Miimi-biin (Mothers) & Buwaarr-biin (babies) / Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Strategy (AMIHS) - Coffs Harbour

Mid North Coast Local Health District

Miimi-biin & Buwaarr-biin is the Coffs Harbour AMIHS program which has operated out of the local Aboriginal Medical Service, Galambila for 10 years. The community based maternity service provides pregnancy and baby care for Aboriginal mothers and babies from conception up to six to eight weeks post-natal . The location and community acceptance of the model has resulted in excellent access rates.

Miimi-biin & Buwaarr-biin is unique amongst AMIHS programs in its team structure which is made up of two Midwives who job share, an Aboriginal Health Education Officer and an Aboriginal female Obstetrician. Clients are case managed throughout their pregnancy by the AMIHS team, and are referred accordingly to other service provider’s as needed basis. The program utilises early intervention and prevention initiatives to empower women and their families to be responsible for their own health so healthy lifestyles are sustainable and have an impact on improvement of health for Aboriginal families.

Wonai Wareya School Screening Project

Hunter New England Local Health District

The parents of young Aboriginal children in the Cessnock identified concerns related to poor health status and perceived learning difficulties, particularly in early school age children. These concerns led to the development of the Wonai Wareya School Screening Project aimed at improving the health and educational outcomes of young Aboriginal children. A Child & Family Health nurse and Aboriginal Health Education Officer attended the school for each of the screening days for Aboriginal children between the ages 4 to 8 years attending Infant schools within the Cessnock Local Government Area.

Key assessments included: nutrition by weight, height and body mass index (BMI); hearing and visual screening and oral health utilising the Lift the Lip assessment. Each child was given a pack containing oral health information, toothpaste, Kids Helpline phone number, and Breath Blow Cough program sheet. Copies of results, recommendations, referrals, and health information regarding diet were sent to each family with a service brochure. Follow up phone calls were made to parents whose child required hearing screening follow up, weight issues or who had expressed concern regarding social or emotional issues.

Dhanggan Gudjagang Cottage - Mums & Bubs Program

Yerin Aboriginal Health Service

The best starting point to close the gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes is in the womb. New Directions Mums & Bubs: Best Start to Life Program is funded by the Commonwealth Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health to ensure that mothers of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander babies get ante natal care early in their pregnancy.

This program also emphasises early diagnosis and intervention to make the greatest possible impact on childhood issues that may affect young children realising their potential in a learning environment. Health promotion and childhood immunisation are also important aspects of the program as a means of assisting mothers to ensure that their children flourish and enjoy a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.

KARI Clinic Holistic Health Services For Aboriginal Children and Young People in Out-Of-Home-Care

KARI Aboriginal Resources Incorporated

KARI Aboriginal Resources Incorporated (KARI) is a vibrant Aboriginal community organisation based in Liverpool NSW. Since its inception in 1999 KARI has grown to become arguably the largest Aboriginal OOHC service provider in Australia and is recognised as a leader in providing programs tailored to meet the needs of Aboriginal people. Since 2009 the KARI Clinic has expanded into a number of inventive, new programs and services designed to ensure that ALL health issues confronting children and young people in KARI care are addressed.

These Holistic Health Services, which meet the needs of children and young people in OOHC who often have long-term behavioural or communication disorders, include :

• A full-time speech pathologist and accompanying targeted communication impairment program;
• Two trained psychologists within the Clinic, including a Clinic coordinator and an accompanying all aspects psychological treatment program;
• A new culturally responsive program addressing the health benefits of cultural healing.

It's your Choice, NOW!

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Barnardo's South Coast Children & Family Centre, and Beyond Empathy

It’s your choice NOW is a partnership with Barnardo’s South Coast and Beyond Empathy engaging young people to develop new skills and address tobacco smoking through the medium of film creation. The high density public housing estate of Bundaleer was chosen for this project as it is identified by extreme poverty and social disadvantage. The estate consists of approximately 650 residents and about 200 young people. Of this community; 60% of families are single parent households, 89% of residents are dependent on Centrelink benefits, and a significant proportion identify as Aboriginal.

