Talk-About The official newsletter for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Leadership Team April/May 2020

Metro North Hospital and Health Service

Artist Elaine Chambers-Hegarty designed the ‘Better Together’ artwork for the van. Better Together Health Van unveiled to help close the gap on health outcomes A new Better Together Health Van unveiled on National Close the Gap Day (19 March 2020) is set to provide more convenient access to health care information for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Brisbane’s north. Metro North Aboriginal and Torres “Between 2011 and 2016, the “The introduction of the Better Strait Islander Leadership Team Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Together Health Van will allow Metro Director Sherry Holzapfel said the population residing in the Metro North North to deliver health promotion initiative would assist with education region increased by 37.6 per cent, and education, clinical service and service delivery in line with the compared to 18 per cent nationally. delivery and engagement activities for growing Indigenous population in By 2031, the Indigenous population Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Brisbane’s northern suburbs. in South East is projected people to improve health outcomes to be 133,189, the largest of any other and contribute to closing the gap on State’s population projection,” Ms life expectancy.” Holzapfel said. Give us Contact information

feedback Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

We welcome your feedback, Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 7489 contributions, story ideas and details on any upcoming events. Please contact Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 1696 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit Communications Manager Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 7489 Renee Simon at Renee.Simon@health. Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 5612 qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3139 3231. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 07 3646 5612 / 0428 861 888 Leadership Team Team Leader Ph: 07 3647 9535 / 0408 472 385 If you have any feedback regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander The Prince Charles Hospital Health Unit services, programs and initiatives, you can contact the following: Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3139 5165 Mail to: Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 07 3139 5062 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 07 3139 6429 / 0429 897 982 Leadership Team, Building 26, Chermside Community Health Centre, 490 Hamilton Redcliffe Hospital Road, Chermside QLD 4032. Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3049 6791 Email to: [email protected] Team Leader Ph: 07 3139 6300 / 0436 690 306 Alternatively, call and ask for our Safety and Quality Officer on 3647 9531. Caboolture Hospital Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 5433 8249 / 0438 518 912 Metro North Hospital and Health Service would like to acknowledge the traditional Team Leader Ph: 07 3139 6300 / 0436 690 982 owners and custodians of the land on which our services are located. After Hours Team Friday and Monday 12noon to 8.30pm We pay our respects to all Elders past, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6:30pm Ph: 07 5433 8249 present and future and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3647 4183 peoples across the state. Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 0409 583 967 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this publication Indigenous Acute and Primary Care / Sexual Health Team may contain images or names of people who have passed away. Team Leader: Tracy Grant Ph: 07 3492 1851

What’s inside April/May 2020

Contact information...... 2 IN FOCUS A word from the Director...... 3 Commitment at the highest level to COVID-19 Factsheet...... 4-5 acknowledging Traditional Owners...... 10 Amy’s commitment to Queensland Farmers...... 11 OUT AND ABOUT Community and Oral Health Yarning Circle...... 6 ACCURATE INDIGENOUS IDENTIFICATION...... 12 Better Together Staff Gathering...... 7 IN THE NEWS...... 13 Redcliffe Hospital marks National Apology Day with WORD OF THE MONTH...... 13 moving healing ceremony...... 8 Orange Sky presentation draws inspiration for STAFF PROFILE...... 14 Better Together Health...... 9 BETTER TOGETHER HEALTH VAN...... 14 It’s important to practice social distancing...... 15 BREAST CANCER SCREENING...... 9 Better Together Health Van...... 16

Page 2 •

A word from the Director

It has been a very busy few months for our Some of the immediate measures we have Hospital and Health Service, with frontline staff put in place include holding information and services doing an exceptional job to take care workshops for Aboriginal and Torres Strait of our patients during the community challenges Islander staff, introducing specific culturally of COVID-19. appropriate fact sheets and information, partnering and planning with the Institute The COVID-19 novel coronavirus is a new strain of of Urban Indigenous Health and Primary coronavirus affecting humans. Health Networks. I continue to work in close Some coronaviruses can cause illness similar partnership with our State-wide colleagues to the common cold and others can cause and Chief Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Health Officer Haylene Grogan. Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East We are also planning to utilise the Metro Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). North Better Together Health Van to support For our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, COVID-19 is a concern due to higher community through access to health information. Sherry Holzapfel levels of pre-existing health conditions, overcrowding, social connectedness, mobility Director, Aboriginal and COVID-19 continues to be a challenge for our and increased remoteness with limited access to communities, and I encourage you to keep Torres Strait Islander Health health services. Leadership Team up to date with the latest health advice from On 20 March 2020, National Cabinet, comprising Queensland Health https://www.qld.gov.au/ of the Prime Minister and Premiers agreed to a health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus- National Approach to protecting First Nations covid-19 and also via our Better Together peoples by restricting access into remote Health Van Facebook page -(https://www. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities facebook.com/BetterTogetherHealthVan) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The National I would like to thank our Aboriginal and Torres Cabinet provided in-principle agreement to the Strait Islander staff working on the frontline at Commonwealth Minister for Health taking action the fever clinics and within the hospitals. We under the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015. thank you for your dedication and commitment At a local level, we have been quick to respond to the community. to the pandemic supporting the response for our On a personal level, let’s think about how we Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in can all support our loved ones, our Elders, Metro North. Our plan is designed at three levels: Aunties and Uncles by continuing to check • Engage and Educate to ensure all patients in with them via a phone call and reassuring and staff have access to the latest COVID-19 them through these challenging times. For information and health guidelines. thousands of years we have navigated through challenges together and will continue to do so • Assist our patient and consumers through as a strong community. increased social support, planning for rural and remote patients and patients with chronic disease, ageing population, children and Sherry Holzapfel pregnant mothers. Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander • Consider broader impacts and planning/ Health Leadership Team preparedness and response of emerging risks.

