Kirrae smashing stereotypes to build strong and resilient women
news Summer 2016
Image: Tanaya goes in with a cross at David Gibb Inset: Mikayla shoots to win
When you think of boxing you think of big men sweating about a boxing ring. At Kirrae Health Service they’re training up women in self defence and these women mean business. Nonnie Harradine, Kirrae Health Service CEO started the program to provide local women in the area with a safe place to learn how to defend themselves, catch up for a yarn and establish a regular training routine. I get to do exercise with a great bunch of young ladies (half my age) who love to banter, which makes working out a whole lot of fun. We get to do a really good workout which is designed to target individual
goals which is a bonus for the group and Dave is a great trainer who we all respect. - Nonnie Harradine Trainer and owner of Spartan Combat Systems, David Gibb has been training with Nonnie and the women for a year now, once a week at the Spartan gym in Warnambool and twice a week at Framlingham. With a training schedule that ties in Muay Thai boxing, yoga and conditioning sessions with a food diary and nutritional advice, David encourages the women to become disciplined in how they look after themselves emotionally and physically. 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
Njernda earns a 2016 Victorian Rural Health Award Back (L-R) Ivy, Mikayla, Nonnie, Tanaya and David Front (L-R): Teneshia and Kimberley
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Working with the girls has been really fun, our sessions have evolved from self defence classes into more Muay Thai and fitness sessions, we always have a laugh and they are not afraid to get in and work hard which makes my job easy. - David Gibb For more information about joining up with Nonnie and the ladies, contact Kirrae on 03 5567 1270 or email info@kirrae.org.au You can also contact David at Spartan Combat Systems on 0401 729 837.
VACCHO newsletters are also available to view online at www.vaccho.org. au/news-media/nl
Gary Giles is a proud Yorta Yorta man and Aboriginal Health Practitioner / Quality Assurance for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Medical Services Coordinator, with a degree from Flinders University who has worked at Njernda Aboriginal Corporation for over 20 years. He was nominated for an Aboriginal Health Award in the 2016 Victorian Rural Health Awards and was successful in receiving it. The Awards recognise and celebrate the commitment and dedication by doctors, health professionals and their families to their rural communities. Gary works with Njernda’s Speech Pathologist, Podiatrist and Audiologist to ensure clients have access to appointments and follow ups to ensure best practice. Without Gary’s input the programs would not achieve the wonderful results they do. www.njernda.com.au
Contents
1 K irrae smashing stereotypes to build strong and resilient women
6 W ould your service like to get a FREE Deadly Sexy Health Kit and training session?
2 N jernda earns a 2016 Victorian Rural Health Award
7 The inaugural Cherie Waight Symposium on Aboriginal Palliative Care
3 Right on track with the Deadly Bike Program
9 Public Health Networks
4 W inda-Mara is taking Aboriginal culture to the world
10 2015 VicHealth Awards celebrate the Victorian Aboriginal Rethink Sugary Drink campaign
6 V ictorian Committee Aboriginal Aged Care and Disability (VCAACD) 2016 Update 2
VACCHO NEWS Autumn 2013
10 VACCHO plans deadly events for its 20th birthday celebrations 11 Around the traps
Right on track with the Deadly Bike Program In late 2015 Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative launched the Right on Track Deadly Bike Program to help at risk and disengaged Wimmera students. Goolum Goolum has partnered with Wimmera Hub and Horsham College. Goolum Goolum will manage the Program for three years with funding of $330,000 from the Victorian Department of Justice, Koori Justice Unit and Frontline Youth Initiative Fund. The project is modelled on the 2011-12 Deadly Ute Project, where students customised a ute and detailed it with Koori artwork.
Goolum Goolum Health Promotion Co-ordinator Dean O’Loughlin (top centre) said “... the bike project aims at giving students at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system, alternatives to negative social behaviour.” The Program, running through 2016 and 2017, will allow Aboriginal youth from the Grampians region to take old bicycles and give them a deadly makeover for themselves or members of their community. Alongside this, students will be involved in creating deadly short films to document their Right on
Track journey and also create ‘show piece’ designer bikes to showcase at community events. There are a number of exciting opportunities for students, such as; expressing their creativity, gain an understanding of bike mechanics and safety, reflective behaviour, planning and cooperation, problem solving, and leadership skills. If you would like to be involved in Right on Track or know more about it, contact Dean O’Loughlin on 03 5381 6333 or reception@ goolumgoolum.org.au.