The project aimed to increase resilience of young people to prevent the commencement of smoking. Two ads were produced, a one minute version and a 30 second version. The themes highlighted include choice, long term consequences of decisions made in youth, resilience and the financial implications of smoking. The ad was launched at a local cinema and is now being used as a resource tool in workshops to engage young people to discuss the issues surrounding smoking. The ad has also been sent out through the facebook site and YouTube at: It's your choice now - film clip.

The re-establishment and expansion of the Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service Limited (BAHSL) at Brewarrina, NSW

Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service

During 2005 the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) approached Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Co-operative Limited (WAMS) to take on the auspice responsibility for the Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service Limited (BAHSL) which had not been operational for many years. After consideration and consultation the WAMS Board of Directors accepted this challenge and appointed Mrs Hellen Mannix RN who has been a resident of Brewarrina for some thirty years to restore BAHSL’s operations and recruit a range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health personnel to conduct the new business.

Over this time, Mrs Mannix has proven to be a dedicated and committed Manager. Through her personal and professional connections as an ex- NSW Health employee, she has been able to advocate for Aboriginal people living in Brewarrina and work with them create a comprehensive primary health care service that has grown to meet the social and health needs for the community of Brewarrina and surrounding areas.

Connections, Inner City Aboriginal Art Therapy Group

St Vincent’s & Mater Health Sydney

Connections, the Inner City Aboriginal Art Therapy Group provide a culturally sensitive mental health service for Aboriginal women and family members with a mental illness, and/or their carers, to explore social and emotional well-being issues through art. Connections was developed through research with community members who were asked what sort of help would be useful in terms of the creation of ongoing family support networks for people affected by mental illness and/or drug and alcohol issues across the Inner City.

The Connections group meet at the Community Centre in Chippendale each Monday to share experiences by embracing a holistic and spiritual well-being approach to art. During the past 9 years, Connections has made a significant contribution to the health, wellbeing and quality of life of Indigenous women and their families in the Inner Sydney community. These outcomes are congruent with the Priority Areas of the Fourth National Mental Health Plan, and the COAG ‘Closing the Gap’ recommendations.

Ngarrwa

Mid North Coast Local Health District

Ngarrwa , which means ‘birth’ in the Gumbaynggirr language, was established in 2008 as a partnership between the Bowraville Aboriginal community, local health professionals and other service providers with a vision to improve the health of children and families of Bowraville. This program is delivered within the community setting with easy access for families who do not access the traditional health and other local support services. The program encourages young mothers to access antenatal care and provides a pathway for babies, children and families to receive community health and support services thereby promoting healthy early childhood development.

The Ngarrwa Partnership Program provides a range of services including:

• Pregnancy and ante-natal weekly health checks for the mothers and newborns by the Mid North Coast Local Health District Aboriginal Maternal Midwife
• Health checks for young children including basis health reviews, immunisation, dental checks from the Mission Medical Centre and Durri Medical Corporation
• Early intervention and assessment for 0 to 5 years children by the Mid North Coast Local Health District Rural Primary Health Service, Allied Health Clinicians including Occupational and Speech Therapy

Armidale Basic First Aid and Injury Prevention Workshops A Partnered Approach

Hunter New England Local Health District, New England Division of General Practice and Armidale Family Support Service

Since commencement in 2010, the Armidale Basic First Aid and Injury Prevention Workshops have grown in content from Basic First Aid and to include Fire Safety and the program has been enhanced at the request of the community. The workshops are delivered in a way that met both an understanding and appreciation for the target group of families, many of whom had newborn and young children. In order to ensure a culturally safe and appropriate delivery, participants were encouraged to bring their babies and children. This also facilitated opportunistic discussion around immunisations, baby and child health checks, particularly the pre-school 4 year old health check, the social and emotional wellbeing of the participants, and also discussion around smoking during pregnancy.

These workshops contribute to the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Indigenous Health Outcomes goal of a healthy transition to adulthood by reducing the possibility for those children involved , of hospitalisation due to injury and also contribute to Closing the Gap Health Outcome, to halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade. The partnering approach also aligns with the COAG indicator of making Indigenous health everyone’s business through an improved multi-agency, multi-programme and inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination.