Continued from cover The van features colourful artwork “The van is a long-term commitment It is anticipated the van will be available by esteemed Aboriginal Artist Elaine for Metro North and will provide a one as a clinical resource to other areas Chambers-Hegarty and an awning on one chance for community members in Metro North such as allied health, where community members can have to informally yarn with a health care maternal and child health, oral health a yarn with an Aboriginal and Torres provider on issues such as hospital and sexual health. Strait Islander Health Worker and experience and support co-design Find out more about the Better experienced health staff. initiatives,” she said. Together Van on Facebook via @ Ms Holzapfel said the initiative was For the next six months, the van will BetterTogetherHealthVan. responsive to community needs be out and about attending community based upon feedback gathered cultural gatherings, Elders groups and as part of the new Better Together health events to gain valuable feedback Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander on the health service needs and Health Plan 2019-2022 launched in requirements. July 2019. “Indigenous specific health programs will be the first to utilise the service as they already have a well-established connection within the community.”

Page 3 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Factsheet- Protect yourself and your mob! Factsheet- Protect yourself and your mob! What is it? COVID-19What is it? is a new virus and belongs to the Try to keep a safe distance from people who Try to keep a safe distance from people who sameCOVID-19 family is aof new illnesses virus andas the belongs common to the cold. are coughing or sneezing and avoid hand are coughing or sneezing and avoid hand Whensame familythis illnesses of illnesses starts, as itthe may common develop cold. in contact (shaking hands and hugging) to contact (shaking hands and hugging) to theWhen lungs this and illnesses start to starts, affect it them. may develop In some in protect yourself. protect yourself. cases,the lungs people and startmay notto affect feel sick them. at allIn somewhile otherscases, peoplemay become may not very feel ill, sick very at quickly. all while It is also important to look after yourself others may become very ill, very quickly. andIt is alsokeep important your body to strong look afteras your yourself best What are the symptoms? defence.and keep Eat your well, body exercise strong andas your make best sure defence. Eat well, exercise and make sure COVID-19What are is the a respiratory symptoms? illness that effects you are getting enough sleep. Ensure you you are getting enough sleep. Ensure you yourCOVID-19 nose, is throat a respiratory and lungs. illness This that will effectsaffect and your family are up to date with your and your family are up to date with your partsyour nose, of your throat body and that lungs. affect This your will breathing; affect immunisations including the flu vaccine. immunisations including the flu vaccine. Ifparts you ofare your sick body with thatCOVID-19, affect youryour breathing;symptoms mightIf you areinclude; sick with COVID-19, your symptoms Who is more at risk? might include; BecauseWho is morethe COVID-19 at risk? virus is new, everyone isBecause at risk ofthe catching COVID-19 it. Peoplevirus is sufferingnew, everyone from pooreris at risk health of catching or the it.older People population suffering are from likelypoorer to health become or theseriously older populationunwell as their are likely to become seriously unwell as their fever cough feeling really bodies will struggle to fight the virus. bodies will struggle to fight the virus. fever cough feelingtired really tired What do I do if I am feeling sick? IfWhat you aredo experiencingI do if I am feelingsymptoms sick? of theIf you COVID-19 are experiencing virus such symptoms as high fever, of a sore throat shortness of breath cough,the COVID-19 sore throat virus orsuch shortness as high of fever, breath a How doessore it throat spread?shortness of breath itcough, is important sore throat to seek or shortness medical advice of breath by it is important to seek medical advice by COVID-19How does is itspread spread? between people, usually either your local doctor, Aboriginal Medical either your local doctor, Aboriginal Medical whenCOVID-19 a sick is personspread coughsbetween or people, sneezes. usually You Service or local hospital. Service or local hospital. canwhen also a sick catch person it if they coughs have or coughed sneezes. or You sneezedcan also catchonto a it surface if they have(like acoughed door handle) or When making an appointment with your When making an appointment with your thatsneezed you touch,onto a whichsurface can (like be a transferred door handle) by doctor it is important to let them know what doctor it is important to let them know what yourthat youhands touch, into which your mouth, can be nosetransferred and eyes by your symptoms are so that they can protect your symptoms are so that they can protect whenyour hands your touch into your your mouth, face or noseeat. and eyes the broader community and ensure the best when your touch your face or eat. carethe broader for you beforecommunity you comeand ensure in. the best How can I protect myself, my family care for you before you come in. andHow my can community? I protect myself, my family It’s important to think of those around you It’s important to think of those around you Washingand my yourcommunity? hands often and properly if you are unwell and ensure you cover if you are unwell and ensure you cover meansWashing that your you hands can prevent often and the properly virus your mouth (or wear a mask), avoid close your mouth (or wear a mask), avoid close enteringmeans that your you body. can Thisprevent means the washingvirus your contact and stay at home if you are sick. handsentering for your at least body. 20-30 This seconds.means washing your contact and stay at home if you are sick. hands for at least 20-30 seconds. To find the nearest clinic to you, please call13HEALTH for up to date information 13To find43 25 the 84 nearestor for further clinic toinformation you, please about call13HEALTH COVID-19 forvisit: up to date information Queensland13 43 25 84 Healthor for further https://www.health.qld.gov.au/ information about COVID-19 visit: AustralianQueensland Government Health https://www.health.qld.gov.au/ Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/ Australian Government Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/

