Vaccho Celebrates a Milestone

VACCHO|NEWS WINTER 2012

Vaccho Celebrates a Milestone The Victorian Aboriginal Street not only accommodates all The event was well attended by Community Controlled Health current staff and volunteers but also many including VIP guests Aunty Organisation celebrated a allows for growth, offers spacious Melva Johnson, Mr. Paul Briggs significant milestone in its 16 year and modern facilities which include OAM, Mr. Andrew Gardiner, history with the official opening of training rooms and car parking Premier Ted Baillieu, Hon Minister for their new centre in Sackville Street for visitors and the entire VACCHO Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell Collingwood on Tuesday 24 July fleet. and Hon Minister Richard Wynne. 2012. The new premises at Sackville ...CONTINUED ON P2 Contents

Vaccho Celebrates A Milestone 1

Smiles All Round For Our Graduating Students Of 2012 6

Members Meeting 8

Victorian Aboriginal Health Conference 2012, Aboriginal Health – Everyone’s Responsibility 10

NAIDOC at VACCHO 12

Oral Health In Aboriginal Communities 15

Flag Raising 16

KMS Pregnancy Care Workshop 17

Body Armour 18

Vaccho Chronic Disease Medications Workshop 19

Introducing the Sector Quality Bill Nicholson Improvement Unit 22 ...CONTINUED FROM P1 followed by an inspiring Staff at Vaccho 23 The day marks an historic event didgeridoo performance by for VACCHO, the VACCHO Ray Young. VACCHO’s very Geelong Cats 24 Members and the Victorian first Chairperson Mr. Paul Aboriginal community and is Briggs delivered a memorable Vaccho Executive Board Of the culmination of a lot of hard speech followed by the current Directors 26 work by many over the 16 year Chairperson Mr. Andrew journey. This day represents a Gardiner who also delivered Vaccho Member tremendous effort by Ms. Jill an unforgettable speech. Next Organisations 26 Gallagher VACCHO CEO and on the agenda was the Hon Ms. Edel Conroy Corporate Ted Baillieu who conveyed his Contacts 26 Services Manager to pull praises and congratulations to together all the efforts of so all involved. many to make this dream of a The official unveiling of the new centre of excellence for plaque was performed by Aunty VACCHO a reality. Melva Johnson and the Hon. The official proceedings of the Ted Baillieu followed by a very day included a heartwarming passionate performance by and enlightening welcome VACCHO’s own singer songwriter to country from Wurundjeri Ms. Illana Atkinson singing her spokesperson Mr. Bill Nicholson, own words to her own music.

2 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Hon Premier Ted Baillieu and Aunty Melva Johnson

Back Row: Jason King, Justin Mohamed, Andrew Gardiner, Tony McCartney and Paul Briggs Front Row: Jill Gallagher, Aunty Melva Johnson and Aunty Lyn McInnes

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 3 Vaccho Celebrates a Milestone - Photo Gallery

8 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Congratulations to all students Andrew Gardiner, Carol Williams BSB51007 Diploma of who graduated from Certificate and Tyson Murphy. Management and Diploma courses on A special thanks to Patricia Tuesday 24 July. The Graduation HLT52007 Diploma of Practice Cerminara for her wonderful Ceremony took place at Management speech. The VACCHO ETU VACCHO directly following BSB41007 Certificate IV in would like to thank Kat Andric the official opening of the new Human Resources for organising the graduation VACCHO premises in Sackville BSB40307 Certificate IV in ceremony and would like to Street, Collingwood. Business Administration congratulate her on the success Students graduated from the of the event. We would like to thank all who following courses: participated in the presentation Once again congratulations to HLT33207 Certificate III in of certificates, Jill Gallagher, all the students who graduated! Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care HLT43907 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) HLT44007 Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Community Care) 21947VIC Certificate IV in Indigenous Women’s and Babies’ Health BSB40807 Certificate IV in Frontline Management

Photo: Jill Gallagher, Christine Ingram and Andrew Gardiner

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 9 Members Meeting July 2012

The VACCHO Members Meeting was held in July over two days at the Rydges Melbourne in Exhibition Street.

Some of the highlights in the program were presentations from Peter Waples-Crowe and Kat Byron who presented on Hepatitis C and the role on Needle and Syringe Programs in hepatitis C prevention. They talked about the ways ACCHOs can support marginalised members of our community, including people who inject drugs, in better accessing health and wellbeing services.

