Welcome to Local students win with ARTIE Nhulundu“ News, An initiative of the Former Origin Greats achieved their second goal of this your monthly (FOGS) and the Australian Government, program are Year 8: Breanna Beezley, newsletter from the ARTIE program works with Morgan Bennett, Garrett Dynevor, Nhulundu Wooribah Indigenous students across Brianna Gill, Margie Hooper, Joey high schools delivering activities to Ingram, Shanley Parsloe, Taleigha Salam, Indigenous Health encourage and reward academic, cultural, Taneeccia Walker, Elijah Warde, Tyninja Organisation. ” attendance and sporting achievements. Webb, Gordan Williams and Kade Williams. Year 9 : Tyrissa Atkinson, Bryce ARTIE, an acronym for ‘Achieving Results Delta, William Docherty, Taneesha Through Indigenous Education’, involves Ghee, Peyton O’ Flaherty, Rubi Suli, Elisa inspirational young mentors working Thompson, Joseph Walker and Bonnie one-on-one with Indigenous students Murratt. Year 10 : Hedley Atkinson, It hardly seems possible that here we are heading supported with visits by high profile towards Christmas and another year is almost Sonny Brown, Peyton Cartwright, Tokoko sports people including , behind us. Ingra and Matthew Thompson. Year 11: Steve Price, Wendell Sailor, Jharal Yow Demi Blucher, Courtney Cahill (GTC,) For me personally, November has been incredibly Yeh, Jonathon Thurston, busy with significant State-wide and National Lizzy Cartwright, Shalna Daley, Emily and . Many local Indigenous events including the Annual General Meeting of the Dempsey, Lara James, Jacob Tranby, Lee students are involved National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health –anna Murratt and Jerome in this program. Organisation (NACCHO). At this event, over 150 Power (GTC ). Year 12 : member organisations were fortunate to be able to The students at Tyrone Hartig and Tamika join with, and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Gladstone State Palmer. Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern, the first Aboriginal High School were Medical Service established in . Whilst it NRL player Carl Webb required to nominate was overwhelming to celebrate the history of AMS presented the students performance targets Redfern, it was also an opportunity to promote the with their jerseys at the in English and Maths. 40 years of success as an Aboriginal and Islander end of November. Community Controlled Health Sector and notably Individual student the recognition of NACCHO. NACCHO is the attitude marks Congratulations and well only existing independent Peak Body for Aboriginal for these subjects done to all those who Health that consists of a national membership with were also closely achieved these goals and its Board of Directors being elected from over monitored. to those who haven’t quite 150 communities across Australia. However, the The students reached them yet, keep turbulence within both State and Commonwealth Above: Carl Webb presents Taneesha involved who have trying. Governments and their unclear future commitments Ghee with her signed jersey. to continue to Close the Gap and improve Aboriginal Health through our organisations has highlighted the need to further enhance and build the capacity of our Sector in key areas including; improved corporate governance and financial management, implementing self regulation and steps towards regionalisation. I was privileged at the NACCHO AGM to be elected to the position of deputy chair for the next three years. In response to Nhulundu Health Service’s commitment to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Islander people and the credible and strong evidence of links between oral hygiene and chronic disease, specifically cardiovascular disease, in early 2012 (January) we Left: Nhulundu Health Service will be introducing the delivery of Oral Health/ congratulates the ‘Deadly’s’. Dental services to our clinic. This will be targeted All the teams made it to the at our clients and community members. Goolburri semi finals - well done healthy, Aboriginal Health Advancement Company Ltd will be active, deadly players. sub-contracted to Nhulundu Health Service for the provision of these services. The annual Nhulundu Health Service “Christmas” Family, Fit and Fun Day is being held on December Christmas Opening Hours 17 at Quoin Island, and is shaping up to be yet another hallmark event. I look forward to seeing you Closed Monday December 26 all there to join in the festivities and participate in our Closed Tuesday December 27 fun and interactive health education and promotion Open Wednesday December 28 - 7am – 5pm activities. Remember to REGISTER as numbers are limited to 500 persons! Open Thursday December 29 - 7am – 5pm Matthew Cooke CEO Open Friday December 30 - 8am – 5pm Closed Monday January 2 National role for Nhulundu Doctor’s Appointments Nhulundu Health Service would like to advise clients that Health Service’s CEO while we are striving to fill Dr Sabitha’s leave with alternative doctors, it is proving to be very difficult. Nhulundu Health Service’s CEO Matt continuous quality improvement and We ask for your patience and understanding during this Cooke has been elected deputy chair advising the Congress of the First time, and acknowledge that it is frustrating