Page 4 Page 5 OUTandABOUT

Community Considerations Community and Oral Health Yarning Circle discussed at the Yarning Circle: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and patients • Will there be the capacity to bring are invited to provide their feedback by taking part in the regular dialysis equipment on the van? Community and Oral Health Yarning Circle meetings. • Can vaccinations for mums and bubs be provided? • It would be good for the van to attend schools for health promotion and possibly provide vaccinations.

Staff participated in the discussions with community

The yarning circle provides an Elders were particularly pleased to opportunity to share a personal see the website and Facebook page experience of community health as a medium to keep up to date with care, what community health care the van locations. means to the individual and the Over the next 6 months, Senior wider community and how this can Project Officer William Bern, will look in the future. continue consultation with key The A&TSILT was invited to present stakeholders and community groups information regarding the new Better to design how they would like to Together Health Van to Elders and to utilise the van at a community level. discuss how the van could service the Northside community. Right: Uncle George Wano with COH Indigenous Manager Paul Drahm

TPCH Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Jarrod Pater (centre) enjoyed yarning and catching up with respected community Elders.

Page 6 OUTandABOUT

The group have been travelling Better Together Staff Gathering across Queensland providing The Metro North Indigenous Better Together Staff Gatherings are a education using ‘Feltman” in quarterly event hosted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander the workshops as a means of Leadership Team and held at the Chermside Community Centre. highlighting what food/intake has on various organs within the body. The aim of the gatherings is to Link-Up Queensland aims to Daniel Williamson, Manager, disseminate information to staff bring a sense of peace, identity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander across Metro North related to and belonging to Aboriginal and Health Branch also attended to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Torres Strait Islanders who have provide staff with the latest data health, health outcomes and future been separated from their family for the Close the Gap Agenda. The planning that will assist in Closing and culture and provide support presentation led to robust discussion the Gap on Aboriginal and Torres to reunite people with family and on how we are all tracking with Strait Islander Health. country where contact has been Closing the Health Gap and the lost due to forced improvement measures required. removal, fostering, adoption or The gathering was well attended institutionalisation. by staff, executive leaders and MN Board Member, Neil Roberts. Kim Aunty Nicky Newley- Minniecon from Children’s Health Guivarra provided Queensland has now attended two an overview of gatherings with much enthusiasm. the Yarns Heal suicide prevention “I have to say it’s such an awesome campaign day! It really is therapeutic in a lot for the Aboriginal of ways. I have attended twice now and Torres Strait and both times I have walked out Islander and refreshed, connected, feeling safe Left to Right TPCH Indigenous Nurse Navigator, Darsha Beetson, TPCH LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and excited to return. It’s great Executive Director Michele Gardener, TPCH Nursing Director Cherie Franks and Kim Minniecon from Children’s Health Queensland. and Brotherboy learning a little more about what community. The we all contribute to our community The day commenced with a campaign is about sharing stories and the networking and community moving presentation from Link-Up and reaching out to loved ones and engagement that we all benefit Queensland. A video was played Community Cultural Connectors from,” Kim said. illustrating strong emotional scenes when times are tough. Further information – regarding the stolen generation and Yarns Heal will help to learn how to https://www.link-upqld.org.au/ the strong inner calling and strength better support one another and aims https://www.yarnsheal.com.au/ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait to strengthen peer support systems https://www.diabetesqld.org.au Islander peoples to find their family, so we can access help in culturally their country and their mob. safe ways that nurture cultural healing, love and hope. Nicky told of how art became her saviour and platform to coming off drug addiction, it was her way of healing. Her decision to go back to country, back to family was a turning point for her addiction and using her art as a storyteller Staff members from Link-up Queensland Aunty Nicky Newley-Guivarra held a captive helped her achieve her audience during her Yarns Heal presentation. freedom from drugs. Her message of surrounding yourself with good people and family, being proud of who you are was very well received. Erich Barkmeyer, Jenny Turner and Fleur Kelly from Diabetes QLD covered areas such as nutrition and exercise to The Diabetes QLD Team introduced ‘Feltman’ as a Cultural Capability Officer’s Elwyn Henaway and Geoff Binge, alleviate the onset of diabetes. new way of delivering education to Aboriginal and pictured with MN Board Member Neil Roberts. Torres Strait Islander Health Workers.

