Aboriginal Health
Healthy North Coast is committed to supporting better health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the North Coast.
We work alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), communities and local health services to improve access to culturally safe healthcare and support healthier communities.
Whether you’re looking for healthcare, wellbeing support or information about Aboriginal health, you can find services and resources available across our region.
Find Aboriginal health support
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations provide culturally safe healthcare and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the North Coast.
Services may include primary healthcare, chronic disease support, mental health and social and emotional wellbeing services, family support and other community-based programs.
Social and emotional wellbeing
Social and emotional wellbeing recognises the importance of connection to body, mind and emotions, family and kinship, community, culture, Country and spirituality.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across the North Coast deliver social and emotional wellbeing programs that may include:
- yarning circles and culturally safe community activities
- individual and family counselling
- social and community connection activities
- culturally appropriate support for people affected by trauma
- programs that strengthen connection to culture, family and community.
Contact your local ACCHO to find out what support is available in your area.
Support for people living with chronic health conditions
The Integrated Team Care (ITC) program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic health conditions to access coordinated, culturally appropriate healthcare.
Healthy North Coast partners with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across the North Coast to deliver the program. ITC care coordinators can help eligible people:
- coordinate healthcare, appointments and services
- access specialist and allied health services
- understand and manage chronic health conditions
- navigate health services and providers
- access eligible supplementary services and medical aids.
A GP or Aboriginal Medical Service can provide more information about eligibility and referral to the program.
Aboriginal health in our region
We work with Aboriginal communities to understand local health priorities, strengths and aspirations and use this knowledge to help plan and improve health services across the North Coast.
Through the Aboriginal Health Needs Assessment and Healthy Yarns, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have shared their experiences, priorities and ideas for improving health and wellbeing.
Key areas of focus include:
- access to culturally safe healthcare
- social and emotional wellbeing
- chronic disease
- children and families
- workforce
- Aboriginal-led models of care.
Findings from this work will help inform health planning, commissioning and partnerships across our region.
Working together for better Aboriginal health in our region
Healthy North Coast works in partnership with the six Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across our region to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Aboriginal Health Partnership strengthens Aboriginal leadership and self-determination in regional health planning and supports a coordinated approach to priorities including culturally safe care, social and emotional wellbeing, integrated care and workforce development.
News and media
Dementia in practice
Dr Rachel Jones is a Lismore-based geriatrician. Listen to her interview with Dementia Training Australia.
Read
Monika Wheeler interview with Health Services Daily
Monika Wheeler, CEO Healthy North Coast, was interviewed by Health Services Daily for their 'Spotlight on PHNs' series.
Read
Bringing ADHD care closer to home for Northern NSW families
Dr James Hodges – Head of Paediatrics at Grafton Base Hospital.
Read