VACCHO WINTER 2013

Continuing the journey of Aboriginal palliative care

news

Winter 2013

VACCHO staff holding the message sticks: Theresa Paterson, Mental Health Support Project Officer with Cherie Waight, Senior Project Officer Palliative Care

An historic message stick handover ceremony on 25 July 2013 symbolised a new phase in the journey to improve access to culturally responsive palliative care by Aboriginal people across Victoria.

Representatives from the eight regional Palliative Care Consortia each received a beautiful message stick from their respective regional Aboriginal community health organisations.

“This message stick handover symbolises the commitment

to strengthening relationships

resources and strengthened

between palliative care services

relationships are improving access

and Aboriginal community health organisations and communities at the local level”, said Cherie Waight, Manager of the Victorian Aboriginal Palliative Care Program (VAPCP).

to, and experience of, palliative care

by Aboriginal people”, said Ellen Sheridan, Senior Project Officer with the Department of Health.

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

The occasion also celebrated the achievements of the VAPCP to date. “Over 125 Aboriginal Health Workers have attended workshops in the palliative approach and education about Aboriginal culture has enhanced the understanding of palliative care staff. Protocols,

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

Vibrant, healthy, self-determining Aboriginal communities

FROM PAGE ONE

Gallagher, CEO VACCHO, also spoke of Cherie’s

presented Cherie with a Certificate of Achievement

done to close the gap, and support Aboriginal

Odette Waander, CEO Palliative Care Victoria, in recognition of her inspiring leadership and achievements. “Cherie’s vision and determination, her eloquent advocacy, and her generous and gentle guidance have contributed enormously to the success of the project” Odette said. Jill

Representatives from the Palliative Care Consortia and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

achievements and the important work still to be people in their end-of-life journey.

This article was first published in the

Palliative Care Victoria Newsletter No. 99 September 2013.

Cherie Waight, Manager of the Victorian Aboriginal Palliative Care Program (VAPCP) with her Certificate of Achievement and Odette Waanders, CEO Palliative Care Victoria

Contents 01 Continuing the Journey of Aboriginal palliative care 03 Supporting the good work of our Aboriginal Health Workers: The Scope of Practice Regional Implementation Project 05 VACCHO and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Quality and Accreditation Workshop 07 Budja Budja Medical Clinic achieves clinical recognition 08 Koori Maternity Services Day 2013 resources now available 09 Body Armour wins Creative Partnership Award 10 VACCHO’s nutrition and physical activity resources 2

VACCHO NEWS Autumn 2013

12 VACCHO Short courses for ACCHOS 2013-14 12 National signing between AIDA and CPMC 13 Thirteen Koori Maternity Service sites visited over three months 15 Dr Satpal Singh - Winner for the 2012 Victorian Rural Doctors Awards 16 Supporting the growth of the GP workforce in Aboriginal Health 18 Drug dependence treatment at the Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service, Portland 20 VACCHO and Diabetes Australia Victoria sign MOU 22 Around the traps

Supporting the good work of our Aboriginal Health Workers: the Scope of Practice Regional Implementation Project Hi my name is Kelsey Wykes, I am the Aboriginal Health Worker Support Officer at

VACCHO currently involved in the Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) Scope of Practice

(SoP) Implementation Project.

The project focuses on a regional rollout in the Western District.

The objective of the Project is to make sure our AHWs are utilised to their full potential and most importantly are undertaking activities and tasks for which they have been educated and deemed competent to do. The Project is run over a three month period, which involves three phases.

The first phase involved an introduction and discussion

Kelsey Wykes, Aboriginal Health Worker Support Officer at VACCHO

group one (Gunditjmara, Kirrae,

March 2014 to evaluate and

(SoP) and how this can be

Winda Mara and DWECH) and

report on the SoP Project.

used as a guiding tool for

group two (Goolum Goolum,

around the Scope of Practice

the Aboriginal Health Worker profession.