Page 7 OUTandABOUT Redcliffe Hospital marks National Apology Day with moving healing ceremony

Respected community Elder, “What we’re doing today is Uncle Alan Parsons was invited healing. Culturally there are to hold a healing ceremony at very different ways for healing. Redcliffe Hospital in recognition This morning I walked into the ocean down here in Redcliffe for of National Apology Day. a water cleansing ceremony, just On the 13 February 2020 marked like the rain now is cleansing,” the 12th anniversary of the formal Alan said. National Apology to the Stolen “It would be symbolic to Generations of Aboriginal and refresh to bring water from the Torres Strait Islander children, who ocean, with the energy of the were removed from their families Noonuccal people and some and communities and placed into people are really connected to institutional care. the ocean here today. In 2008, the then Rudd Government “We use earth, fire and water, offered the apology and said Sorry, Uncle Alan Parsons and Redcliffe / Caboolture Cultural everything is biodegradable from Capability Officer Elwyn Henaway in recognition of past government the land. Everything is connected policies which led to the removal of to everything else. What we want “We’ve laid the foundations with children. to do is begin the year for Redcliffe community and getting the right Hospital and Metro North Hospital people together and now we have and Health Service in a way we to make a difference to patient care. can move forward into the year, for It’s a big year ahead for improving connection and acknowledgement.” health care for Aboriginal and Alan shared stories with the guests Torres Strait Islander people within and handed them a message stick our facility and across with our he received from the Yorta Yorta community partners,” Louise said. people to set their intentions. Executive Director of Redcliffe Hospital, Louise Oriti, said her intentions were to improve health care delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to see an improvement in clinical outcomes.

Metro North Board Member Bonny Barry receives the water blessing

Executive Leaders, Staff and Community members attended the Redcliffe Hospital ceremony, with Uncle Alan blessing participants with local seawater as they walked through the healing garden to signify change, reconciliation and partnership for improved health outcomes.

Metro North Chief Executive Shaun Drummond (centre) pictured with hospital Executives, staff and community members.

Page 8 OUTandABOUT Orange Sky presentation draws inspiration for Better Together Health Van

In February, A&TSILT Project Officer Caley Colley attended the Department of Premier and Cabinet Speakers Series featuring a talk from the founders of Orange Sky. Orange Sky Founders Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett Orange Sky is a non-profit mobile laundry and shower From one simple thought of providing a basic human service that visits the homeless community all over Australia. necessity in their community, to now growing and running This organisation was started by two 20-year-old mates a large non-profit organisation Australia wide providing Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett who received inspiration laundry and shower services. With these services in from volunteering with people experiencing homelessness place they have created a supportive environment with through their school program. This experience opened up a volunteers providing a safe place to have conversations conversation on how they could contribute and pay it forward. with community simply by providing “orange chairs” where people feel comfortable sitting talking with the This conversation led volunteers while waiting for their laundry to be to the realisation of one cleaned. Sometimes just having that support from basic human necessity a listening ear is a way for healing to begin. – clean clothes. The idea evolved and the Caley was inspired to learn about their journey and next thing – with a lot how as a service we could draw inspiration from of trial and error – the this with our new Better Together Health Van. two mates were driving “Listening to their story has opened my eyes and around to communities made me think how we could make a difference in a van with a washing and contribute to our community with our new machine and dryer in Better Together Health Van and what this could the back. The service is available for rural and remote Indigenous mean for them. With just a simple concept brings communities. many possibilities,” Caley said.