Louise Carey and Graeme Fletcher presented on the Sector Quality Improvement Unit which was established earlier this year to assist members in providing practical advice, support and resources to enhance governance, strategic and operational planning and the implementation of quality and compliant business systems that reflect community control.

Members were happy to hear from the team at NACCHO, Justin Mohamed Chairperson and Jason King Acting CEO who updated delegates with all the latest issues from the National perspective and also talked about the recruitment of the NACCHO CEO.

The next Members Meeting will be held in October of this year which will include the VACCHO Annual General Meeting.

10 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 11 Victorian Aboriginal Health Conference 2012, Aboriginal Health – Everyone’s Responsibility - 24-25 May 2012, Melbourne Cricket Ground

A capacity audience of over 400 people attended the first major conference on Aboriginal health in Other key conference events included: Victoria on Thursday 24 May and Friday 25 May at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). • The Victorian Premier, the Hon Ted Baillieu MP, demonstrated his commitment to closing the The conference aimed to make Aboriginal health the health gap when he addressed delegates at responsibility of the Victorian public health system: the conference dinner; hospitals, community health services and GPs as well as the Aboriginal community controlled health • The Minister for Health, the Hon David sector. This is important as it will go a long way Davis MP, launched Koolin Balit: Victorian towards closing the health gap between Aboriginal Government Strategic Directions for and non-Aboriginal Victorians. Aboriginal Health 2012-2022 at the conference. Koolin Balit is part of whole- The conference commenced with a celebration of of-government approach to improving Victorian Aboriginal culture. Aunty Joy Wandin Aboriginal health and is an important part Murphy welcomed conference delegates, highlighting of our overall health strategy, the Victorian the importance of connection to culture; Deborah Health Priorities Framework 2012–2022; Cheetham, internationally renowned opera singer, demonstrated that Aboriginal Victorians excel in • The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon many areas of endeavor; and an uplifting video Jeanette Powell, MLA spoke about the ‘Who is the Victorian Aboriginal population – a importance of a whole of government snapshot’ left the audience with more information commitment to closing the gap in life on the history, diversity and strength of Victoria’s expectancy between Aboriginal and non- contemporary Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Victorians. The symbolic highlight of the conference was when 15 CEOs from metropolitan and regional hospitals and community based health services signed a Statement of Intent together with the Health Minister, the Hon David Davis MP, Jill Gallagher, CEO, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, to help close the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians

12 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Photo: Jill Gallagher and Jeff McMullen

Over the two days conference delegates were stimulated and inspired by national and local key note speakers, given the opportunity to learn more about the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and its member agencies, participate in interactive sessions, view poster displays which demonstrated the depth of Victoria’s excellent and innovative work in Aboriginal health. Conference delegates were also given the opportunity to hear more about the growing, diverse and dynamic Victorian Aboriginal population and were very much inspired by the vision for the future articulated by Dr Gregory Phillips, Head of School for Photo: Hon. Ted Baillieu, Hon. Jeanette Powell Indigenous Health, Monash University. and Rod Jackson with Bunjil’s nest

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 13 NAIDOC at VACCHO with Uncle Herb Patten, Illana Atkinson and Jedda Atkinson

During NAIDOC week VACCHO staff spent a sister Jedda also joined the family and surprised special afternoon with Uncle Herb Patten, Illana us with a beautiful performance showcasing her Atkinson and Jedda Atkinson. delightful voice. Uncle Herb spoke to staff from the heart about Mr and Miss NAIDOC, Lewis Brown and Makita the meaning of NAIDOC and of the struggles and McNally attended, as did our own Cherie Waight survival of Aboriginal people as well as delighting in her role as NAIDOC Patron, 2012. The new Board us with his unique talents with the gum leaf. Room was a ‘full house’ with youth and toddlers joining to help us celebrate. Illana wowed staff with her amazing voice and her passion for story telling through her music. Little

14 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 15 NAIDOC at VACCHO cont...