The Outback Vascular Health Service - specialist chronic disease care is now part of the local team

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Coorporation

Maari Ma’s Chronic Disease Strategy is a whole of life course approach to chronic disease with the Healthy Start component aimed at pregnant women, babies and children – giving kids the best possible start in life recognising that the origins of many chronic diseases are set in utero and early childhood and are worsened by lifestyle changes. The Keeping Well component is aimed at adults. Both components have disease prevention/health promotion, early detection and care/management features. The Outback Vascular Health Service (OVHS) is a key feature of the Keeping Well program.

The OVHS has been established to bring appropriate specialists (cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology) to Far West communities quarterly, work side by side with Aboriginal health workers, nurses and GPs, referring directly to the specialist and feeding back to the case manager. Face to face visits are then supported by monthly videoconferences. This project directly relates to the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes by tackling smoking, making Indigenous health everyone’s business, delivering effective primary health care services and better coordinating the patient journey through the health system.

Just calling to have a yarn: 48 hour Discharge Service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

A significant outcome of the Chronic Care for Aboriginal People – Walgan Tilly Project was the 48hour Follow Up of Aboriginal People being discharged from hospital. The 48 hour follow up is a state wide initiative designed for Aboriginal people, aged 15 years and older who are discharged from hospital with a chronic disease. The follow up addresses general well being, medications and appointments with general practitioners and Aboriginal Medical Services.

The 48 hour follow up plays a vital role in improving health outcomes of Aboriginal people with chronic disease by defining gaps within accessibility to and service delivery to Aboriginal people and is consistent with the Chronic Care for Aboriginal People Model of Care and the State Health Plan. This project has also strengthened South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s commitment to meet the Key Performance Indicators for the Chronic Care for Aboriginal People (CCAP) Program across NSW Health.

Closing the Gap Initiative Social Media Campaign

Hunter Rural Division of General Practice

The Closing the Gap Initiative Social Media Campaign uses YouTube and Facebook to promote primary health care as the key health sector for prevention and early intervention of chronic illness. Indigenous film maker and medical student, Joel Wenitong produced three film clips with the local Aboriginal community members telling their personal health stories around a camp fire to encourage others to make choices in their health care. These films identify and promote the role of primary health care in chronic disease prevention and management and promote the Closing the Gap Initiative.

The aim of this project was to reach as many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities as possible and through these current social media platforms using the interactive dialogue to stimulate and promote generational change. The film clips focussed on the primary care issues of:

• PBS – the medication initiative for patients with a chronic illness
• Self Identification – for early detection and screening for chronic illness
• Closing the Gap Initiative – an overall summary and promotion of the Close the Gap work in management and assistance for the Indigenous community

The re-establishment and expansion of the Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service (BAHSL) Limited at Brewarrina NSW

Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service

During 2005 the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) approached Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Co-operative Limited (WAMS) to take on the auspice responsibility for the Brewarrina Aboriginal Health Service Limited (BAHSL) which had not been operational for many years. After consideration and consultation the WAMS Board of Directors accepted this challenge and appointed Mrs Hellen Mannix RN who has been a resident of Brewarrina for some thirty years to restore BAHSL’s operations and recruit a range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health personnel to conduct the new business.

Over this time, Mrs Mannix has proven to be a dedicated and committed Manager. Through her personal and professional connections as an ex- NSW Health employee, she has been able to advocate for Aboriginal people living in Brewarrina and work with them create a comprehensive primary health care service that has grown to meet the social and health needs for the community of Brewarrina and surrounding areas.

Ambulance Service of NSW Aboriginal Employment Program

Ambulance Service of NSW

This Aboriginal Employment Program takes a holistic and integrated approach with strategies aimed at:

• Increasing the representation and retention of Aboriginal staff, particularly in frontline roles including the skilled roles of paramedic, patient, transport officer, control centre officer and flight nurse.
• Encouraging Aboriginal people to regard Ambulance as an employer of choice by featuring Aboriginal employees as role models for Aboriginal communities, especially among job seekers and young people.
• Addressing the barriers that prevent Aboriginal people from joining our workforce and pursing an Ambulance career.
• Improving workplace culture and the retention of Aboriginal employees by promoting and enhancing workforce cultural competency through training and development made available to all staff.

