VACCHO SUMMER 2015

Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative launch new video resources on Elder abuse

news Summer 2015

Front L -R: Margie Kirby, Donna Trindall, Sue Tuitupou, Gwenda Atkins, Raylene Harradine, Sharon Jeanes Back L-R: Gordon Hynes, Jamie Roberts (Cornerstone Media)

This story is courtesy of Bendigo

behind closed doors, so today’s

& District Aboriginal Co-operative

event has actually brought to the

(BDAC) Age & Disability Program

forefront some of the real issues that

Manager, Sue Tuitupou and CEO

are occurring within our community,

Raylene Harradine.

Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative has recently

launched a set of awareness films about a sensitive issue

that has made the communities of Bendigo and District very concerned – Elder abuse.

The films were screened on Tuesday 24 February to a packed audience at Eaglehawk Cinemas in Bendigo.

and it’s actually amazing to hear from the Elders today who are putting their hand up and asking questions and actually talking about their own experiences and this is for our community”.

The short videos are case studies of real situations (de-identified) and form part of a series of themes aimed at increasing awareness of Elder abuse in the community.

Raylene Harradine CEO of (BDAC)

Consultation with community

said, “Elder abuse has always been

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal Health in Victoria.

Vibrant, healthy, selfdetermining Aboriginal communities

FROM PAGE ONE

revealed real stories about real people who had experienced;

believe the issues that our Elders experience on a daily basis, have a negative impact on our

physical abuse, medication

community and culture.

abuse and financial abuse. Also

I kept thinking, that all the

present at the launch were Police Sergeant and Family Violence Advisor, Margie Singe, and Senior Rights Victoria Lawyer, Caroline Granger who answered questions from community about how to report abuse or seek advice.

The videos highlight the many things individuals can do that cause impact on our Elders who are a vulnerable group in the community. It also gives food for thought about, what it is we are doing as individuals that could be contributing harm to our Elders.

mainstream literature, I have seen over the years, appeared to come from a middle class view, about large amounts of money, property portfolio’s and expensive jewelry.

It didn’t really relate to us as Aboriginal people, our strong links to family, community, culture and belonging.”

The films give community an understanding of Elder abuse and what to do if it is happening or has happened to someone they know.

The Elder Abuse Prevention, Awareness and Education DVDs were made possible through a Community Initiative Fund, Southern Loddon Mallee Region, Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Strategy.

Produced by Cornerstore Media

BDAC Age & Disability Program Manager, Sue Tuitupou was instrumental in coordinating the script and development, “I have seen, worked with and supported Elders first hand within our Community that continue to

Productions in Bendigo. You can see them online at https://vimeo. com/channels/elders.

This article was recorded on VACCHO’s radio program Yarnin’ Health. To hear this story go to www.vaccho.org.au/news-

experience major horrendous

media/yarnin-health-radio-/

injustices, this is Elder abuse. I

episodes-2015/.

If Elder abuse is happening to you or someone you know, then call the free and confidential Seniors Rights Victoria Helpline.

1300 368 821 (cost of a local call)

Or you can speak to your local health or community worker.

Contents

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1 Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative launch new video resources on Elder abuse 3 First Peoples’ Networking Space World Cancer CongRess, Melbourne, December 2014 5 Aboriginal Health Worker profile: Troy Jennings 6 State-wide gathering brings the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Victorian Koori Mental Health workforce together 8 Victorian video challenges Aboriginal VACCHO NEWS Autumn 2013

community members to ‘rethink’ their sugary drink intake 10 The Torch Project proves a need for longterm support to Aboriginal populations inside and outside of prisons 12 Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance 13 Aboriginal families’ engagement in Maternal & Child Health Services Project in Victoria 14 VACCHO staff profile 14 Around the traps

First Peoples’ Networking Space World Cancer CongRess, Melbourne, December 2014

to share their experiences

•

Matthew Lloyd, Darren

Networking Space -

with local organisations and

Clinch, Kylie Johnson

Sharing The Journey

programs over three days

- Department of Health

proved a huge success

of discussions in a yarning

at the World Cancer

circle. This proved a popular

Congress (WCC) which

and lively space among

took place at the

conference delegates.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 4 – 6 December 2014.