Breast Cancer Screening

We can all support the breast health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Feedback from our clients Support” bag painted by Aboriginal Younger women can start by suggests that encouragement Artist Yvonne Williams with each becoming familiar with the look and from friends and family is a major Breastscreen. feel of their breasts. motivator for women when getting Although women under 40 years BreastScreen Queensland has a breast screen. of age are not eligible to get their temporarily suspended routine breasts screened as part of the breast screening due to the We can all look after the ones we BreastScreen Queensland Program, coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. love by encouraging women we know maintaining good breast health Please visit www.breastscreen.qld. aged 40 years or older to get their is something that should concern gov.au for further information and breasts screened every two years. women of all ages. Being attuned to service updates. If you notice any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander your body is important so that you changes that worry you, see your women living on the North Side of notice any changes. doctor without delay. Brisbane will receive a “Pathways to

Page 9 IN FOCUS Commitment at the highest level to acknowledging traditional owners Metro North is committed to acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land our hospitals and facilities are located. An important part of this is at each meeting held by our Executive Leaders, they pay tribute to the Traditional Owners by delivering an ‘Acknowledgement to Country’. Metro North regularly engages with Traditional Owners to deliver a Welcome to Country at significant meetings and events. A&TSILT Manager of Data, Research and Clinical Governance Kirsty Leo, recently attended a Safety and Quality meeting with Executive Leaders at Metro North and was pleasantly surprised when Mark Butterworth delivered a moving Acknowledgment to Country at the commencement of the meeting. As the Executive Director of Allied Health, Mark is a radiographer and nuclear medicine scientist and oversees a large portfolio for Australia’s largest public hospital and health service. “I was taken back and personally moved when Mark handed each attendee an information sheet with history of the Turrbal peoples.” “For a non-Indigenous person to take such knowledge and depth was awesome. I’ve normally heard this from the Metro North Hospital and Health Service Traditional Owner, but to see an Executive Director take the would like to acknowledge the time to learn about where he was working and the country traditional owners and custodians of the land made me feel very at ease as an Indigenous woman. I felt on which our services are located. very welcomed.” We pay our respects to all Elders past, present HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARK’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF and future and acknowledge Aboriginal and COUNTRY SPEECH Torres Strait Islander peoples across the State. The Turrbal’s tracks form the basis of many modern- day roads. Waterworks Road from Ashgrove is built on We continue to recognise that to Close the Gap a Turrbal track that leads to Mount Coot-tha. Turrbal people would go to Mount Coot-tha to collect honey (Ku- we need to work together with Aboriginal and ta) from the bees there; it is the place of the honey-bee Torres Strait Islander people, communities, dreaming (Turrbal Association 1998). Similarly, Old staff and stakeholders to ensure that we are Northern Road from Everton Hills is built on a Turrbal meeting the needs of the community. track that led to the site of a triennial Bunya feast in neighboring Wakka Wakka country. Many suburbs and places in Brisbane have names derived from Turrbal words. Wolloongabba is derived from either woolloon-capemm meaning “whirling water”, (12) or from woolloon-gabba meaning “fight talk place”(13) Toowong is derived from tuwong, the onomatopoeic name for the Pacific koal (14) Bulimba means “place of the magpie-lark”. (15) Indooroopilly is derived from either nyindurupilli meaning “gully of leeches”, or from yindurupilly meaning “gully of running water” (16). Enoggera is a corruption of the words yauar-ngari meaning “song and dance”. “Place name details: (entry 42567)”. Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 13 September 2015. Artwork by Elaine Chambers-Hegarty

Acknowledgment Poster- Pull up Banner.indd 1 23/05/2019 12:00:20 PM Page 10 IN FOCUS Amy’s commitment to Queensland farmers When administration officer Amy Conroy is not helping clients for the Community and Oral Health Diabetes service, she is helping drought- stricken farmers across Queensland receive much needed water, food and goods.

