Aboriginal Health
Our goal is to enhance access to high-quality primary health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our region, while promoting disease prevention and health education.
This work includes conducting needs assessments, strategic planning, fostering multi-program collaborations, building cross-sector connections, and supporting commissioned programs and services.
At Healthy North Coast (HNC), we proudly acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia and their enduring connection to land, sea, and community. We are committed to partnering with Aboriginal organisations and communities to achieve meaningful improvements in health and wellbeing outcomes.
Through our partnership agreement with the six Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in the North Coast, we place Aboriginal health at the forefront of our priorities. This commitment spans all our programs, including those specifically co-designed with Aboriginal people. We understand that sustainable progress depends on strong cross-sector partnerships and the leadership of Aboriginal organisations and communities.
Our goal is to enhance access to high-quality primary health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our region, while promoting disease prevention and health education.
Aboriginal Medical Services Partnership
Partnering to Improve Aboriginal Health Outcomes
In September 2023, Healthy North Coast and 6 North Coast Aboriginal Medical Services celebrated a landmark agreement, marking a crucial milestone in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the North Coast.
This agreement aligned with the ‘National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 20212031,’ focusing on ensuring that ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy long, healthy lives that are centred in culture, with access to services that are prevention-focused, culturally safe and responsive, equitable and free of racism.’
This partnership enhanced existing agreements with the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts, contributing to a more integrated approach across primary and acute healthcare systems.
The Agreement supported several key achievements:
- Developing a join North Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Needs Assessment
- Creating an Aboriginal-specific Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Alcohol and Other Drug service model
- Establishing a collaborative Integrated Team Care service model
Innovate RAP
Healthy North Coast Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 to 2026
Our reconciliation vision is to work towards a better future together, consisting of historical truth-telling, developing and strengthening trusting and reciprocal relationships, and equitable outcomes. At Healthy North Coast, we will collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and individuals to enhance partnerships that build capacity for meeting the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with respect and understanding of culture.
The Healthy North Coast Board, executives and staff are committed to implementing each action and deliverable within our Innovate RAP and acknowledge it is a key priority for our organisation.
Cultural Safety Training
2024 Healthy North Coast Cultural Safety Training
Aboringinal Health Assessment - 715 Health Checks
Promote Better Health with a 715 Health Check
The 715 Health Check is a comprehensive, culturally appropriate health assessment designed to support the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all ages.
This annual health check ensures that individuals receive tailored healthcare, with a focus on early detection, diagnosis, and intervention for common and preventable conditions. It’s a proactive step to improve health outcomes and support longer, healthier lives in First Nations communities.
What does the 715 health Check cover?
The assessment includes:
- Physical Health: Routine checks such as blood pressure, weight, and other vital health measures.
- Chronic Disease Screening: Identifying risks for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
- Social and Emotional Well-being: Mental health assessments and support for emotional and social challenges.
- Preventive Care: Guidance on lifestyle changes, immunizations, and long-term health planning
Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program
providers across the North Coast to support Aboriginal people with chronic illnesses to access the health care they need.
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Annual Health Check Resources – Department of Health and Aged Care
RACGP – National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Third edition
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