Inside the Global Village of this conference was

a ‘yarning circle’ where

As a culturally safe space the yarning circle invited program participants and speakers that included: •

Peter MacCallum

First Nations delegates

Cancer Centre

were invited to share

their stories about their

own journeys of cancer,

•

with the Victorian

PapScreen Victoria •

program invited international

•

America and New Zealand

•

Victoria.

•

Samantha Paxton, Angelina Kastamonitis, Peter Waples Crowe, Belinda Stevens,

and Communications and reflections. In these discussions we found similarities where colonisation impacted

Robyn Bradley and Brad Brown VACCHO.

First Nations experiences in navigating health systems and health

Within the Sharing

outcomes and the

the Journey program

importance of including

were three main

the cultural, spiritual and

themes; Strength of Aboriginal community, Cultural competency of mainstream services

traditional knowledge of First Nations people.

Together, VACCHO and

Quitline

Artist Shakara Montalto

Kate Broun - Cancer

I drew Waa the crow as the symbol for the First Peoples Networking Space at the World Cancer Congress 2014. I specifically drew him with his wings spread far and wide soaring through the sky.

Council Victoria

First Nation speakers from Canada, United States of

Dan Jones and Luke Alkin - Aboriginal

Aboriginal community.

The Sharing the Journey

Tammy Anderson and Haranthi Perera -

cancer treatment, cancer programs and prevention

Leanne Adams -

and Human Services,

Anne O’Callaghan BreastScreen Victoria.

(Gunditjmara | Western District | Lake Condah Mission)

SHA RIN

The First Peoples’

G

E TH

JOURNEY

In this picture I wanted him to represent healing, protection and being free. Some of the many things that may be a part of our journey.

I have lost loved ones to Cancer so I feel very privileged to design art for this space.

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

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FROM PAGE THREE

Joan also said that the first project

Human Services created a first

features of Indigenous cancer

the Department of Health and class networking space for national and international cultural and health promotion business. The First Peoples Networking Space (FPNS) exceeded expectations of the working group committee and local and International First Peoples

patients for example; social, cultural, spiritual and language related to their preferences for cancer treatment and support.

This information can help us to identify enablers, overcome barriers and understand how to change

communities.

services to become more person

The FPNS was grounded in Koori

of Indigenous patients. The second

language, design and performances, with dedicated opportunities for other First Nations peoples and their

centred and better meet the needs project on innovative models of care aims to identify features of services that encourage Indigenous

organisations, to showcase their

participation in cancer treatment

practices and intiatives.

and identify what aspects, features

Joan Cunningham from Menzies School of Health and Research

Lis Ellison-Loshman from Masey University, New Zealand

Local Victorian Aboriginal community members and organisations were consulted and engaged at all levels of the project including concept development, design, building, communication and content. This was critical to the success of the program and became a drawcard for local, national and International delegates

and models of care are more or less successful in meeting the needs of Indigenous patients.

Brenda Elias said in the quest to address First Nation communities, observations based on their traditional knowledge and ways of knowing in the world, they were coming to us and saying “why all this cancer?” so they are asking the

interested in attending the zone.

question and the response back

Joan Cunningham from Menzies

don’t know if there is, we don’t

School of Health and Research said cancer has not been a priority until recently but she says there are two main projects in place that are designed to improve systems and communication between heath group professionals and Aboriginal

4

aims to determine the distinctive

by the cancer agency was that “we have an Indigenous identifier in the cancer agency surveillance system”.

Brenda spoke about the similarities between the Canadian system and the Australian system regarding colonisation and the treatment of the First Nations people. She said it

and/or Torres Strait Islander cancer

was important to acknowledge the

patients and discover enablers to

past in order to treat someone that

overcome particular hurdles.

may have experienced hardship or

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

inter-generational trauma.

Linda Burhansstipanov spoke about Native Americans with cancer, inequities, access to care, quality of life and survival. She gave an example of the positive steps forward, emphasising the great work happening thanks to creating partnerships between community members and health professionals.