16 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Greater support is needed for ORAL HEALTH in Aboriginal Communities

Everybody hates the dentist and access to services for Koori right? For three main reasons, communities. the fear of pain, the expense, and However, to improve the access for the majority of our Aboriginal to ongoing and good dental communities dentists are hard practices there needs to be renewed to access. Many families are one investment. VACCHO will be dental appointment away from advocating for the implementation poverty and well it’s time for this to of the recommendations of the change. Oral health needs to be on National Advisory Council on the forefront of everyone’s minds, Dental Health for the sake of overall health and wellbeing; it’s part of our Koori way In seeking to give the best health to of seeing health. our community VACCHO members should have a plan to address Poor oral health is not separate oral health. Each ACCHO would from physical or social or emotional benefit from a long term strategy health. In fact good oral health is for promoting and delivering oral “ Without a major contributor to the overall health to its community as part of health of a person. ACCHOs see an overall population health plan. the injection health as holistic. Aboriginal of new or health is not focussed on individual Aboriginal oral health issues are renewed body parts but the whole person centred on culturally appropriate is treated by an ACCHO. Good oral health policies and service resources teeth are a requirement for holistic provision, access to services, and a health, comfort and a positive trait prevention, treatment, the labour for the whole of life. force and advocacy. Without refinement the injection of new or renewed to policy, As most of us only see dentists resources and a refinement to when we have to, not when we policy, serious and necessary serious and should, it is essential to normalise changes to dental health service access to regular, affordable, provision are highly unlikely. necessary preventative dentistry of the changes communities’ routine health ACCHOs run some fantastic dental practice. Priorities in Aboriginal services for their communities and to dental the workforce needs more Koori oral health in our Victorian dental staff and there is support for health ACCHOs are developing and people to do these qualifications. service progressing strategies to provide Aboriginal Victorians with access In the meantime as much as you provision to oral health services that can may fear the dentist, find it hard to are highly effectively meet their needs. access or pay for care, don’t forget unlikely.” VACCHO will advocate for to look after your teeth, your body infrastructure, workforce needs and mind will thank you for it.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 17 The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised for the first time at The Royal

Melbourne The ceremony was part of the hospital’s NAIDOC Week Hospital’s Royal celebrations, and marked a major milestone in the history Park campus of the organisation, which has only ever flown the Union Jack in a moving or Australian flag in its 164-year history. ceremony during The Melbourne Health Chief Executive, which incorporates NAIDOC week The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Dr Gareth Goodier said, “From today, all three flags representing all Australians will fly at The Royal Melbourne.” commit to improving our At the ceremony held on 5 July, care for Aboriginal and Torres Dr Goodier acknowledged the Strait Islander people. The struggle Indigenous Australians flags will remind all of our staff faced 40 years ago at the that we are here to serve our creation of the Aboriginal Tent community - regardless of Embassy, and the struggle they race, faith, gender or political continue to face for equality in persuasion,” he said. employment, education and health. He added that appropriate health care for Indigenous He took the occasion to sign communities included the Statement of Intent with the embracing the emotional and Department of Health which spiritual aspects of care and commits Melbourne Health healing and he committed to to closing the health gap strengthening the relationship between Indigenous and non- between Melbourne Health Indigenous Australians. Photo: MH Chief Executive, Dr and the Aboriginal and Torres Gareth Goodier; Terori Hareko- Talking about the importance Strait Islander communities. Samios, Aboriginal Health Business of closing the health gap, Unit the Royal Women’s Hospital; “I hope that when Aboriginal Executive Director Communications Dr Goodier emphasised it and Torres Strait Islander and Community Relations was a whole-of-organisation Sharon McGowan; Wurundjeri patients and visitors come to responsibility. Elder, Aunty Diane Kerr this Campus, and see their flags “All 8,000 of us within flying, they feel that this is their Melbourne Health need to hospital.”

