful control of their futures’ (Finding 12). “The report, an Executive Summary of the Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure 2010, identifies It also says there is a need to ensure public servants have potential savings from skills to “engage effectively bureaucratic inefficiencies These governance approaches with the Indigenous people and duplication. However, the they are supporting” (Finding review highlights useful ways should be designed to 12). forward and is certainly not, Finding 5 is especial critical as some media reports might empower Indigenous people of mainstream providers of suggest, a condemnation and communities, including services to the Aboriginal of all Aboriginal targeted community and says there is expenditure”, Mr Mohamed said. equipping them with relevant a need to ‘ensure mainstream “The review, especially covering skills, so that they can providers are held properly health supports what Aboriginal progressively take meaningful and fully to account’. people have been saying for Finding 8 that fewer programs many years in reports such as control of their futures’ would simplify assessment, the National Aboriginal Health delivery and flexibility reflects Strategy in 1989. The review the process underway in health funding that has been recognises the “maturity” of the Aboriginal community welcomed in the Aboriginal Community Controlled controlled health sector and its peak bodies. It also Health Services. recognises the progress towards needs based resource allocation in health and the need to progress this further. Mr Mohamed said, “I question the review’s call for the transfer of more responsibility to states and territories “That this report was being kept secret I believe supports to free up the Commonwealth funds as other parts of the NACCHO’s call for an independent, impartial, transparent review highlight failures in the delivery of programs by “Aboriginal Health Authority” to publicly report, monitor, the states and territories. and advocate on behalf of Aboriginal health. “However I call on the government to learn from this “We need the facts about government programs, report. I believe that the process of its release through especially in health, to be in the public domain not just FOI just highlights the need for more openness in available to governments reviewing themselves”, Mr reporting as would be offered by an independent umpire Mohamed said. in the form of an Aboriginal Health Authority,” Mr The review while searching for efficiencies and better Mohamed said. ways of targeting expenditure says,’ A clear message from the recent past is that policies and programs must be targeted to local needs, in close engagement and *National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health active partnership with the people they are designed to Organisation (NACCHO) assist(Finding.11)’. NACCHO Media Contact: The review also recommends, ‘identifying a range of Chris Hallett 04 0770 4788 suitable governance and decision making processes that

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 12 Photo: Left to right are: Florence Kinsgley-Matthews (CAC), Paul Baden (CAC), Diane Steward (CAC), Aunty Diane Kerr, Jean Fahey (CAC), Linda Mack (Community Engagement Manager) Art brings healing to The Royal Melbourne Hospital

The Royal Melbourne Hospital held its first exhibition are passionate about their heritage and culture. The of Aboriginal art to celebrate NAIDOC Week, and help diversity of style in these works reflects how vibrant, make the hospital a more welcoming place for Aboriginal diverse and evolving contemporary Aboriginal culture and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families. is,” Ms Lovitt said. The 12 pieces of contemporary art was launched on No stranger to the challenges of hanging art in a Wednesday 6 July in the Outpatients Department of the hospital, Ms Lovitt overcame the issues of lighting and RMH. space restrictions in the busy Outpatients Department to add humanity to the clinical environment. The exhibition organisers discussed with the Tribe Land Compensation Cultural Heritage Council “I feel that these works put the soul back into medical how to make the hospital more accessible for Aboriginal practice,” she said. and Torres Strait Islander patients, families and visitors. At the launch of the exhibition, Linda Sorrell, Melbourne Displaying Aboriginal art was one way to make the Health Chief Executive, said she hoped the exhibition environment less intimidating and more welcoming. would help bridge the gap between the health service and the local Aboriginal community. Rebecca Lovitt, the art curator who put the exhibition together from eight pieces of donated art, with extra “This hospital should feel like their hospital, that this is a pieces on loan from the Koorie Heritage Trust, said this safe place to come. And when they come here, they will small but important collection also gave the broader receive the best medical care in a way that meets their community the opportunity to see what Aboriginal emotional, cultural and spiritual needs,” she said. artists are doing. The exhibition includes works by internationally “These artists are creating works that are influenced by renowned artists Tracey Moffatt, Treahna Hamm and their culture, who are active in their communities and Turkey Tolson.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 13 New oral health resources for