Linda continued to explain the diversity of Native American tribes and listed some of the social issues that often get associated with First Nations people, however the patterns between Indigenous Communities across the world

Linda Burhansstipano from Native American Cancer Research Corporation, United States of America

shared similarities and part of that is coming up with new innovative ways to help change behaviour.

Sharing the Journey received much praise from our First Nations guests. Theresa Goza from New Zealand said it was like a home away from home and everything that was covered within the space was relevant to not only Aboriginal Australians but all First Nations people. “It’s fabulous it’s like being at home, it’s probably the best part of this conference, sitting with you guys in that little booth.

What you’re talking about, and what we’re having a yarn about, is relevant to being an Indigenous person and your booth, I feel very warm and welcomed there, and we are very different people and we will keep our uniqueness, but it’s nice to see other Indigenous Peoples”.

Aboriginal Health Worker profile Troy Jennings Improving care for Aboriginal patients

The Improving Care for Aboriginal Patients Program (ICAP) is an extension and enhancement of the Aboriginal Hospital

Liaison Officer (AHLO) Program, established in 1982. ICAP builds on the work done by AHLOs

Two years.

What do you do?

I am lucky enough to be able to work at both the community and

tackle one problem at a time!

What has inspired you?

Seeing everybody so passionate

hospital setting working with the

about our mob.

mob and getting cultural awareness

What are you most passionate

to our staff.

New Koori Parenting Resources

across Victoria to improve the

That I need to remember I can only

about?

My family and my culture.

What made want access of Aboriginal and/or Torres Breaking the Cycle of Trauma, Koori Parenting, What you Works for to Us. apply for this role?

Strait Islander people in Victoria What is your motto in life?

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) is very excited to The chance to do something to make to mainstream health services.

Give it your all or don’t do it at all. announce its release of a new suite of Koori parenting resources, change for my people If I won the lottery I would …

Troy Jennings, Aboriginal Hospital called Breaking the Cycle of Trauma, Koori Parenting, What Works is mostosatisfying for What Us. Consisting f a booklet, pabout oster and post cards, the resources Set my family up and go on a Liaison Officer, West Gippsland convey k ey m essages a nd p ractical s trategies t o h elp K oori p your role? holiday and setarents up a Trust.

Healthcare Group break i ntergenerational c ycles o f t rauma w ithin t heir f amilies.

Watching the community starting to If you were stranded on a Mob: Wirradjuri (NSW) embrace health The resources have messages. been directly informed by and developed deserted island for, with one person, urban, Aboriginal parents, based on Koori parents who have What is most challenging about How long have you been in your who would you take with you? experienced past trauma; yarning about what works best for them My wife because she is my best friend. role? your role? as parents. The resources were developed as part of a 12-­‐month New Koori Parenting Resource project funded by the Healing Foundation, and overseen by ta Breaking he Cycle of Trauma, Koori Parenting, W steering committee comprising members from VAHS, VACCHO and The Victorian VACCA. The project aimed to raise awareness and understanding announce its called Breakin about trauma within the context of parenting.

New Koori parenting resources Breaking the Cycle of Trauma, Koori Parenting, The resources be downloaded free of charge via this weblink: What Workscan for Us

http://www.vahs.org.au/koori-­‐parenting-­‐resources/.

TheHard copy resources are also available to purchase in bulk, until resources can be downloaded free of charge at stocks run out, by downloading and completing the order www.vahs.org.au/koori-parenting-resources/. form via the same link.

Hard copy resources are also available to purchase in bulk, For further run information, please call the Vand AHS completing

until stocks out, by downloading the Family Counselling Service on (03) 9403 3300. order form via the same link.

the resources launch at M inajalku Healing Centre, 9th October, 2014 ForPhotos* furtherfrom information, please call the Victorian New Koori Parenting Resources Aboriginal health Service Family Service Breaking the CCounselling ycle of Trauma, Koori Parenting, What Works for Us. on 03 9403 3300.

