Stronger Together: Advancing chronic disease care on Yaegl Country

On 21-22 October 2025 on Yaegl country, Aboriginal chronic disease care coordinators came together for the Integrated Team Care Workforce Forum ‘Stronger Together, Advancing Chronic Disease Care.’

Hosted by the Healthy North Coast’s Aboriginal Partnership Directorate, led by Ms Susan Parker Pavlovic, a proud Yaegl woman, the 2-day forum brought together representatives from 6 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), clinical support staff from the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD), and officials from the NSW Ministry of Health Regional Health Division.

Co-chaired by Chris Binge, CEO of Rekindling the Spirit Medical Service, the event provided space for open discussions, team-building activities, and collaborative workshops focused on strengthening chronic disease care pathways and partnerships.

“We are proud to walk alongside ACCHOs in this journey of health equity and self-determination,” said Ms Parker Pavlovic.

“The Forum was designed to enhance participants’ skills in trauma-informed care, encourage self-care practices, and improve care coordination, leading to stronger collaboration with disability, aged care, and local health services.”

“Participants also engaged in cultural activities with local Elders, deepened their peer networks, and identified clear priorities for future collaboration. 27 delegates attended the 2-day workshop, and left inspired and better equipped to continue supporting their communities”.

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