Aboriginal Health Workers at Winda-Mara In response, four oral health art workshops were held at Aboriginal Corporation in South-West Victoria are Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Heywood. These spreading deadly messages to promote oral health, were attended by children, Families, Elders, Aboriginal with support from the Health Promotion Unit Health Workers, a local artist and the Smiles4Miles at Portland District Health. The “Deadly Teeth” project worker from Portland District Health. health promotion initiative has produced a set of Indigenous artist Dan Joseph attended the last three colourful, culturally appropriate Tip Cards workshop and became inspired by the children’s for Families promoting oral health for children thoughts and ideas. Using his talent he created three aged up to seven years and their parents and acrylic paintings depicting key oral health messages Families. The resources were officially launched based on a Western diet. The paintings feature an at Winda-Mara on Wednesday 6 July 2011 during Indigenous “Wellbeing Fella” collecting bush foods, NAIDOC week celebrations. drinking water from a stream and brushing his teeth.

Traditionally had fewer incidents of oral disease. However, the introduction of Western diets has led to an increase in dental decay.

The Tip Cards for Families promote three key oral These were interpretations of the Smiles4Miles health messages. The ‘Eat well’ tip card promotes defenders of the tooth characters Munch Girl, Water healthy eating behaviours because ‘deadly teeth need Boy and Brush Boy. The art work and copyright was good foods’. The ‘Drink well’ tip card highlights the purchased from Daniel Joseph by Portland District importance of drinking tap water and avoiding ‘bad Health in late 2009. drinks that rot your teeth’. The ‘Clean well’ tip card More workshops were held in the community to finalise reminds children and families that ‘deadly teeth need the key messages using culturally appropriate language good care’ and encourages regular tooth brushing and words that were easy to understand. A graphic habits. designer was then employed to put together all the ideas Three years ago Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation gathered from the community. worked in partnership with the Health Promotion Team The “Deadly Teeth” initiative addresses oral health as at Portland District Health and Dental Health Services a ‘holistic’ concept focusing on oral hygiene, nutritional Victoria to pilot the Smiles4Miles oral health program intake, oral health literacy and access to dental services. in three local Indigenous playgroup sites. The program workers soon realised that there were no culturally High-quality oral health is a requirement for holistic appropriate oral health promotion resources for the local health, comfort and a positive trait for the whole of Indigenous community. life. Poor oral health is associated with pain, infection,

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 14 ‘Deadly Teeth’

discomfort and embarrassment, impacting on essential across southwest Victoria. The links between the daily practices such as chewing, swallowing, speech and people and their land, community and sleep. Good oral health improves communication, self- spirit is fundamental to health. Paying recognition and esteem, mental health and overall health and wellbeing. consideration to these connections is vital to all local health promotion initiatives. The “Deadly Teeth” health Traditionally Indigenous Australians had fewer promotion initiative aims to generate messages that are incidents of oral disease. However, the introduction of stimulating, enjoyable and effective. Western diets has led to an increase in dental decay. Today Indigenous Australian communities have unique Creating the resources would not have been possible oral health needs and are a population at higher risk. without the work, support and continued dedication of Indigenous children now have higher levels of oral health CEO Michael Bell and the staff and community members issues than non indigenous children, with incidents of at Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation, including Melissa dental decay being between 2 to5 times higher. Dental Lillyst, Daryl Rose, Ros Pevit, Dianne Bell, Tanya Geier,

Children are dependent on parents and Family to support their oral health. Inadequate access to culturally appropriate oral health information, resources, services and oral health literacy limits the ability of Family to care for their children’s overall health needs.

caries (decay) are largely preventable but many go Janice Huggers and Lynette Sailor. Recognition goes untreated resulting in it being the highest preventable to the commitment of collaborative partners within the hospital admission among children in Victoria. Health Promotion Team at Portland District Health and Dental Health Services Victoria. “I’m proud of the Children are dependent on parents and Family to partnerships formed and acknowledge and appreciate the support their oral health. Inadequate access to culturally drive from Elders, Family and staff from Winda-Mara”, appropriate oral health information, resources, services says Lynda Smith, Project Worker from Portland District and oral health literacy limits the ability of Family to care Health. Lynda would also like to recognise the support for their children’s overall health needs. of local graphic designer Damon Yuill and the Program Healthy messages delivered to parents of a new born Print Company in Hamilton, for their support and efforts child have the potential to be adopted by the rest of to produce the final resources. the Family. The earlier the health messages can be For further enquiries or to order the resources introduced the more likely the success. Good oral health contact Lynda Smith, Health Promotion Officer habits can never be started too early. at Portland District Health by email (lsmith.pdh@ Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation is a health and swarh.vic.gov.au) or phone (03 5522 1198). cultural service for the local Gunditjmara people living in the Heywood and Hamilton district areas