for clients when of the respected National Aboriginal Australians and Aboriginal Health in they are unable to get an appointment, but we are working Community Controlled Health the national health reform agenda. continually to try to find a doctor to fill the service gap. Organisation (NACCHO) at their Matt was welcomed to the position Please be aware, at the moment, we have up to two weeks AGM in Sydney recently. by Mr Justin Mohamed, the re- of bookings in advance. However, we will triage patients NACCHO is the peak national elected NACCHO chairman. based on need and medical priority. body for more than 150 Aboriginal Matt also holds the position of deputy To reduce client frustration, we ask that you check your community controlled medical medications and scripts for when they may run out, and make chair of the Queensland Aboriginal services across Australia. Over 200 an appointment at least 2 weeks before to have your new and Islander Health Council, and was delegates from community controlled scripts done. first elected to the NACCHO Board Aboriginal health services across in 2010. Your assistance, understanding and patience during this urban, regional and remote Australia period is greatly appreciated. were in attendance and marked the largest annual gathering of Aboriginal people involved in community health. Right: Screening & Vaccination In accepting his position, Matt Matt thanked the 150 Australia wide Cooke Tuberculosis (TB) screening and BCG Vaccination Clinic members of NACCHO for instilling – Indigenous people and immigrant people from areas of their confidence in him and electing risk. him to the position. “The honour and privilege is mine,” he said, “I Nhulundu Health Service will be hosting the Queensland am grateful for the opportunity to Health TB control centres Mantoux testing and BCG continue to advocate for our people vaccination clinic in December. and will use this role to do so.” Mantoux clinic (skin test for TB) Monday December In his position he will play a pivotal 12, 2011 from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm (People over 6 role in helping set the direction for months of age from the eligible groups). the future of the sector in covering BCG clinic (vaccination for TB) Thursday December core primary health care services, 15, 2011 from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm (All babies under 6 months of age in the eligible groups). Spreading the IT’S A BOY message on Diabetes Management and staff November 14 was World Diabetes handouts and a static display at the would like to extend a huge Day and to spread the message in Gladstone Library and a wall display congratulations to Dr Sabitha the community Nhulundu Health in the Nhulundu Health Service and her family on the safe arrival Service organised several static foyer as well as running informative displays and an information booth at DVD’s on the day. of their little boy Krish, born on Stockland Kin Kora. Early signs of diabetes include November 16, weighing in at a Richard Geesu and Cherissma feeling tired, passing urine more very healthy 8lb 4oz. Blackman spent the morning out frequently, blurred vision, dry and Dr Sabitha will be having a small at Stockland answering questions itchy skin, slow healing sores, leg and providing information to those cramps, frequent infections and break with her new little boy, and interested in finding out more about unquenchable thirst. we look forward to seeing her back this disease. If you think you could be at risk, in the clinic in early March 2012. The Tobacco Cessation and Healthy contact a health professional for a Congratulations again Dr Sabitha. Lifestyle Team also provided diabetes check. QUIT Smoking Nhulundu Health could be just a phone call away Service is now ONLINE Tobacco Action Trainee Elaine Daylight will come to your home, explain the process, conduct a Visit our website at smoke check and you are on your way. Elaine www.nhulundu.com.au will assist and support you on your journey to a Nhulundu Health Service offers a safe and smoke free life. Pick up the phone and call today 4979 0992. non threatening medical environment where our patients feel cared for and valued in an Did you know that it is illegal to environment that has a zero tolerance policy smoke in a car with passengers under 16 years of age. of aggressive and threatening behaviour. Shadow Minister pays a visit Dr Andrew Lamming, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs, made a whistle stop in Gladstone recently. Dr Lamming, accompanied Right: Practice by Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd, Manager toured the Nhulundu Health Service premises Jenny Kerr, Aged Care and chatted to staff. Practice Manager, Jenny Co ordinator Kerr showed the visitors through the building Jo Kersey, and explained the various programs on offer, Federal the plans for the future and explained the Member for importance of the role Nhulundu Health Flynn Ken Service plays in the community as a holistic O’Dowd health service, providing care from birth and Shadow through to old age. Minister for Dr Lamming was impressed with what he saw Indigenous and was keen to ask questions to gain a better Affairs Andrew understanding of the services delivered. Lamming.

