Jill Gallagher awarded Order of Australia Jill Gallagher CEO VACCHO, is humbled by her Order of Australia for distinguished service to Victoria’s Indigenous community.
news
Summer 2012
But she’s not about to rest on her laurels. There’s still a lot of work to be done. As head of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation for the past 12 years, she has seen her people face increasingly dire health challenges since she joined the organisation in 1992. ‘’Chronic disease is a huge problem, tobacco is one of them, diabetes is a huge issue and when you look at Victoria you’ve got a lot of Aboriginal people living in urban areas who have shocking health problems. The health status of people living in Fitzroy is the same as people living in Fitzroy Crossing, so we have a job to do convincing governments that there are Aboriginal people who live in Victoria who need just as much support.’’
expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
She says there are many factors, beyond access to health services that contribute to the disparity. “If you’re going to close the life expectancy gap you’ve got to look at education and employment opportunities. Anyone whether you’re black or Asked to list her most significant white, if you’ve got a job you’re achievement in her time in Aboriginal going to be a lot more healthy.” health, the 57-year-old cites her influence in getting the state She is also proud of her role in the government to sign the statement return of 800 Aboriginal skeletons - the Murray Black Collection of intent to close the 17-year life
Contents
01 Jill Gallagher awarded Order of Australia 02 Congratulations Georgie Taylor 03 Healthy Lifestyle Forum 2012 05 VACCHO and SecondBite sign MOU 06 Reflections on the ‘Live Longer! conference
08 Sexy GOANNA team shares the spirit 09 VACCHO staff in-service 09 Koori Safety Grants Program 10 National Apology Day 10 Save the date! VACCHO Quality Workshop 2013 10 Home Energy Saver Scheme
from the Museum of Victoria and the National Museum of Australia to Indigenous communities in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales for burial. “My passion is actually for us as Aboriginal people to be recognised and valued as Aboriginal Australians and to enjoy the same benefits that this country offers as non-Indigenous Australians.” Jill Stark Improving outcomes in Aboriginal health The Sydney Morning Herald January 26 2013
VACCHO and SecondBite sign MOU page 5