In August 2019, Amy and her “We took out a variety of things husband Jack established ‘Drought which included water, dog/cat food, Runners Qld’ after visiting her dry perishable foods, toiletries, baby home town of Bungunya (west of items, children’s presents, fruit and ). vegetables to 19 families. “As I hadn’t been back home to the “We had quite a fair bit of help from farm for quite a number of years businesses that came on board and it dawned on me how much the donated pallets of water, so we had Working within the Ngarrama drought is not only impacting my enough to supply each family with program helped Amy reconnect with family but every single one of those 1 and extra which was donated by her Aboriginal history, learning about priorities,” Amy said. individuals.” her biological father, her mob and where she comes from. “We first offered our full tank of Amy has worked at Metro North water from our home in Woodford Hospital and Health Service for the “What I have found out so far is my to a farmer for free, but we soon past 3 years in a variety of roles biological father’s family is from worked out it was very expensive to including the Ngarrama Maternity the south-west region of Western cart water out west. From there we Service at The Royal Brisbane and Australia. The family name is Treloar. started to collect water, dry dog and Women’s Hospital, a service she was I am working with Link-Up to research cat food donations from our family part of with her second child. more about my history.” and friends.” “I was really scared to have my Amy recently received a Better The need grew from the initial visit, second baby only because of the Together polo shirt to wear within with Amy and Jack travelling to experience I had with my first. I felt her workplace to create a safe Texas (in the ) like I had no support,” she said. and welcoming environment for in October to deliver 22 pallets of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “Having worked for Ngarrama I now water, dog and cat food, children’s consumers accessing the service. knew that this service existed and toys, molasses and animal salt lick reached out to them for my second “We have this one patient in our blocks to 12 families. pregnancy. The one on one you have doctor’s clinic, and he turned around “Then it grew even bigger and we with the midwife and the support you a couple of months ago, came up to decided to do another run before receive is amazing. me and asked what mob I am from? Christmas but out to Qld It was the first thing he said to me. I “I had a mobile number to call them (near Bungunya) where we delivered was surprised that I was approached. on when I needed support. At the time a full semi-trailer truck load that We have had a good chat about our I lived in the Lockyer Valley and my had 28 pallets, 2 flatbed trucks with families, and I told him what I knew husband worked away, so having that 4 pallets on them and about 8 4x4 about my history. I was amazed and support throughout my pregnancy, vehicles that also had goods. happy that he felt comfortable to having a nurse to call and the support approach me and talk with me. Now after the birth was awesome.” every time he comes in, he comes and chats with me.” Amy hopes to one day work as a Drought Runners on the road to Central QLD. social worker and work more with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. She also plans to continue her work with Drought Runners Qld and has established a website to sell merchandise with 100% of the profits going towards items for their next trip. “We are run on pure donations. Our family still work full-time in our respected roles. This is purely from our hearts and what we want to change, ”Amy said.

Page 11 ACCURATE INDIGENOUS IDENTIFICATION

Katie Chan Karen Hamilton Paula Cairns Administration Officer, Administration Officer, Mental Health Act Support Brighton Wellness Hub Breastscreen Queensland Officer, Caboolture Hospital

Why do you think it is important for Why do you think it is important for Why do you think it is important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients/patients to Identify when clients/patients to Identify when clients/patients to Identify when presenting to our health care services? presenting to our health care services? presenting to our health care services? It helps us as a health service to Gathering statistical information It’s extremely important, we need to identify gaps in our health care. regards to accessing health services respect the wonderful cultures and - so health services can identify be respectful - otherwise we could be It also helps our patients to ensure that needs and information to increase disrespectful, intimidating or just plain we connect them to the services that participation and for better practices to rude if we aren’t aware. meet their cultural needs. encourage people to attend. How do you think wearing the Metro How do you think wearing the Metro How do you think wearing the Metro North Identification will help your North Identification will help your North Identification will help your interaction with Aboriginal and Torres interaction with Aboriginal and Torres interaction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, patients and Strait Islander clients, patients and Strait Islander clients, patients and visitors? visitors? visitors? I think it’s very important as it makes Being at the hub we have a wide range Will let staff and patients/clients be everybody - other staff/patients/ of clients from all cultures. aware of my support of Aboriginal visitors - feel more comfortable. It By wearing these shirts, we hope they and Torres Strait Islander culture and shows inclusion. feel that we respect their culture and peoples. that we are an identified contact for What does wearing the Identification them to connect to health care. What does wearing the Identification shirt personally mean to you? shirt personally mean to you? I’d be very proud to wear the My husband was a Wiradjuri man who identification shirt! It shows that I passed when our children where aged have a lot of respect for the Aboriginal 2 and 7. It has been very important and Torres Strait Islanders culture. that my children were raised aware My husband and children are Maori of their culture and family. For me and I have such respect - and envy - I personally it is a way to stay connected embrace different cultures and feel we to my husband. can all learn from them.