Nhulundu Health

General Practice services, immunisation, maternal and child Service a great health, mental health support, diabetes support, men’s health, women’s health, chronic disease support, skin ‘fit’ with new RN checks, Indigenous health incentives, smoking cessation and When Jacki Tully was a child growing up in the Solomon Islands, healthy lifestyle education. she never realised that the cultural awareness she absorbed Nhulundu Health Service is a bulk billing practice. throughout her childhood would hold her in good stead in her Operating hours are Monday to Thursday 7.00am – 5.00pm adult career. and Friday 8.00am -5.00pm - appointments necessary. Jacki is Nhulundu Health Service’s RN (Registered Nurse). She graduated from Queensland University of Technology 5 years ago This practice is AGPAL accredited for quality assurance and commenced her nursing career at the Mater Private Hospital and ISO 9001:2008 Management in . Systems Standards accredited. A transfer with her husband’s employer saw the couple arrive in Gladstone a year ago. Jacki was working at another medical practice when the opportunity to work at Nhulundu Health Service presented. Jacki said “the opportunity with This service provides a culturally acceptable Nhulundu Health Service is such and readily accessible place for local Indigenous a good fit for me, I know that community members, and offers access working with Indigenous people and referrals to a range of mainstream and will grow my cultural awareness Indigenous specific services including health and this is a skill I can take with me care, child care, court support, education, when I eventually go back to the Solomons some time in the future. employment, housing and an internet café. I was looking for a change and the chance to work here offered me flexibility in my daily work load and allows me to broaden my horizons and skill base.” As Nhulunudu Health Service’s Nhulundu Health Service offers a RN, Jacki’s responsibilities include comprehensive community-based aged children’s immunisations, wound care program called Community Aged Care care, travel vaccinations, follow Package, designed to improve and maintain through on paperwork and independent quality of life for the aged living assisting the Doctors with skin excisions. in their home and residential environment. The Aged Care team also runs the Home In her spare time Jacki is an avid and Community Care Program. reader and mentions Francine Rivers as one of her favourite All clients must have an aged care assessment reads. before being accepted into any program. Left: Jacki Tully Spreading the healthy, active message During the September school holidays a contingent of girls (3 from Gladstone) representing the Ergon Energy Capricornia Netball Academy travelled to New Zealand for a week to attend development clinics and games under the direction of former New Zealand coach and player, Yvonne Wellering. The girls, aged between 14 and 17, were kitted out in track suits with the assistance of Nhulundu Health Service as part of their ongoing commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The girls also distributed Nhulundu Health Service frisbees to their New Zealand counterparts as they spread the healthy, active message. Promoting Movember

Senior Health Worker, Richard Geesu spent much of November Above: Coach Tracey Davis, Teegan Crawford, Carly Cooke (Nhulundu raising awareness about prostate cancer and men’s depression Health Service), Sharrna Parter, Annabel Hofstee and Sarah Marsh. with functions and information sessions through his ‘Movember’ campaign. These successful get togethers were designed to ensure that members of the Indigenous community were made aware of the information and assistance available to them in a Accreditation relaxed environment. Nhulundu is very proud of it’s accreditation for many months achievement in gaining ISO now, and the hard work of all One of the highlights of ‘Movember’ for Richard was catching 9001:2008 Management System staff and their dedication to up with Merv Hughes, the man with arguably Australia’s Standards Accreditation in quality service and practice best known mo. Merv is a roving ambassador for Andrology October. The Organisation has is to be congratulated. Our Australia, an over arching been working towards gaining commitment to quality processes group for men’s and client services continues, reproductive health. and dedication to Continual Improvement Initiatives and Quality Goals will remain a focus throughout all programs.

Left: Carly Cooke attended the recent GAPDL Luncheon AGM as a guest of Zinc Radio. Pictured are Zinc’s Joel Anderson, Cr Craig Butler and Carly Cooke.

Nhulundu Health Service Family Fit and Fun Day is on December 17 at Quoin Island. You must register to attend. CONGRATULATIONS Nhulundu Health Service congratulates Adriana Johnson on achieving her Bachelor of Nursing. We wish you all the best in your future career as a Registered Nurse. We also congratulate all year 12 graduating students in our community. Good luck, we wish you well.