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) is very excited to

announce its release of a new suite of Koori parenting resources, called Breaking the Cycle of Trauma, Koori Parenting, What Works for Us. Consisting of a booklet, poster and post cards, the resources

for Us. Consis convey key m break interge

The resource urban, Abori experienced p as parents. T project funde steering comm VACCA. The p about trauma

VACCHO

The resources can be downloaded free of charg http://www.vahs.org.au/koori-­‐parenting-­‐resource Hard copy resources are also available to purchas stocks run Summer out, by downloading NEWS 2015 and 5 completing form via the same link.

State-wide gathering brings the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Victorian Koori Mental Health workforces together

VACCHO SEWB State-wide Gathering participants

The second VACCHO SEWB State-wide Gathering

before a presentation from the host organisation Mallee

(Gathering) for 2014 was held in Mildura from 2-4

District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) which provided an

December 2014. While this was not our first gathering

overview of the extensive suite of services available.

for the year, it was special in that for the first time the Gathering combined both the State-wide collective SEWB workforce. This included all Victorian and Commonwealth funded Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), Bringing Them Home (BTH) and Link Up and Social and Emotional Well-being (SEWB) workers and Victorian Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer’s (KMHLO).

The Mildura gathering was the largest Workforce Support Unit Forum we have had since the SEWB Workforce Support Unit was established back in 2010, with the final count for attendees being 61 state-wide workers over the two and a half days. This is a credit to the workforce considering the location, long distances and travel time many people had to endure to get there.

6

The program for the Gathering included a number of presentations and speakers which ranged from team building to leadership, self-care and finished up with a cultural tour of Mungo National Park, a place of much history, cultural heritage and spiritual significance to all Aboriginal people.

Another major highlight of the workshops by all accounts was the STARS Institute of Learning and Leadership workshop delivered by Wendy Watego and Vicki Scott. Due to the larger than usual group, we split the group in half and held two 3 hour sessions. The aim of the workshop was to ‘Build up Your Well-being Muscles’, which includes identifying what wellbeing is, what wellbeing exhaustion is, understanding the

The Gathering opened with a traditional Welcome to

biology of wellbeing and trying some confronting

Country from local Latje Latje Elder Aunty Janine Wilson

wellbeing strategies.

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

The ladies made the workshop fun and even though some methods were out of the comfort zone for some, everyone had input and gave it a go which was great to see and evaluation feedback rated this session as excellent.

for workers to come together to discuss program challenges, solutions and priorities while sharing experiences and good practice and in doing so promote strong, healthy networks, workforce development and inter program collaboration.

Concluding the Gathering with an evening trip and BBQ dinner at Lake Mungo was a perfect way to finish, followed by a tour of the visitors centre then walking onto Country and into the sand dunes (otherwise known as the walls of China) where local Mutti Mutti woman, Ranger and tour guide Tania Charles, lead the group to significant bones and artefacts from thousands of years ago which are still being uncovered. Participants enjoyed some reflective time to themselves on the dunes while watching both the moon rise and the sun set on this beautiful location before it was time to head back to the hotel and close what was a wonderful few days had by all.

For further information about this or future gatherings please contact any of the SEWB Team at VACCHO on 03 9411 9411 or alternatively by email on sewb@ vaccho.com.au.

The bi-annual SEWB Gatherings provide the opportunity

Jill Gallagher AO and Salina Bernard (VACCHO)

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

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Victorian video challenges Aboriginal community members to ‘rethink’ their sugary drink intake

VACCHO has partnered with

Rethink Sugary Drink is a

drink, the new video asks the viewer

the health organisations

partnership between Cancer Council

why they would drink all of this

behind Rethink Sugary Drink to

Australia, Diabetes Australia and

sugar when frequent consumption

develop a new video to highlight

Heart Foundation, and aims to raise

the serious health impacts

associated with sugary drinks

and encourage Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander community members to go for water

instead. The video features local Aboriginal actors (Rey

Amos Atkinson Gallagher, Tayla Andrews, Jada Cooper, Eddie Moore and Michelle Winters)

and footage of the Rumbalara

Football Team from their recent grand final win.

8

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

awareness of the amount of sugar in sugar-sweetened beverages and encourage Australians to reduce

is linked to weight gain, which can lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and cancer. It can

their consumption. Rethink Sugary

also cause dental decay.