18 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 KMS Pregnancy Care Workshop

The Koori Maternity Services Collection, and Oral Health in Health Workers on the National workers attended the Maternity Pregnancy and Sexual Health in Registration for Aboriginal Health Services and Education Program Pregnancy. Workers. One of the highlights of (MSEP) training earlier this the workshop was the presence Renee Owen, our Victorian year. KMS’s workers participated of newborn baby Jasper who representative on the Aboriginal from Njernda Aboriginal Health joined us to receive a newborn and Torres Strait Islander Health Clinic, Victorian Aboriginal Health examination, providing the KMS Worker Registration Board, Service, Nindedana Quaranook with further skills and tips in presented to the Aboriginal Gippsland Aboriginal Health this area. “What a great hands on Service, Bunurong Health Service, demonstration.” Swan Hill Aboriginal Health “Motivational, inspiring and Service, Wathaurong Aboriginal always enlightening. Fresh Cooperative, Gippsland and East information always at hand. A Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative, wonderful program.” Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative and Bendigo & District Aboriginal “These workshops are very useful Cooperative attended the training. in a lot of different ways, being able to keep up to date with the The workshop was a combination latest information on health and of presentations and hands on the different services available to workstations. The presentations women.” were given on topics that were requested by the KMS Planning has already begun for in a training needs analysis the next workshop to be held undertaken in November 2011. in a regional area in Victoria in These included the Women’s September. VACCHO and MSEP Alcohol and Drug Service from are looking forward to another the Royal Women’s Hospital, Data successful workshop for the KMS.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 19 BODY ARMOUR The Sexy team at VACCHO has supported Ilbijerri through June for the Victorian Body Armour tour. Body Armour is the next instalment from the team Bloody Serious Facts behind the multi award-winning Chopped Liver. • Hepatitis C is a virus which can make The story follows the journey of three teenagers as they your liver sick. experiment with activities such as piercing, tattooing and blood sharing. Timely comparisons to ancient body • Hep C lives in blood and can only modification rituals gently remind us of the importance get the virus if it enters your blood of history and culture in the search for identity and the stream. You can’t get Hep C from need to belong. sharing food, cups, kissing, toilets or Peter Waples-Crowe, Andrew Bamblett and Kat Byron mozzies. travelled with the show for 17 performances over the 4 weeks in the Melbourne area and Hume region. The • To avoid Hepatitis C, always use sexual health team yarned with young Kooris after the new sterile injecting, tattooing and show about Hep C and their knowledge about sharing piercing equipment. blood, tattoos and piercings. If you or your service want more info about Hep C, Photo top: Andrew Bamblett, Urain Mastrosavas, contact your local VACCHO member or call the Hep C Peter Waples-Crowe, LeRoy Parsons, Bec Cooen support line on 1300 437 222. Front: Kat Byron, Maurial Spearim

20 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 VACCHO Chronic Disease Medications Workshop: 4-7 June 2012 Good Medicines Better Health project (GMBH)

Diabetes Module Participant group: Back Row: Nikki Kirby : AOW (MAHS); Gary Giles : senior AHW (Njernda); Mavis Egan : Care Coordinator (Njernda); Levi Power – AHW (Rumbalara); Middle Row: Jenny Hickleton : Diabetes Australia -Vic; Colin Mitchell : Diabetes Australia-Vic, Rebecca Kelleher : AHPACC worker (Rumbalara); Adrian Morgan – senior AHW (GEGAC); Front Row: Naomi Aves : QUM worker (MAHS); Barbara Gibson-Thorpe: Hospital Discharge Planning Coordinator ( Njernda ); Corina Pesich: GMBH project officer

As follow-on to the pilot Quality use of Medicines Aboriginal Health Workers and other employees (QUM) module GMBH project roll out in Victoria, working in chronic disease management attended VACCHO recently held a Chronic Disease including those participants working in AHPACC Medications Workshop in Melbourne. This workshop and Aboriginal Outreach Worker roles. The was open to all pilot sites involved in the QUM workshop commenced with a heartfelt welcome module roll out, and involved the delivery of to country performed by Auntie Di Kerr and a training related to: nutritious lunch which was well received by many of the participants after a long morning of travels. • Diabetes ( 1 ½ days) Lisa Briggs also presented a spirited welcome to • Hypertension ( 1 day) , and participants, before the workshop commenced • Asthma ( 1 day) on Monday afternoon with an Introduction to the

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 21 Diabetes Module. The 3 ½ day training program provided an overview of each of the three chronic diseases and the medications most commonly used to manage these conditions. Each of the chronic disease module workshops were co-facilitated by Corina Pesich (GMBH project officer) and expert representatives from the following organisations:

Diabetes Australia- Vic branch

Colin Mitchell: Aboriginal Liaison Officer Jenny Hickleton: Diabetes Educator

Heart Foundation – Vic branch

Wei-Fong Yee: Primary Health Engagement Project Officer

Asthma Foundation – Vic branch

Emma Dunstan: Community Support Program Coordinator

Additional guest presenters from VACCHO and the National Stroke Foundation also presented interesting information on nutrition and physical activity, tobacco control policies and support, MBS chronic disease management items and stroke prevention/management. Feedback received from participants indicated the workshop was very well received and participants felt they gained a lot of new and relevant information they could take back and use in their workplace. A massive THANK-YOU is sent to all participants and managers for their overwhelming enthusiasm and commitment to the training workshop, which involved a very intensive schedule of learning and information sharing. VACCHO are hoping to continue the roll out of the GMBH training modules which will be incorporated as part of the training initiatives offered by the new VACCHO Chronic Disease team which will be forming in July 2012. For further information about the GMBH project or if you would like to host a QUM training workshop in your service/region, please contact: Corina Pesich, Good Medicines Better Health Project Officer, Email: corinap@ vaccho.com.au

22 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 23 Graeme Fletcher, Jill Gallagher and Louise Carey Introducing the Sector Quality Improvement Unit

he Sector Quality Managers to have the best experience working with Boards Improvement Unit was information at hand when and senior management in the Testablished in January making decisions, planning or health and broader not-for-profit 2012 under the 2011-16 Strategic negotiating and positioning sector. Louise’s background plan, implementing the Strategic the organisation within their includes nursing, consulting as Vision of the VACCHO Board community, and the broader a “solutions broker” and a stint to extend its existing member sectors they work within. with OATSIH prior to joining support functions. VACCHO 2 years ago and she 2. The second is to work has considerable expertise in The unit’s overall mission is to strategically in an advocacy the fields of risk management assist members to reach their role with a range of and business systems. Graeme potential by providing practical stakeholders to identify and worked in education and training, advice, support and resources to resolve the risks for ACCOS in management roles and as a enhance governance, strategic the current policy environment consultant in strategic planning and operational planning and the and the increasing burden of and organisational development implementation of quality and reporting. in the health and community compliant business systems that 3. The third is to provide sectors before commencing at reflect community control. responsive and immediate VACCHO 3 ½ years ago. The support where organisations Unit will also engage the services The role of the Unit require specific, focused of external expertise when project-like work to resolve The Unit has three major focuses; required. immediate risk issues. 1. The first is to respond to The work of the unit is the demand for on-site Making use of the Unit aligned with both the Quality coaching to Boards and The Unit is available to work with (ISO9001:2008) and Risk Executive Management of Boards and management upon Management (ISO31000:2009) member organisations that request. We are able to provide ISO standards to ensure best is relevant to the community Board coaching over extended practice systems are implemented controlled sector. The current periods and have found that the within the unique context of the demand for coaching on on-site ‘real-time’ approach has community controlled model. risk management, strategic been an effective strategy to planning, governance and assist Boards to develop skills in business systems has been Personnel governance. We would be happy increasing. The Unit provides The Unit is coordinated by Louise to talk to any of our members strategic and practical Carey, supported by Graeme about providing support. Call advice, tools and resources to Fletcher as the Senior Program Louise or Graeme for further allow Boards and Executive Officer. Both have extensive information.

