Aboriginal Health Partnership

The Aboriginal Health Partnership brings together Healthy North Coast and 5 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) across the North Coast to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Established in 2023, the partnership recognises that Aboriginal organisations and communities are best placed to lead decisions about Aboriginal health. It formalises a shared commitment to self-determination, shared decision making and long-term collaboration.

The partnership aligns with the vision of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021–2031, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enjoy long, healthy lives centred in culture, with access to services that are prevention-focused, culturally safe, equitable and free from racism.

The partnership also strengthens existing relationships with Mid North Coast Local Health District and Northern NSW Local Health District to support more connected care across primary healthcare, hospitals and community services.

The Aboriginal Health Partnership is guided by principles agreed by Healthy North Coast and North Coast Aboriginal Medical Services.

Self-determination

Aboriginal communities should lead decisions about Aboriginal health and wellbeing. Healthy North Coast supports Aboriginal-led planning, commissioning and service design.

Aboriginal leadership

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are the experts in Aboriginal health and are central to improving health outcomes across the North Coast.

Working together

Shared planning and partnership approaches make better use of resources and create stronger outcomes for communities.

Data sharing and data sovereignty

Communities should have access to and influence over the information that affects them. Shared regional data supports better planning and more informed decision making.

Shared responsibility

Improving Aboriginal health outcomes is the responsibility of the entire health system and requires collaboration across primary care, hospitals, government and community organisations.

Trust and transparency

Strong partnerships are built through openness, respect and a willingness to work through challenges together.

North Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Needs Assessment

Develop a joint regional Health Needs Assessment that reflects the experiences, priorities and aspirations of Aboriginal communities across the North Coast and informs future planning and investment decisions.

Preferred Provider Model

Develop a Healthy North Coast preferred provider model that supports Aboriginal-led commissioning and strengthens opportunities for Aboriginal organisations to deliver services for Aboriginal communities.

Partnership evaluation

Participate in an independent evaluation of the Aboriginal Health Partnership to understand what is working well and identify opportunities to strengthen the partnership into the future.

Regional Social and Emotional Wellbeing approach

Develop a North Coast approach to Social and Emotional Wellbeing that reflects local communities, priorities and service models.

This work includes:

• supporting regional planning and priority setting
• developing shared outcomes and evaluation measures
• supporting implementation of the Northern NSW Aboriginal SEWB Model
• working with southern Aboriginal Medical Services to identify a regional approach to SEWB planning and service delivery.

Integrated Team Care (ITC)

Develop a partnership-led Integrated Team Care model that strengthens care coordination and improves outcomes for Aboriginal people living with chronic and complex health conditions.

Learn more about the ITC program

Allied health and specialist access

Implement a regional approach to improving access to allied health, specialist services and outreach care for Aboriginal communities across the North Coast.

Aboriginal patient travel

Deliver a coordinated regional approach to supporting Aboriginal people who need to travel for treatment and specialist care.

Aboriginal Data Sovereignty Agreement

Develop a regional Data Sovereignty Agreement that supports Aboriginal ownership, governance and use of health information and data.

Cancer Quality Improvement Collaborative

Support Aboriginal Medical Services to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and screening through workforce development and quality improvement initiatives across the region.

Workforce development

Identify opportunities to strengthen and grow the Aboriginal health workforce in partnership with Local Health Districts, Aboriginal organisations and other health partners.

Communication and engagement

Develop a regional communication approach that promotes partnership initiatives, shares stories of impact and celebrates successes across Aboriginal communities on the North Coast.