Drink is proudly supported by

Visit www.vaccho.org.au/news-

VACCHO, Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) and a number of other peak health bodies. For more information please visit www. rethinksugarydrink.org.au

media/latestnews/rsd/ to watch the video, which is being shared widely on social media by health and community organisations.

Sugary drinks, or sugar sweetened

With around 16 teaspoons of sugar

beverages, include all non-alcoholic

in a 600mL bottle of regular soft

water based beverages with added

You wouldn’t eat 16 teaspoons of sugar - so why drink it?

Go for water instead.

It’s too deadly!

sugar such as non-diet soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks and cordial.

vending-machine-guidelines.pdf.

•

Look at your catering - do you provide sugary soft drinks at functions or meetings? It might be time to consider other options. See VACCHO’s tips for healthier drinks at catered events and traffic light guide to healthy catering fact sheets for guidance.

Visit www.vaccho.org.au/wd/nutrition/hfp/.

•

Develop an organisational Healthy Catering Policy. See VACCHO’s Healthy Tucker Policy at the link above.

•

Ensure you provide tap water or a water cooler that staff and visitors can easily access.

Follow these tips to reduce your sugary drink consumption at your organisation: •

•

Encourage staff and other Community members to sign up to the H30 Challenge to kick-start healthier habits for the year ahead; committing to switching your sugary drinks for water for 30 days could be the first step! http://h30challenge.com.au/ Is there a vending machine in your organisation?

Time to take a closer look at its contents. If you can’t get rid of the machine altogether, can it be stocked with water or unsweetened drinks?

Download the Healthy Drinks Vending Machine Guidelines: www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au/downloads/

Please contact the VACCHO Nutrition and Physical Activity Team - Petah Atkinson, Jennifer Browne or Catherine MacDonald if you have any queries on 03 9411 9411 or nutrition@vaccho.com.au.

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

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The Torch Project proves a need for long-term support to Aboriginal populations inside and outside of prisons lot of the participants are starting to paint in prison and wanting to find that connection to culture or ‘re-find it’ not unlike Charlie in Charlie’s Country who went off the path and then found his way back through culture”.

Featuring large to medium paintings on canvas and sculptures the art draws from ancient narratives to contemporary influences and offers an insight into the experiences of men and women who are in or who have been recently released from prison.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders are overrepresented in jail and the incarceration rate is 14 times higher than that of the general population.

Initially a pilot program, The Torch’s Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community Program was designed and developed to provide art, cultural and arts vocational support to Indigenous offenders and ex offenders in Victoria. The Program has been running for four years now and although similar short- term projects have happened in other states, The Torch has successfully proven a need for long-term support to Aboriginal populations inside and outside of prisons and recently secured three year increased funding to continue the Program.

Kent Morris, a Barkindji man who designed and runs the program, and curates the annual Confined exhibition which showcases artworks from the Program says, “When people come to the exhibition they are surprised at how vibrant and expressive the exhibition is. I often say the exhibition involves participants bringing their culture in to the prison to strengthen and keep them connected. A

10

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

“What I find in the Program is a strong desire to connect not only to country and culture but also to family. A lot of the artworks represent the need to get back into the family unit and the importance of our family and how we see ourselves in the world. There is a lot of power and spirituality in the paintings, which is so important to our wellbeing. The Program supports that journey”.

Find out more at www.thetorch.org.au www.facebook.com/thetorch The Confined 6 exhibition was on display in February.

2015 at the St Kilda Town Hall Gallery as part of the Yalukit Wilum Ngargee.

You can hear an extended interview with Kent Morris online at www.vaccho.org.au/news-media/yarninhealth-radio-/episodes-2015/ Link to Keeping our mob healthy: /www.vaccho.org.au/ projects-and-research/researchr/cre/mobhealthy/

Enrol now Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid

Cultural Safety Training

Youth Mental Health First Aid

This course teaches members of the public how to assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Mental health first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.

Cultural safety is about providing quality services that fit within the familiar cultural values and norms of the person accessing the service. This course enhances the capacity of employees to improve program policy design and the delivery of culturally safe services to Aboriginal peoples.