The Aboriginal Employment Program has provided notable results and early trends in the first three years, with double the number of Aboriginal recruits entering trainee positions within a year and the same number of additional Aboriginal recruits sustained in the following year increasing theAboriginal workforce participation from 1.3% in 2009 to 1.8 % in 2011. In addition, the Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training Program will increase the awareness of non-Aboriginal frontline staff of the importance for Aboriginal culture to be respected when dealing with Aboriginal patients.

Planning for our future: developing and implementing an Indigenous workforce development plan in far west NSW

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Coorporation

Maari Ma has developed and is implementing this Aboriginal workforce development plan which will have a significant positive impact on the way the community in Far West NSW access services. Planning for our Future aims to employ the right number of people with the right skills in the right place at the right time. Providing health services to Aboriginal people is all about meeting health needs in a way that is appropriate and accessible for Aboriginal people. This means the services need to be culturally appropriate and wherever possible, delivered by Aboriginal clinicians or facilitated by Aboriginal workers.

To achieve this outcome Maari Ma have had to plan for the future of all staff, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal; trainees and workplace supervisors; clinical, administrative, human resources, youth services, and management. Implementation of the Plan contributes to Maari Ma’s strategic goals, including striving for best practice in everything we do and developing Aboriginal leadership and also directly supports all of the five priority areas within the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes by employing, training and developing Aboriginal staff who will work at tackling smoking, providing a healthy transition to adulthood, making Indigenous health everyone’s business, delivering effective primary health care services and better coordinating the patient journey through the health system.

Improving the Identification of Aboriginal People

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

The Improving the Identification of Aboriginal People, an innovative eLearning program, was developed in direct response to the Closing the Gap strategy and to address the inaccurate recording of Aboriginality which was a strong issue that emerged from the Chronic Care for Aboriginal People - Walgan Tilly Project. As of November 2011, over 360 staff had accessed the training. It is expected that the training , which is sustainable and transferable, will compliment cultural respect training.

This program will improve the journey of Aboriginal people through the health service, by training ALL workers in appropriate and accurate identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The program examines aspects of identification such as: current data on Aboriginal populations within the area; comparisons between the health of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people; how to ask the question about if a person is Aboriginal or not; identifying barriers to asking the question, or having the question answered; how to record the information; and the responsibilities of staff and managers within the organisation.

The Serious and Continuing Illness Policy and Practice Study

Western Sydney Local Health District, Mount Druitt Aboriginal Medical Service Wununga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Medical Service, ACT

The Serious and Continuing Illness Policy and Practice Study (SCIPPS) is a large qualitative research project funded by the NHMRC and undertaken as a partnership between the University of Sydney and the Australian National University. The objective of the study was to increase understanding of the barriers and facilitators to good care and support for people living with at least one of three chronic illnesses – diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure. The primary focus is on enhancing health service provision and identifying strategies for improving the self-management of chronic illness.

As part of their commitment to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, the research team conducted a sub-study in which they recruited 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with at least one of the chronic illnesses of interest. The project was conducted in a manner that was culturally responsive and holistic in partnership with two Aboriginal Medical Services – Mount Druitt (NSW) and Winnunga Nimmityjah (ACT). Staff at both services played a vital role in the project which seeks solutions to the increasing burden placed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by chronic illness.

Improving evidence to close the gap in the health of Aboriginal Prisoners: The 2009 Inmate Health Survey: Aboriginal Health Report

Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network

Aboriginal people are significantly over-represented in prison representing 22% of male and 29% of female prisoners in 2011. Despite this overwhelming disparity, there has been little research or reporting highlighting the health issues and areas of disadvantage which impact on Aboriginal people in contact with the criminal justice system. The aim of the NSW Inmate Health Survey: Aboriginal Health Report was to develop the first comprehensive report to identify the health issues for Aboriginal people in custody. Further, the 2009 Inmate Health Survey for the first time included an Aboriginal person (Ms Elizabeth McEntyre) as one of the investigators and co-authors of the Aboriginal Health report.