Images: Top (L-R) Luke Randolf (Deadly bike builder), Dean O’loughlin (Health Promotion Co-ordinator Goolum Goolum), Julian Harvey (Regional Aboriginal Health Officer Department of Health and Human Services).
Bottom left (L-R): Wally Coleman (Chief Executive Officer Goolum Goolum) and John Gorton (Manager of Family and Community Services Goolum Goolum) Bottom right (L-R): Rodney Douglas and MacKenzie Barrett (students)
Follow us @VACCHO_org VACCHO NEWS Summer 2016 3 VACCHO NEWS Winter 2015 VACCHO NEWS Summer 2016 3 3
Winda-Mara is taking Aboriginal culture to the world
Images: Tyrendarra and its beautiful river and holding ponds Inset: (top left clockwise) Aaron Morgan - Budj Bim Ranger with one of Budj Bim’s ancient stone huts that dot the river, P&O cruise liner, (Aaron Morgan, Debbie Malseed - Budj Bim Senior Ranger, Michael Bell - Winda-Mara CEO, Chris Saunders - Budj Bim Ranger, Adrian Denzley - Volunteer Driver), kangaroo burgers, Bek Gannon - Winda-Mara Tourism Development Officer with possum skin cloak by Thomas Day, eel trap designed for higher tides
In 1997 Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation bought farmland outside of Portland that held huge cultural significance for the local Gunditjmara community.
I like to get people out on Country and show them where history was made, before settlement, how it used to be. - Aaron Morgan, Budj Bim Ranger
2004 saw this land gain a National Heritage listing and in 2007 was given Native Title with a Working on Country Plan until 2018 securing its ongoing cultural importance. The farmland is now called Tyrendarra and is an Indigenous Protected Area that homes Budj Bim, one of the Creation Beings of the Gunditjmara people. Mt Eccles (dormant volcano), situated near Tyrendarra represents the forehead of Budj Bim and the rocks he spat out and the lava he ran onto the ocean floor represents his teeth and blood. Because of this volcanic stone, Tyrendarra is home to ancient stone hut complexes that sit around Darlots Creek that flows through 6000 year-old stone eel trap weirs and holding ponds for short-finned eel. For the last 18 years Tyrendarra has been protected by its Traditional Owners to protect its natural and cultural values. Winda-Mara has been running cultural tours through Tyrendarra for 18 years with schools and tourists. In the last year Australian cruise ships docking in Portland are taking advantage of this fantastic cultural opportunity. These tours, guided by local Rangers who work on Country, provide a unique insight and experience to being on Country. There is bush tucker to keep you going, kanagaroo burgers in wattle seed rolls (the seed collected by the Rangers) and smoked eel. There’s also talks about bush tucker by the team at Tyrendarra’s Gilgar Gunditj Centre. Gunditj Mirring also offers trips to Lake Condah Mission reserve to help people gain a better understanding of the devastation faced by Aboriginal people during the ‘Mission years’. Things however are about to get even bigger and better for Winda-Mara. In 2017 the introduction of international cruise ships into Portland Bay means Winda-Mara will now tap into an international market taking Aboriginal culture to the far corners of the globe. For more information or to book a tour, contact Bek Gannon, Tourism Development Officer at Winda-Mara on 03 5527 0056, +61 458 999 315 or info@budjbimtours.com VACCHO NEWS Summer 2016
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Victorian Committee Aboriginal Aged Care and Disability (VCAACD) 2016 Update The Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victoria outlines how the National Disability Insurance Scheme will roll out in Victoria.
In late 2015, the VCAACD Strategic Plan and Terms of Reference were updated and the Committee have solid guidelines to work by and is going from strength to strength.
In addition, the Home and Community Care (HACC) program is on track to transfer fully to Commonwealth responsibility and will become part of the new program known as the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
2016 will be a year of raising the profile of the work by the VCAACD so communities can see the leadership, effective advocacy and support being undertaken for Aboriginal aged care and disability.