Above pic: Paula pictured right with her colleagues Janelle and Shannan

Page 12 IN THE NEWS

Plea for tents ‘or anything’ It is the longest and largest study of Leah Warradoo wants only the best to help with self-isolation Aboriginal people in Australia, with for her one-year-old daughter. in overcrowded Indigenous 686 participants all born between The young mum sits under the shade communities. 1987 and 1990 at Royal Darwin Hospital. of a fig tree at the Lockhart River Aboriginal doctors in regional family centre, letting the tropical centres are sounding the alarm about https://ab.co/3btgDx1 heat wash over her as she watches overcrowded housing as a “massive her daughter Angejazayna - Ange problem” that will make it very hard for short - bounce around the to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19, Scott Morrison wants playground with an infectious smile and are calling for the urgent Indigenous people to help with and relentless energy. provision of “good quality tents” Closing the Gap. They already https://bit.ly/39hZeWX or any safe place where people can are isolate. “If you don’t stick to a trade, you will Close the Gap Speech in Parliament https://bit.ly/2QLwQpH end up in prison or dead.” House 12 February 2020 https://bit.ly/3ag5Nuc Sixteen-year-old Corey Tutt was in Coronavirus social distancing the library for a meeting with his a struggle for large, multi- careers counsellor. How First Nations People are generational Indigenous creating a strong connection on To get there, he had walked past Social Media families stacks of books filled with the works It’s not unusual for Marianne of generations of scientists who Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Headland-Mackay to have 10 people came before him. He knew he wanted online presence has begun to emerge from three generations of family to be like them. across social media platforms. living in her home, but now she’s https://ab.co/2QFAhOw By bringing their unique worried her children are a risk to her perspectives, traditional and vulnerable parents. contemporary knowledge, products https://ab.co/39gUkcv RACGP Aboriginal and Torres and services, First Nations digital Strait Islander Health milestone influencers have long been building their fan base. RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait WA pledges millions for mental Islander Health Chair Associate https://bit.ly/2UCfpJ0 health, better services to reduce Professor Peter O’Mara described Indigenous suicides in the the college’s work in this area as ‘a Kimberley shining light’ at the faculty’s recent The WA Government has promised 10-year anniversary event. improved access to mental health ‘I think our college stands out – we services and better community are leaders in this space, through engagement as it moves to tackle the commitment of the whole growing rates of Indigenous suicide. organisation,’ he told the audience. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Founded in 2010, RACGP Aboriginal Wyatt said the $266 million package and Torres Strait Islander Health included $3 million for expanded emerged out of an earlier unit within WORD mental health services in the region the college that began in 2006, and $2.7 million to tackle foetal alongside a standing committee. OF THE MONTH alcohol spectrum disorder. https://bit.ly/2UBH78S https://ab.co/3dsoFbv “puuya” [pronounced boo-yah] Aboriginal Birth Cohort study Hope amidst the heartache: from the Umpila language reaches 32 years of looking at Closing the gap in remote of Cape York. It means health in the NT community Australia ‘the soul’ or ‘the heart’. Since 32-year-old Aidan Hill was The Morrison government pledged born, his medical history has been to partner with Indigenous people meticulously documented as part to refresh the failing close the gap of the Menzies School of Health strategy. In remote Queensland, one Research’s Aboriginal Birth Cohort Aboriginal community has taken Study. matters into its own hands.

Page 13 STAFF PROFILE

Linking health, employment and We want our Trainees to consider education makes sense in increasing Metro North as an employer of choice the size of our workforce with the aim for not only themselves but their of improving health outcomes for our family members and community. people. Can you tell me where you worked With the traineeship being paid, it’s prior to Queensland Health? a fantastic incentive for our young people to earn money, whilst also I graduated with a Bachelor of developing their self-management, Science – Applied Psychology back core work and career building skills. in 1998. It’s been lovely to speak to some of I spent nearly 10 years working in our 2019 cohort graduates and see Child Protection and for the last 12 their eyes light up, when they talk years I have worked in International about the ways in which they were Education, VET, Tertiary Education able to help our people, as part of and State Education. their traineeship. A few years ago, I also managed I think having those reflective to open a restaurant, which was conversations with our young people, a complete departure from my on how valuable their contribution is professional background. at that patient support level, can be life changing when they start making Having the experience of being a those critical links. small business owner in the private Introducing Natalie Fraser, sector, has certainly given me a whole other level of experience and Project Officer, What do you hope to achieve here – perspective in business, employment Deadly Start Team your goals? and human resource management. Can you tell us why you chose your I want our trainees to get an excellent new role, what was it that made you work experience opportunity Can you tell me your personal want to apply? exploring the health sector, whilst history? developing a tool box of skills and I am a Gooreng Gooreng, South Sea, I love working with our young people strategies to prepare them for a Australian woman. My mum’s mob and the Deadly Start Program career in health. aligned perfectly with my skillset, are the Johnson’s from Hervey Bay, professional work experience and Building a strong community and with connections back to Gladstone. sense of belongingness at Metro expertise in student engagement. My dad is a whitefulla from Sydney. North around the Trainees is a major I was born and raised on Butchulla I am a strong advocate for young aspect and focus of this program. people being exposed to and country and have lived in Brisbane receiving opportunities that broaden We want our young people to feel for about the past 12 years. culturally safe and be inspired by their horizons, especially in terms of My parents and brother live in Hervey our dedicated and culturally strong their future career prospects. This Bay and I am very close to my family. program is great for that and I am workforce. excited to be a part of building it. We’ve also had great support from How do people get in touch with you, the wider Metro North community, where are you located? in being part of that community of What are your thoughts on the I am located in Building 7, Floor 14 in support. Deadly Start Program and what is the Chief Executive’s Office at RBWH. means to the future of health in the At the end of the program, we want I can be contacted on email: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander our Trainees along with their family [email protected] communities? members, to have a clearer picture and by Ph: (07) 364 78943 and I think it’s a great program for growing of where their career aspirations lay Mob. 0436 863 128 our Aboriginal and Torres Strait and a plan of how they intend to get Islander workforce in the health to where they are going. Finally, tell us what you like doing outside of work? sector. We’ve got some exciting plans to We don’t have enough of our mob partner with Universities, where they I am very much a homebody and working in health and this program will be further supported in terms of quite boring, so when I’m not has the capacity to provide a clear creating a meaningful after school working, you’ll find me chilling at pathway into employment and/or pathway into further education, home watching crime TV and having further education in health-related should they be ready for that. the biggest laughs with my closest programs. friends and family.