The report includes key trends from 1996 to 2009 and provides important evidence into the social determinants of health, family background, violence and offending behaviour, mental health, drug and alcohol dependence, chronic and infectious diseases and access to health services . It will guide research and policy and program development to improve Aboriginal health outcomes of Aboriginal people in custody from a variety of health, social justice and equity perspectives which are aligned with the broader government priorities to Close the Gap on Aboriginal health disparities and the contributing factors to imprisonment.

Talk- Maruma and Heal- Guwaa-li Aboriginal Womens Forum Against Child Sexual Assault

Hunter New England Local Health District

This two day forum was held in February 2011, with the theme of “HOPE” as a strong message of working together, moving forward and looking to the future. The program was developed following an Aboriginal Elder from the Walhallow community and Aboriginal women from the other communities approaching the Aboriginal Sexual Assault Counsellor in Tamworth seeking assistance regarding disclosures by women and children around sexual assault in their communities. The target group for the program was Aboriginal women and non-Aboriginal women with Aboriginal partners who reside in Walhallow, Werris Creek and Quirindi and previous residents of Walhallow.

Sixty women attended both days of the forum which focused on listening, watching, caring and taking responsibility for the safety of children. Tamworth Sexual Assault Service statistics show evidence that the forum had a positive impact on the community with a substantial increase on referrals from the Aboriginal community. The forum also led to the establishment of the Guurrama Women’s Support group which has developed a five year plan which includes establishing a Safe House.

Aboriginal Weaving and Terrazzo Project

Western NSW Local Health District

The Aboriginal Weaving and Terrazzo Project was a key project of the Orange Health Service, Arts and Health Strategy: a partnership between General Health, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service, Orange City Council and the community. The aim was for artists to work with community members, using traditional Aboriginal weaving techniques and incorporating non traditional techniques to create public artworks for installation in the main courtyard of the new general hospital thereby creating a powerful and visible presence of the community and in particular Aboriginal people.

The objectives were:

• To build awareness of Aboriginal people and people with mental illness to reduce stigma and discrimination in the general population
• To facilitate social inclusion of Aboriginal people and people with mental illness
• To build awareness, partnerships and a culturally sensitive workforce among Health staff, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol and Non government and community agency staff and cConsumers of mental health services

Murdi Paaki Drug and Alcohol Network

Western NSW Local Health District

The Murdi Paaki Drug and Alcohol Network (MPDAN) operates under a hub and spoke model. The clinical hub is based in Orange and operates as a partnership between Lyndon Community and Western NSW Local Health District. The spokes (network sites) are located in Bourke, Broken Hill, and Walgett, with services integrated across the Aboriginal Health Services, WNSW LHD, GPs, and NGOs. The establishment of local network coordinators in each of the three key areas (Far West, Mitchell and Castlereagh) enables and promotes service development and coordination at the local level Network locations.

The key objectives of the MPDAN are to:

• Improve the existing service delivery model to respond more effectively to the complex mental health and D&A issues experienced by Aboriginal people
• Provide greater access to effective, integrated and culturally sensitive mental health an D&A services
• Address workforce development, recruitment and retention issues

In2Health Program

In2Careers and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District

The goal of In2Health is to secure employment for Aboriginal people in primary health care administration roles and contribute to Closing the Gap targets in employment, education and health. Ultimately the program aims to improve key social determinants of health through education and employment and thus contribute to the improved life expectancy of Aboriginal communities. Through work experience placements and traineeships the program also aims to raise Aboriginal cultural awareness of general practitioners and staff and their knowledge of the benefits of employing Aboriginal people in their practices

This innovative program prepares and places Aboriginal people in employment in general practice and primary health services in administrative roles. By having Aboriginal people employed in general practices, it is expected that this will, in turn increase the number of Aboriginal people seeking medical advice and improve the practice’s capacity to provide culturally sensitive services. In addition the knowledge gained by Aboriginal staff working in General Practice can be shared among family and friends promoting early intervention and the notion “prevention is better than a cure” to achieve better health outcomes.