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 15 Counting on your community

VACCHO would like to thank the 27 participants be asked to gather. They got to see what other e-health in the Counting on Your Community Workshop trends there were and hear what the evidence is telling held by the Public Health & Research Unit. The us in regards to effectiveness. workshop came about following a discussion at On day 2, we had two break-out groups with practical the VACCHO Members’ meeting October 2010, training on the PEN CAT data extraction tool for clinical where a motion was passed that VACCHO take staff and a discussion with CEO’s about where VACCHO a leadership role in partnership with VACCHO can play a role in meeting strategic data directions. We members on the use of health service and other ended with a group discussion on the Practice Health data. This data would be used for the purposes Atlas and tips and tricks for data entry and cleansing. of providing support for continuous quality improvement activities for primary health care VACCHO’s Public Health & Research Unit is compiling services, and developing evidence to support the actions and directions that came from the workshop planning for health service delivery and new for the development of our ICT/IM strategy and for programs, policy development and for advocacy circulation to the wider membership in the coming purposes. weeks, so please keep your eye out. On day 1, the participants were given the opportunity We anticipate further training and workshop to hear from and question the Improvement Foundation opportunities so for further information or to jump on who are designing the upcoming OATSIH Web-Based the Counting on Your Community email list, please Reporting Tool as well as evaluate the National Key contact our PHMO Nadia at [email protected] Performance Indicators which all ACCHS will eventually

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 16 Hi everyone, my name is Kaylee Anderson and I Aboriginal commenced work as the new Indigenous Health Project Officer (IHPO) based in the Workforce Issues Unit on Outreach Workers Thursday 26 May. My role is to work in collaboration with General Practice Orientation program Victoria (GPV) to co-ordinate and support the network of 14 Aboriginal Outreach Workers (AOW’s) located across the state in either an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services or in Divisions of General Practice. My first week of work focused on preparations for the AOW Orientation program which was conducted in Melbourne over 2.5 days from the 1 – 3 June, 2011. I found it was a great introduction to my new role and to the AOW network. A number of key themes emerged from the Orientation Program including: • Clarity of AOW role within their organisation and the community; • Expectations of their role; • Reporting/evaluation consistency; • Resource needs; • Training requirements;

Kaylee Anderson • Networking and stakeholder engagement; • COAG- ICDP (policy context); and • Sharing successful or un-successful experiences Evaluations conducted by the AOW’s on the Orientation Program were very positive. The program provided clarity around a number of issues that were being presented by the AOW’s. It also provided a refresh of the policies behind the AOW’s positions. I look forward to working with the network and all the partners and stakeholders involved.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 17 Living longer the goal

Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowden says the Australian Government is funding 38 community-driven projects to encourage Indigenous people to quit smoking, eat healthy, exercise more and better manage their own often chronic health issues. “This is a $10 million investment in an innovative, grassroots program to encourage better health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is responsive to need and culturally appropriate because projects are developed by the local community, for the local community,” he said. “The projects include providing fresh fruit and vegetables every day for local communities, promoting traditional health and healing, growing healthy food, encouraging homeless men to gather and cook bush tucker, and putting chronic disease messages to song. “The range of projects represents the diversity of views in Aboriginal communities across the country about what is important health-wise, and the vastly different approaches to solving health problems, all tailored to local needs, culture and environment.” The Indigenous community campaigns have been funded as part of the Australian Government’s new Live Longer! health campaign. Live Longer! Is a $21.3 million program being delivered over four years and is part of the Government’s Indigenous Chronic Disease Package. For more information go to www.livelonger.health.gov.au

Wanted: Indigenous ‘health heroes’

