27
May
2020
With National Reconciliation Week running from today to 3 June, there is a renewed focus on Aboriginal health and the need for ongoing improvement.
The week’s theme is ‘In This Together’. Helping to lead the way is Coffs Harbour’s Nicola Barker, who is part of a new regional team striving to reduce health inequities, increase access to services and support disease prevention.
Ms Barker, who has a background in social work, is an Aboriginal health coordinator with North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN).
A proud Murawarii woman from Brewarrina, she did most of her primary and high schooling in Coffs Harbour on Gumbaynggirr country. She is enjoying being back on the Coffs Coast after studying and working in Canberra for a number of years.
NCPHN has recently restructured its Aboriginal Health Team and has four key members, including Ms Barker, working as Aboriginal health coordinators in communities between the Camden Haven area south of Port Macquarie, north to the Queensland border.
Their responsibilities include needs assessment and planning, program development, creating and maintaining linkages with other sectors and supporting commissioned programs and services.
“Ensuring our local communities have access to better health outcomes is very rewarding,” Ms Barker said. “I’m excited we are helping to make small changes that will have long-term benefits.
“Our team meets regularly and we share our information and knowledge. What we’re doing will help people and their families as well as benefit the generations to come.”
NCPHN is currently developing a Reconciliation Action Plan that is committed to working towards a better future together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.
Pictured: North Coast Primary Health Network’s Aboriginal Health Team, from left, Djaan Jarrett, Lismore; Jessica Morris, Port Macquarie; Deputy Director Marni Tuala; Noell Burgess, Tweed Heads; and Nicola Barker, Coffs Harbour.
Reconciliation Week Puts Focus on Aboriginal Health (Port Macquarie)
Reconciliation Week Puts Focus on Aboriginal Health (Lismore)
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