24 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Staff @ VACCHO

Simone Andy

My name is Simone Andy I am a Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri woman. I was born on Bunurong land in Dandenong. I spent most of my childhood growing Amy Volich up in Cummeragunja attending school in Echuca, and then moving to Melbourne to further my Hi my name is Amy and I am the new Social professional opportunities. I have worked at Yorta and Emotional Wellbeing Project Officer at Yorta Local Aboriginal Land Council, Yappera VACCHO, a role that I am very excited about Children’s Services, VACCA, SNAICC, and Kinder pursuing! Prior to starting at VACCHO I was Haven and have been at VACCHO for 5 years. working at Milparinka Disability Services in Brunswick where I had worked casually During my time at VACCHO I have had many for several years while I completed my experiences and opportunities working with the university degrees. I completed my Masters of Koori Maternity Services (KMS) Aboriginal Health International Development at RMIT University Workers and Midwives who passionately deliver a last year and my Bachelor of Health Promotion quality cultural maternity service. at Deakin University in 2007. Working at VACCHO has challenged me both I spent 10 months of last year living in professionally and personally, prompting me Zambia, where I completed an internship with to take a good hard look at my own health. Restless Development. During this time I had Gradually without even noticing I have taken on the opportunity to work with some amazing healthier behaviours to achieve better health and passionate young Zambians in the area for myself, and hopefully inspiring my family of sexual and reproductive health, youth and community. Professionally I have had the empowerment and civic participation. I am opportunity to represent the KMS and the Victorian a Melbourne girl born and bred, although I community at a local and national level and have caught the travel bug at a young age and have built on my own knowledge of maternity care and spent time living and travelling in countries health. such as Switzerland, the United States, In the last two months my role at VACCHO as Vietnam, Thailand and most recently Zambia Team Leader has changed from supporting and other parts of Southern Africa. Despite the KMS to now include the Improving Care for the fact that I have never worked in the area Aboriginal Patients (ICAP) program, supporting the of Aboriginal health before, it is an area I have Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers (AHLO). I have been passionate about for many years and enjoyed meeting the new mob and learning more also the focus of much of my health focused about the many roles of an AHLO and the hospital University research. systems. I look forward to this new challenge and As part of my role as an SEWB project officer with the support of my peers and community I I will be working across Victoria with the hope we can make a difference in Aboriginal SEWB workforce, supporting their work and Health. capacity building where needed. I plan to assist If you wish to learn more or chat about the KMS VACCHO in supporting and maintaining a and or ICAP programs please feel free to contact highly educated and skilled SEWB workforce me at VACCHO on (03) 9411 9411 or by email that can effectively meet the social and [email protected] emotional wellbeing needs of Aboriginal clients across Victoria.

Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 25 Five Geelong football players are helping to educate the local Aboriginal community in the Geelong Cats Barwon South West Region about positive health messages. Prove to be Deadly Mathew Stokes, Travis Varcoe, Allen Christiansen, Steven Motlop and rookie Joel Hamling have Ambassadors for been named Closing the Gap ambassadors. The five footballers are Aboriginal and will be involved in a project called ‘Deadly Choices”, Closing the Gap which delivers social marketing messages about positive health. “The ‘Deadly Choices’ program originates from the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Queensland. It has been used in the National Rugby League (NRL) with wide success. Adapting the program to work with the Australian Football League (AFL) in Victoria, seemed natural evolution,” explains Taryn Marks, Closing the Health Gap Coordinator, Department of Health. The ‘Deadly Choices’ program includes video clips that feature the five Geelong football players talking about deadly choices when it comes to lifestyle decisions such as smoking and healthy nutrition. These videos will be used in social marketing and played in round 16 of the AFL completion. An eight week prevention and early intervention community program will also be developed and rolled out with the help of local Aboriginal Mathew Stokes | Shane Bell communities. “The Geelong Football Club has shown Travis Varcoe tremendous support for the five ambassadors and their commitment to this cause,” said Taryn Marks. The high profile of the club and its five Allen Christensen Aboriginal players will be invaluable in delivering local health messages and helping to Close the Gap,” explained Taryn. The ‘Deadly Choices’ program will target a large number of people engaged in both the AFL and NRL codes, and the social marketing campaign will extend its reach to an even greater audience. The difference in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men is 12 years, and women almost ten years. With Aboriginal people experiencing higher rates of preventable diseases such as kidney and heart disease and diabetes, programs such as ‘Deadly Choices’ are expected to make a big impact.

26 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012 | 27 VACCHO Executive Board of Directors: Andrew Gardiner...... Acting Chairperson Jason King...... Executive Member Aunty Lyn McInnes...... Executive Member Aunty Lorraine Sellings ...... Executive Member Karlene Dwyer...... Executive Member Joanne Badke...... Executive Member Daphne Yarram...... 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 Aborigines Co-operative Ltd • 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 • Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative Aboriginal Cooperative • Victorian Aboriginal Health Service • Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative • Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative • Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative • Windamara Aboriginal Cooperative • Kirrae Community Health Centre • Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place • Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association

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 9411 9411 or email [email protected].

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc 17-23 Sackville St, Collingwood, VIC 3066

Phone: (03) 9411 9411 Fax: (03) 9411 9599 e-mail: [email protected] www.vaccho.org.au

28 | Vaccho News | Winter Edition 2012