In Our Library

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a high rate of liver disease compared to the non-Indigenous population - with hepatitis B and C being common causes. It is important to increase access to culturally appropriate information to assist in raising awareness of transmission routes and to break down some of the barriers to seeking testing and treatment.

Below are some examples of resources that have been developed with local community knowledge and expertise. Note that these resources may be best suited for the communities that they were developed for as the language, knowledge and images may be specific to that area.

Hep B is everyone’s business LiverWell, Melbourne, 2022. 3 fold brochure.

Aunty May and the dodgy tattoo: further adventures of Iluka, Janalli, Miro and Bindi

Carbal Creations and Hepatitis Queensland, Brisbane, 2022

Follows the journey of four young people who learn that their Auntie May has recently contracted hep B. They explore how hep B is transmitted and share key prevention measures with their local community in a fun and creative way.

Storybook: bit.ly/auntiemay

Video: bit.ly/auntiemayvideo

Win the fight against hep C

LiverWell, Melbourne, 2022. 3 fold brochure.

Brochure with information about symptoms, testing, treatment, staying healthy and staying safe. Illustrated with artwork by Peter Waples-Crowe (Ngarigu.)

bit.ly/fight_hepc

Hep B is everyone’s business

LiverWell, Melbourne, 2022. 3fold brochure.

Describes how hep B is transmitted and the effect it may have, how to protect yourself, testing, treatment and vaccination information - and how to stay healthy. Illustrated with artwork by Peter WaplesCrowe (Ngarigu.)

bit.ly/hepb_business

Better to know

Aust Federation of AIDS Organisations & Anwernekenhe National HIV Alliance, Sydney, 2022. Website bettertoknow.org.au

A sexual health resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It provides information about common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), what to do if you have an STI and where to get tested. It contains information that deals with both men’s and women’s business. Includes a form to register for free email or SMS reminders for a sexual health check up.

Viral: are you the cure?

Melbourne Ilbijerri Theatre Company 2022. Video 26 minutes

A play that communicates hepatitis C prevention and education messages in a culturally appropriate way to the Indigenous community. It also aims to break down stigma and promote healing. Created through an in-depth engagement process, including community workshops and yarning circles.

bit.ly/viral_thecure

Hep C in 4

Hepatitis SA, Adelaide, 2021. Poster plus video 8:40 minutes.

Poster for health workers in regional and country SAparticularly Aboriginal Health Workers: outlines actions for assessing, referring, informing and following up on Hepatitis related concerns. For ISSUU resources: may need to turn off ad blocker for full access. Also available: video of Aboriginal Health Council of SA (AHCSA) Sexual Health/BBV Program Coordinator, Joshua Riessen, introducing the guide.

Poster: bit.ly/hepcin_4

Video: bit.ly/hepcin4video

Inception Strategies comic books

Inception strategies Sydney, various dates. Set of graphic booklets/comics

A series of comics focusing on health literacy for Aboriginal communities: concentrating on general health, liver health, blood-borne viruses and sexual health. Inception Strategies develop comic scripts via workshops with local community groups.

Powerful and free: an honest conversation about hepatitis B

Hepatitis Queensland, Brisbane, 2022. Video 5:19 minutes bit.ly/powerful_honest

Tells the story of Bec’s experience with hep B. Since her diagnosis Bec has found there is a lack of understanding about hep B - both from health care providers and Indigenous community: “It’s travelled through the generations and many barriers stand in the way of access to treatment which must be broken down before we can begin to address how the virus is transmitted and what it means to be a carrier”.

(This film is part of Hepatitis Queensland’s B Stronger campaign which can be found at bit.ly/b_stronger)

Love Your Liver: nyuntumpa alu wiru kanyinma

Hepatitis SA & Aboriginal Health Council of SA, Adelaide, 2014. An illustrated bi-lingual step by step guide, covering hep B transmission (and how it’s not spread), living healthy with hep B, pregnancy – and general liver health tips. For use by health workers with their clients. For ISSUU resources: may need to turn off ad blocker for full access. Hard copies available (email admin@hepsa.asn.au).

bit.ly/loveyourliver_pitj

Catalogue list with additional information and links: bit.ly/ inception_hepsa

To see a listing of all available resources on this topic, visit bit. ly/hepsa_list.