Page 14 IT’S IMPORTANT TO PRACTICE PROTECT YOUR FAMILY SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY IN YOUR COMMUNITY IT’S TRYING TO REDUCE CONTACT BETWEEN YOURSELF & OTHERS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

IT’S ABOUT PREVENTING COUGHS & SNEEZES SPREADING DISEASES

WHAT YOU CAN KEEP DOING WHAT YOU CAN STILL DO – WITH CAUTION Go for a walk | Do some gardening | Read/chill at home Do your grocery shopping | Get takeaway Cook a nice meal | Go for a drive | Check in with your mob Pick up medicine from a pharmacy Play with the kids in the backyard

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19, PLEASE CALL YOUR HEALTH SERVICE OR CALL 13 HEALTH (13 43254) FOR ADVICE.

Page 15 Better Together BetterHealth TogetherVan

HealthThe Better Together HealthVan Van is a free community service for Aboriginal and Torres TheStrait Better Islander Together people Health living Van on isthe a freeNorth Side How to access communityof Brisbane service (from Brisbane for Aboriginal River toand Kilcoy), Torres the Van? Straitproviding Islander access people to: living on the North Side Visit our How website to for access up-to-date locations of the Van of• BrisbaneHealth promotion (from Brisbane and education River to Kilcoy), metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/ the Van? better-together-van providing access to: Visit our website for up-to-date • Opportunistic health screening locationsFollow our of Facebook the Van Page @ • Health promotion and education metronorth.health.qld.gov.au/BetterTogetherHealthVan for • An avenue to yarn with a health care provider better-together-vaninformation on locations, upcoming events, important health information • Opportunisticto provide feedback health on screening hospital experience and Follow our Facebook Page @ and community stories. healthcare journey BetterTogetherHealthVan for • An avenue to yarn with a health care provider information on locations, upcoming to provide feedback on hospital experience and events, important health information • Opportunity to co-design healthcare services and community Make stories. a booking healthcarefor Aboriginal journey and Torres Strait Islander peoples If you would like to request the Van visits your community or •• OpportunityAccess to Aboriginal to co-design and Torreshealthcare Strait services Islander event, contactMake the a Metro booking North Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples If you would like to request the health workers and supporting health staff. Leadership Team to make a booking Van visits your community or on (07) 3139 3235 or email event, contact the Metro North • Access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander [email protected]. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gov.au health workers and supporting health staff. Leadership Team to make a booking on (07) 3139 3235 or email [email protected]. The service is owned and operated by Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS).gov.au The Better Together Health Van will be utilised as an extension of MNHHS in creating engagement activities and developing partnerships and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, families and community organisations.

TheOver service the next is owned12 months and (Marchoperated 2020 by Metro – March North 2021) Hospital the Van and will Health be gathering Service (MNHHS).community The feedback, Better Together assessing Health Vanservice will demandbe utilised and as evaluating an extension clinical of MNHHS service in needs. creating engagement activities and developing partnerships and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, families and community organisations.

Over the next 12 months (March 2020 – March 2021) the Van will be gathering community feedback, assessing service demand and evaluating clinical service needs. This initiative is supported by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team, Metro North Hospital and Health Service

We welcome your feedback, contributions, story ideas and details on any upcoming events.

Please contact Aboriginal andThis Torres initiative Strait is supported Islander Healthby the Aboriginal Unit Communications and Torres Strait Manager Islander ReneeLeadership Simon Team, at [email protected] or phone (07) 3139 3235. Metro North Hospital and Health Service http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/ © State of Queensland (Metro North Hospital and Health Service ) 2020 Produced by the Metro North Communication Directorate Page 16