NSW Aboriginal Community Water and Sewerage Program

Ministry of Health, NSW Office of Water, NSW Aboriginal Land Council

NSW Health, NSW Office of Water, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and Aboriginal Housing Office
The provision of safe drinking water and the appropriate disposal of wastewater are among the most effective strategies for reducing the burden of communicable disease. They also play an important role in supporting the basic dignity of individuals and communities.

The NSW Aboriginal Community Water and Sewerage Program
Is a state-wide whole-of-government program with communities to address systemic problems with the operation and maintenance of drinking water supplies and wastewater disposal in discrete Aboriginal communities.

The NSW Aboriginal Community Water and Sewerage Program is a unique partnership between the NSW Government and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council representing an investment of $200 million over 25 years. This Program provides support to communities and Local Aboriginal Land Councils in the treatment and distribution of drinking water and the collection, treatment and disposal of sewerage. Importantly it involves local councils in the provision of these services, through three way agreements. The councils will have their expenses reimbursed through the Program.

The Aboriginal Youth Health Access Workshop Program

Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network

The Aboriginal Youth Health Access Workshop Program (AYHAWP) is a three session youth health program that orientates Aboriginal young people 15-21yrs within the NSW Juvenile Justice custodial setting to a number of community health services including their local Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS). The AYHAWP seeks to address the barriers of health service access for Aboriginal young people leaving custody by providing Aboriginal young people with information on Medicare, bulkbilling, information on privacy and confidentiality, in addition to guiding young people through the steps in making appointments with a health service professional.

By utilising a holistic adolescent health model that examines: the physical, psychological (mental/emotional), social and spiritual health of Aboriginal young people, the AYHAWP also aims to provide awareness on issues relating to; mental health, chronic disease, sexual health, relationships (with family, peers and community) and building a greater positive sense of self, cultural identity and healthy future prospects.

Brian Doyle

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

In his role as Aboriginal Health Projects Officer at Kirkton Road Centre (KRC) Brian facilitates KRC's Itha Mari Aboriginal Health and Healing Group, which meets weekly and supports Aboriginal clients to address their health issues. Brian works closely with the clients, providing prompt referrals to clinicians at KRC within a culturally respectful framework. His focus on the physical, mental, spiritual, cultural and social well-being of all Aboriginal clients accessing KRC remains at the forefront of all his endeavours. Brian works closely with other clinical staff to ensure that culturally respectful practices and protocols have been developed to ensure the cultural safety of Aboriginal clients accessing the service.

It has been demonstrated that Koori clients’ access to KRC’s comprehensive range of services is threefold higher following attendance at Itha Mari. Brian conducts outreach to the streets prior to the commencement of Itha Mari to ensure awareness among any Aboriginal community members in the area. With family ties in both remote and urban Western Australia, and now in Sydney, Brian has a good understanding of Aboriginal cultures and their diversity and the social and economic issues that affect his peoples nationwide. His acceptance into local communities and the courage and integrity with which he faces challenging situations is to be commended

Mitchell Beggs-Mowczan

Western Sydney Local Health District

At only 19 years old Mitchell, an Aboriginal Outreach Worker ,has already undertaken so many wonderful things for the Aboriginal Community and the “Closing the Gap.” Mitchell’s achievements to date include:

• Organising the local Naidoc Cup
• Creating a free Aboriginal Eye Clinic each month for the local community
• Establishing a “Closing the Gap” Education Program for all schools in the community
• Adolescence Schools - Engaged students in a way that was relevant and fun for them to learn about the Closing the Gap program
• Assisted in the of delivery of programs for the Youth Corroboree
• Assists staff with home visits for Brighter Futures Programs
• Assists Health and Community Workers on Home Visits for 0-5 yrs. Children
• Regularly assists the Aboriginal Liaison Officers at Nepean Hospital to deliver good health outcomes

Gail Daylight

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District

Gail is a proud and strong Aboriginal woman from the Kamilaroi Nation and one of 14 children. Having worked within the sectors of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health, NSW Health and Local Government for over 30 years she is a walking encyclopaedia and telephone directory of the Aboriginal who’s who within Government agencies and community members.