This will mean change for many Victorian ACCHOs and VCAACD is strongly advocating the needs of Victorian Elders, and to ensure access to culturally safe services.
VCAACD members can see a busy and productive year ahead. For more information please contact Marg Clarke on margaretc@vaccho.org.au or 03 9411 9411
Would your service like to get a FREE Deadly Sexy Health Kit and training session? The Deadly Sexual Health Kit was developed by VACCHO as a resource for Aboriginal youth and health workers.
Some services already have the Deadly Sexy Health Kit. If so does your service need a refresher? Let us know and we’ll organise you one.
The Deadly Sexual Health Kit contains resources and activities that aims to promote greater knowledge of these important health areas by providing practical activities that Aboriginal community workers can facilitate.
Contact us if you need support around sexual health, sexuality and blood borne viruses.
VACCHO Sexy Health team is continuing to roll out the Deadly Sexy Health Kits in 2016.
Contact Kat or Garry on 9411 9411 or email Kat at katb@vaccho.org.au.
The inaugural Cherie Waight Symposium on Aboriginal Palliative Care Images below (L-R): Odette Waanders CEO PCV, Jill Gallagher AO CEO VACCHO, Marcus Clarke CEO Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd. and VACCHO Chair, Hon. Jill Hennessy MP, Michael Bramwell former Chair PCV, Deborah Cheetham soprano and educator, Rod Jackson CEO Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, Ian Hamm, Jill Gallagher AO, Nerita Waight, Jane Britten and Daniel Liberti
On Wednesday 2 December 2015, VACCHO and Palliative Care Victoria (PCV) hosted the inaugural Cherie Waight Symposium on Aboriginal Palliative Care held at the Korin Gamadji Institute in the Richmond Football Club. Over 100 people came together to help pay their respects to Cherie and honour her dedication and commitment in creating change for Aboriginal palliative care in Victoria. Cherie was a champion in educating and promoting the Victorian palliative care sector to
ensure that all Aboriginal people were treated in a culturally safe manner during their journey into the Dreaming. The day consisted of a number of speakers highlighting the important work that Cherie carried out. Ian Hamm, Cherie’s brother gave a very moving dedication to his sister and shared many of the achievements Cherie made. Another highlight of the day was a very moving address from Deborah Cheetham, acclaimed soprano and Yorta Yorta woman. Deborah spoke
on the importance of knowing Aboriginal history, how we can learn from Culture and how imperative it is to work together in this and all areas of health. Because of Cherie’s tireless work, Victorian Health Minister, the Hon. Jill Hennessy, announced funding for three Cherie Waight Aboriginal Palliative Care Scholarships. For more information about palliative care for yourself, someone close to you or in your community, please go to www.pallcarevic.asn.au or www.vaccho.org.au/wd/vapcp.
Find us @ facebook.com/VACCHO VACCHO NEWS Summer 2016
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Sign the pledge to Close the Gap www.vaccho.org.au/support-us/close-the-gap-pledge The Prime Minister’s report on Closing the Gap released on 10 February 2016 proved not much has changed in the last year and it paints a bleak picture for Aboriginal health. There have been some improvements to Indigenous child mortality with this target on track to be met by 2018. However, despite narrowing the gap in life expectancy, the rate of improvement is far too slow to close the gap and may take up to 495 years. Community leaders across the nation are calling for a target to reduce the Indigenous incarceration rates. VACCHO, as a member of the National Close the Gap Campaign supports this call.
Image (L-R) Jade Hart, Manager - Victorian PHN Alliance, Kate Temby, Manager - Access and Diverse Communities Eastern Melbourne PHN, Jag Dhaliwal, Executive Director - Primary Health Services Murray PHN, Adjunct Associate Professor Christopher Carter, Chief Executive Officer - North Western Melbourne PHN, Jill Gallagher AO, Chief Executive Officer - VACCHO, Marianne Shearer, Chief Executive Officer - Gippsland PHN
Building stronger networks for a stronger community In January of this year, VACCHO held a one day workshop with all six Victorian Primary Health Networks (PHN). The workshop looked at ways to best address the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme: Chronic Disease measures that are being implemented by PHNs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and how to best strengthen partnerships for Aboriginal People. This was the first time we have had the chance to come together since the transition from the Medicare Locals to the new PHNs. Each of the PHNs presented ways of how these partnerships
might work, and VACCHO discussed the structure and complexities of how Aboriginal community controlled health operates within Victoria. VACCHO looks forward to working with the PHNs and assisting them and our Members to build strong pathways for Aboriginal people living with chronic disease throughout Victoria to address their health needs. VACCHO would like to thank all participants who attended this one day workshop. If you would like further information regarding VACCHO’s partnership with PHNs please contact Jimi Peters, Indigenous Health Project Officer on 03 9411 9411.