This course teaches

Course dates and times 14-15 April 28-29 July 24-25 November

Course dates and times 28 May 10 August 6 October 2 December

9.30am-4.30pm Cost $450.00 plus GST Attendance is required on both days

10.00am-2.30pm Cost $250.00 plus GST

members of the public how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.

Course dates and times 18-19 May 13-14 October 9.30am-4.30pm Cost $450.00 plus GST Attendance is required on both days

All courses are run in Collingwood.

For more information or to enrol, please go to www.vaccho.org.au/consultancy or email cstenquiries@vaccho.com.au

New publication

Keeping our mob healthy in and out of prison Exploring Prison Health in Victoria to Improve Quality, Culturally Appropriate Health Care for Aboriginal People.

You can download this report at www.vaccho.org.au/ projects-and-research/researchr/cre/mobhealthy/.

Artwork: Dennis Thorpe (Muruwari | Kunja) Turtle Dreaming – Hunting and Gathering 2014

Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance

Children & Y People’s Alli

The Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance (the Alliance) is a consortium of 13 Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). It was formed to provide a strong, collective voice to drive better outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people in out of home care.

Recent reports show that the number of Aboriginal babies and children being removed from their families continues to grow at an unacceptable rate. Data in the recent Productivity Commission report shows a 42 per cent growth in the number of Victorian Aboriginal children in out of home care in the 12 month period between June 2013 and June 2014.

Who is Seniors Rights Victoria?

Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support, advice and education to help prevent Elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people. Our services include: •

Helpline

•

Free specialist legal services

•

Short-term support and advocacy for individuals

•

Community education.

Seniors Rights Victoria also provides leadership on policy and law reform and works with organisations and groups to raise awareness of Elder abuse.

Victoria has the highest rate of child removal in Australia.

At a recent meeting of the Alliance, Andrew Jackomos, the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People presented statistics showing that 63 per 1000 of all Victorian Aboriginal children are being placed in out of home care, compared with the overall ratio of 5 per 1000 children in Victoria. The numbers are continuing to grow.

The Alliance is in the process of finalising Strong Families, Thriving Children: The Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance Strategic Plan 2015-2018. The Plan proposes a range of systemic and policy changes, as well as a set of set of minimum requirements for creating culturally safe and culturally connected Aboriginal children in out of home care.

Watch this space!

For further information, please contact Dana Pyne, Senior Policy Officer on danap@vaccho.com.au.

Abuse can happen to any older person If you, your client or someone you know is experiencing Elder abuse contact our free confidential Helpline.

Phone: 1300 368 821 Hours: 10 am - 5pm (Monday - Friday)

Victorian A

www.seniorsrights.org.au 12

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

Aboriginal families’ engagement in Maternal & Child Health Services Project in Victoria What is it about?

At its core the Aboriginal families’ engagement in Maternal and Child Health Services Project (the Project) is about building information and evidence to provide insight into the current situation and to both identify and act on local and state based opportunities for improvement.

Participation of local organisations/ agencies involved in the delivery of MCH services to Aboriginal families is a key priority of the Project and essential for success.

What has happened so far?

VACCHO has been funded through Victoria Boorai and Family Project artwork: Shakara Montalto (Gunditjmara)

a partnership arrangement with the Department of Education and Training (DET, formerly DEECD) to

•

Campaspe

contribute their knowledge and

•

Mildura

experience to the Project.

•

Swan Hill-Robinvale focus

•

Bendigo

What you can expect to see in

•

East Gippsland-Bairnsdale focus

the future?

A report on this work is due to be tabled with DET in the

•

Casey

•

Greater Dandenong

Project began in August 2014.

•

Kingston

will inform next steps.

State-wide data and service models

•

Ballarat

However, one early identified action

•

Glenelg

area that will be explored and

•

Greater Geelong

undertaken in Phase Two (March

•

Wyndham

Aboriginal families. This will provide

develop, facilitate and report on the Project. The first phase of the

were looked at and used to inform consultation activities. By the close of last year all 12 consultation groups had contributed to an online survey and 10 of these groups had also participated in an innovative workshop in their local area.

Who has been involved?