In 1978, Gail starting working at The Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern as a receptionist and progressed to become an Aboriginal Health Worker. As Dental Coordinator she was responsible for the coordination of the Dental Clinic and managing three mobile Dental Units. After 11 years working with the AMS, Gail moved into the area of Aboriginal employment. Working with Public Sector and Local Government and the Department of Education and Training she was responsible for increasing employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people through the implementation of the Local Government Aboriginal Employment Strategy and the Public Sector Aboriginal Employment Strategy. Gail was also responsible for the Aboriginal Training Awards.

In 1997 Gail joined the former South East Health Service as Area Manager, Aboriginal Health and following the health service restructure in 2005 was appointed Area Manager, Aboriginal Health South East Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service, which extended her role to include the Aboriginal communities of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. Gail plays a significant role in the future development of local programs addressing Aboriginal health and wellbeing and to ensure the delivery of culturally appropriate programs for Aboriginal Chronic Care, Aboriginal Early Childhood and Maternal, Health Promotion, Drug & Alcohol. Gail strongly advocates that ‘Aboriginal health should be everyone’s business, not just that of Aboriginal Health staff’.

A proud moment and achievement for Gail, was in 2006 after 8 years of discussion, planning, consultation, negotiation and numerous capital works meetings, a new Aboriginal Community Health Centre in La Perouse, was established on land owned by the Local Aboriginal Land Council. Gail is currently Area Manager, Aboriginal Health South East Sydney Local Health District and throughout the current restructures Gail has continued her managerial responsibilities with a “business as usual” approach. Gail’s achievements throughout these years have never been for the accolades or self glorification, Gail is quite happy to step back and let others bask in the limelight, but rather she gains satisfaction to know the Aboriginal Community has truly benefited from her commitment to further improving Aboriginal Health.

Trevor Simpson

Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service

Trevor Simpson is a Gamilaraay Man who has worked with WAMS for approximately 16 years and has completed Certificate IV level training in Primary Health Care as well as Drug and Alcohol Services. Trevor has worked in range of pivotal positions at WAMS which include helping to establish the outreach Family Centred Primary Health Care Service which outreaches to Goodooga and Pilliga as well as a number of smaller villages and hamlets in North Western NSW.

Trevor established, developed and defined the role of the Bringing Them Home BTH Worker at WAMS and in this current role provides outreach service to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people living in Goodooga and Lightning Ridge as well as Walgett and surrounding areas.

In providing his services to the range of Aboriginal people who are experiencing the many and varied effects of the Stolen Generation, Trevor skilfully uses music to engage along with more conventional Western approaches. He is member of a famous band of brothers known as “the Simmo’s “. Having such a social outlet gives Trevor an ability that is beyond his BTH Job Description as he is able to reach out to this group of Aboriginal people many of whom are in dire need of services and cannot be reached by conventional means.

Dr Paul Byleveld and Mr Jeff Standen

Ministry of Health

Jeff Standen is the Manager of the NSW Health Aboriginal Environmental Health Unit. Jeff has been working in the field of environmental health for the past 23 years, most of that time with Aboriginal communities in NSW, Victoria and the NT. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health) from the University of Western Sydney and a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney. He is currently responsible for the development of evidence-based environmental health policy and programs in Aboriginal communities in NSW, including the Housing for Health program, the Aboriginal Environmental Health Officer Training Program and the NSW Aboriginal Community Water and Sewerage Program. Much of this work includes interagency programs and policy development, and evaluation of environmental health programs such as housing, water and sewerage and workforce development.

Dr Paul Byleveld is the manager of the Water Unit, Environmental Health Branch, NSW Health, which is responsible for public health regulation and advice on drinking water, waste water management, water recycling, and recreational waters. In his role as manager Dr Byleveld developed, implemented and reviewed programs relating to drinking water (including Water Safety Plans). In 2001, he established the State-wide NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program and has coordinated water monitoring in remote Aboriginal communities since 1999. Dr Byleveld played a key role in the development and implementation of the Aboriginal Communities Water Supplies and Sewerage Program. He was a member of National Health and Medical Research Council Working Parties for the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2008) and Rural and Remote Water Quality (2004-5), and the National Water Commission Steering Committee Indigenous community projects (2007).