Education and Training 2016 courses commencing soon! Our accredited and short courses will help you upskill towards your career goals.
still time to enrol
Head to our website to apply or find a course that suits you.
www.vaccho.org.au/educational/at
VACCHO NEWS Summer 2016
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2015 VicHealth Awards celebrate the Victorian Aboriginal Rethink Sugary Drink campaign Robyn Delbridge (VACCHO), Michelle Winters (actor), Keith Morgan (VACCHO), Tayla Andrews (actor)
The Victorian Aboriginal Rethink Sugary Drink campaign has been recognised as a leading health promotion initiative at VicHealth’s annual awards night. On December 1, over 200 health promotion champions filled the Great Hall at the National Gallery of Victoria to celebrate the work being done across Victoria to create and
support healthier communities.
the awards night.
The Aboriginal sugary drinks video, developed by VACCHO in partnership with Cancer Council Victoria and broadcast on NITV, was ‘Highly Commended’ in the hotly contested Communications in Health Promotion category.
A huge congratulations and thank you to all those involved, with special mention to actors Tayla Andrews, Rey Amos Atkinson Gallagher, Jada Cooper, Eddie Moore and Michelle Winters, and the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club.
This is great recognition for the campaign and it was fantastic to have actors Tayla Andrews and Michelle Winters share in
To watch the Sugary Drinks video go to www.vaccho.org. au/wd/nutrition/rsd-2.
VACCHO plans deadly events for its 20th birthday celebrations Mural artists: Kulan Barney, Ray Thomas, Adnate and Ruby Kulla Kulla
and the 50,000 plus Aboriginal people here in Victoria celebrating a strong, thriving, diverse Aboriginal culture.
Many celebrations are planned for the year and will honour both VACCHO and its Membership, the 27 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services currently operating in Victoria. VACCHO opened its doors on 16th April 1996 to be the peak body for Aboriginal health in Victoria. Since then we have been striving to improve the lives of Aboriginal people. This year we celebrate our achievements, the achievements of our Members
Under the leadership of world famous artist Adnate, three Aboriginal artists will produce a mural for the face of its building in Collingwood. The mural will showcase 20 years of Victorian Aboriginal health, families, and its diversity, and the multifaceted services delivered by the Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health sector.
VACCHO will also install a time capsule to be opened in 2030, hold a graduation ceremony for its students, and launch a timeline showcasing the inception of VACCHO’s Membership in Victoria. VACCHO and its Members are excited to celebrate and commit to another progressive 20 years in Aboriginal community controlled health. For more information on anniversary events contact Jaynaya Williams on jaynayaw@vaccho.org.au or on 03 9411 9411.
VACCHO in the Hood raises $482 for cancer research 4 December 2015
Leopard Susie and Skylah from Table 7 cafe making sure the tucker’s ok
Marg keeping an eye out for more money
Nicole, Angelina, Udani and Jimi hanging out for cake
Odyn the fundraising superhero
Emily and Keara keep it real
VACCHO fellas lend a pink helping hand
Around the traps Follow us on VACCHO NEWS Summer 2016
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VACCHO Board Members Marcus Clarke: Chairperson Andrew Gardiner: Vice Chairperson Karen Heap: Board Member John Mitchell: Board Member Hilary Saunders: Board Member Suzie Squires: 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 Observer
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 Cisco from our Communications Team on 03 9411 9411 or on ciscof@vaccho.org.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 and Development Aboriginal Corporation (Viney Morgan AMS) 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 Service Inc. Lake Tyers Health & Children’s Service Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association
Note »» Auspiced
• Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport & Recreation Co-operative • Mallee District Aboriginal Services »» Kerang Aboriginal Community Centre »» Swan Hill and 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 2016
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