Multi-disciplinary consultation groups have been initiated in 12 Local Government Areas, including: •

Wodonga

The consultation activities engaged 62 health professionals in either or both a survey and workshop. These consultations have brought together Health Managers, Team Leaders, Maternal and Child Health Nurses, Midwives, Best Start workers, Aboriginal Health Workers and Koorie Engagement Support Officers to

coming weeks. The findings and recommendations from Phase One

2015 onwards) is consultations with Aboriginal families with a range of opportunities to voice their stories and contribute to determining ‘what will be meaningful service improvements for boorai’s, families and community’.

For more information contact

Cassandra Fletcher, Maternal

and Child Health Project officer

on cassandraf@vaccho.com.au.

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

13

VACCHO staff profile interested in sexual health and reproductive health but last year I joined a group called Aboriginal Nations Torres Strait Islander HIV Youth Mob (ANTHYM ) which grew my passion for sexual health. As a young person I like to talk with my family about sexual health so it’s not such a taboo subject amongst our family and mob.

Who are you?

I’m Tarneen OnusWilliams, I’m a proud Yigar woman from the Gunditjmara nation and also proud Torres Strait Islander woman from Erub Island.

I grew up on Yigar Country also known as Portland.

I moved to Wurundjeri Country in 2008. I haven’t left since apart from my first step into health at Balranald Aboriginal Health Service in 2012.

I am at VACCHO for a secondment in the Sexual Health Team helping get the Deadly Sexy Health Kit on the road. I was previously at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service doing Medical/Dental Reception and enjoyed seeing community members and having good yarns.

Why sexy health?

I’ve always been 14

National Apology Day Guest speaker Tina Wright sharing her story of survial and healing at VACCHO

National Apology Day Jason B. King, CEO (Victorian Aboriginal Health Service)

Best thing about the Deadly Sexy Health Kit? I love the ‘hand shake Chlamydia game’.

You shake hands with someone you may or may not have a glove on and if you don’t have gloves on and you’ve shook hands with someone who has Chlamydia your hands will go bright blue because of the special powder and light which you can’t see which represents Chlamydia. This activity is deadly because most young people don’t know that STIs like Chlamydia can be transmitted even if someone ‘looks clean’, it’s a fun visual way of learning sexy health which can be a bit shame.

I can’t wait to get on the road to deliver Deadly Sexy Health Kit training for health workers and see our communities use the Kit to start discussions with our young people.

VACCHO NEWS Summer 2015

Dylan Clarke (VACCHO) interviews Sue Tuitupou (Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative)

Around the traps

This page: First Peoples’ Networking Space: Sharing the Journey World Cancer Congress, Melbourne, December 2014

Yarning circle participants

Follow us on

Tammy Anderson (Aclaimed actor)

VACCHO Board Members Jason B. King: Chairperson Marcus Clarke: Vice Chairperson Andrew Gardiner: Board Member Hilary Saunders: Board Member Suzie Squires: Board Member Kevin Williams: Board Member Daphne Yarram: Board Member

17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood VIC 3066 P 03 9411 9411 F 03 9411 9599 E enquiries@vaccho.org.au

www.vaccho.org.au Follow us on

Kelli Bartlett: Board Member

stories | IDEAS | FEEDBACK

Don’t forget this is your newsletter and we need your stories and ideas.

If you would like to give us story ideas or comment on our newsletter please contact our Communications Officer Taloi Havini on 03 9411 9411 or on communications@vaccho.com.au.

VACCHO Members • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aboriginal Community Elders Services Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative Cummeragunja Housing & Development Aboriginal Corporation Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association Kirrae Health Services Inc. Lake Tyers Health & Children’s Service Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association

• Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport & Recreation Co-operative • Mallee District Aboriginal Services • Kerang Aboriginal Community Centre • Swan Hill & District Aboriginal Co-operative • Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc. • Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation • Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative • Ngwala Willumbong Cooperative • Njernda Aboriginal Corporation • Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation • Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Services • Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd • Victorian Aboriginal Health Service • Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative • Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation VACCHO News Summer 2015

This newsletter is printed on Impact recycled uncoated paper.