Indigenous people are being urged to become ‘health heroes’ as part of a new national campaign. The campaign aims to attract more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work in primary health- care roles, such as general practitioners, paramedics, medical receptionists, nurses, sports physiotherapists and dental assistants. Federal Indigenous Health Minister Warren Snowden launched a new national advertising campaign on 24 July. The $4.3 million campaign features ‘health heroes’ – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people currently working in health from around Australia – and includes specialised targeted print, television, radio and online advertising and a new ‘health heroes’ website. It will be supported by 20 secondary school visits in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, expanding in 2012 and 2013 across Australia. Mr Snowdon said the advertising and visits would help engage, inform and educate students about the challenges and rewards of working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. The Minister said research demonstrated Indigenous people were more likely to seek primary health care when their own people were providing it. More information about the advertising campaign and copies of the advertising materials are available at the website www.australia.gov.au/healthheroes

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 18 Careers in Aboriginal health to help Close the Gap

“Now is a great time for Aboriginal school students and others to think about a career in Aboriginal health” says Mr Justin Mohamed, Chair of NACCHO. “The Health Heroes campaign launched by Minister Warren Snowdon is supported by an extensive and easy to use website about careers in Aboriginal health”, Mr Mohamed said. “It includes profiles of Aboriginal role models working in Aboriginal health, describes the range of careers available and how to get a job and qualifications. “It will also be backed up by resources and school visits targeting Aboriginal students, encouraging them to think of a career in Aboriginal health. “Over 150 Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Services across Australia represented by NACCHO are especially interested in supporting Aboriginal people to have a career in our services. “Our services are the largest employer of Aboriginal people in Australia yet there are still many unfilled positions. We need more of all the health professions including Aboriginal health workers, nurses, doctors, administrative staff, allied health workers, dental assistants, and dieticians. There are just some of the jobs profiled on the website. “Having more Aboriginal people working in our services providing culturally appropriate care encourages more of our community members to seek the health care they need. This improves their quality of life and helps to close the gap in health outcomes. “Our services are also a great place to work with a great community spirit and a shared common goal. Getting an education and qualifications in health leads to a good job, pride in yourself, and a better future for you, your family and our community. “I’d encourage everyone to have a look at the website and to send on the link, especially to young people wondering what their options are. A lot of Aboriginal kids don’t know or think, it’s achievable to have a career in health, this campaign begins to dispel this myth”, Mr Mohamed said. The Health Heroes commercials will run in Aboriginal media outlets but would also be effective if aired on mainstream media where they will also reach the target Aboriginal audience. Reaching and motivating a larger target audience could help to address education and employment disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal Peoples. National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) http://www.healthheroes.health.gov.au/

NACCHO Media Contact: Chris Hallett 04 0770 4788

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 19 VACCHO Executive Board of Directors: Andrew Gardiner ...... Chairperson Lyn McInnes...... Deputy Chairperson Rod Jackson...... Treasurer Lorraine Sellings...... Executive Member Jason King...... Executive Member Joanne Badke ...... Executive Member Karlene Dwyer ...... Executive Member

VACCHO Member Organisations:

• Aboriginal Community Elders Service • Lake Tyers Health & Children’s Services • Ballarat & District Aboriginal Cooperative • Mildura Aboriginal Cooperative • Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative • Moogji Aboriginal Cooperative • Dandenong & District Aboriginal Cooperative • Mungabareena Aboriginal Cooperative • Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative • Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative • Dhuawurd Wurrung Elderly Citizen Association • Ngwala Willumbong • Njernda Medical Centre • Ramahyuck & District Aboriginal Cooperative • Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative • Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative • Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative • Victorian Aboriginal Health Service • Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative • Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative • Kirrae Community Health Centre • Windamara Aboriginal Cooperative • Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association • Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place Its your newsletter!

Don’t forget this is your newsletter and we need your ideas. If you would like to comment on this edition or give us a story idea for the next edition please contact Robyn Bradley at VACCHO on 9419 3350 or email [email protected].

VACCHO Phone: (03) 9419 3350 Victorian Aboriginal Community Fax: (03) 9417 3871 Controlled Health Organisation Inc e-mail: [email protected] 5-7 Smith Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065 www.vaccho.org.au

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2011 20