Phase two involves following up with each service individually to see how they are progressing and in phase three we will

Wathaurong and Ballarat) will have completed their final phase three of the Project.

This will allow each participant to meet for the final time and recap the past three months

review and evaluate each of the

and discuss how they went

services. By the end of the year

in the Project. I will have until

On Monday 12 August Tyson Murphy (Workforce Issues Unit Manager, VACCHO), Marlene Anderson (Consultant) and myself ran the first phase of the Project for AWHs from Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation, CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

3

Marlene Anderson (Consultant) and Kelsy Wykes presenting at Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation.

FROM PAGE 3

Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service,

Service. It was held at Winda Mara where we had a total of

Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-

15 Practice Nurses and Practice

Operative and Kirrae Health

Managers in attendance which

was a fantastic turnout!

Contact: Kelsy Wykes on 03 9411 9411 or email: kelseyw@ vaccho.com.au

VACCHO staff with Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative, and Co-operative staff during phase one of the project in mid-September, Ballarat.

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013 4 Wathaurong VACCHO Aboriginal NEWS Winter 2013 Image credit

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VACCHO and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Quality and Accreditation Workshop, 21-22 May 2013

June Sculthorpe, Renee Owen and Carolyn Renehan presenting on organisational accreditation

Together with the Tasmanian

our sector manages to keep

VACCHO’s Sector Quality

amid the increasing burden

staff from ACCHOs around

accreditation.

Aboriginal Centre (TAC),

a community controlled focus

Improvement Unit brought

of reporting, compliance and

Victoria and Tasmania to

yarn about accreditation, quality improvement,

risk management and governance.

MC Professor Kerry Arabena engaged the group by facilitating presentations and panel discussions that focused on clinical and whole-of-organisation

The Workshop began with a

accreditation, as well as opening

warm Welcome to Country

questions up to the floor. Michael

from Uncle Perry Wandin

Bell, CEO of Winda-Mara

and Carolyn Renehan from

Aboriginal Corporation, spoke

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-

about ISO9001:2008 certification

operative. The Workshop

and what it means to have this

presenters challenged over 70

as recognition of their good

participants to consider how

business systems.

Workshop session topics included: • What is quality?

• Accreditation in today’s environment • Clinical governance • Tracking trends for continuous improvement • Developing risk frameworks • Presentations from OATSIH, the RACGP and Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) • A half-day training session on internal auditing with Geoff Gray (Gray Management Systems).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

5

FROM PAGE 5

Participants also had a chance to wind down at the workshop dinner, where they were charmed by comedian Shiralee Hood who left everyone in stitches! The VACCHO Sector Quality Improvement Unit thanks

and are now looking ahead to build on the strengths of this event for next year.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact the SQIU to discuss anything quality improvement, governance, risk management or

those of you who were able to

accreditation-related.

attend this year. We appreciate

Contact: Yola Frank-Gray

the feedback we have received

yolaf@vaccho.com.au

NEW DVD Resource Rural Health Education Foundation has released a new DVD called: A Unique and Valued Profession: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

Participants at the VACCHO and TAC Quality & Accreditation Workshop

This half hour documentary

of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

showcases the unique and

Islander Health Workers.

significant role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers. It aims to bring greater

This is a fantastic documentary and worth the watch!

understanding to the integral role

Contact

they play in ‘closing the gap’ for

Rural Health Education

their people.

There are 10 filmed case studies and interviews illustrating a

Foundation PO BOX 324 Curtin ACT 2605

wide variety of health care

Ph: 02 6232 5480

roles and practice on the part

Web: www.rhef.com.au

Budja Budja Medical Clinic

Budja Budja Medical Clinic achieves clinical re-accreditation

In September this year, Budja Budja Medical Clinic underwent and triumphed in its clinical re-accreditation review.

Since the first accreditation review in 2010, services at the Budja Budja Medical Clinic have been expanded to three day a week GP clinics, outreach services for physiotherapy, child and maternal health, podiatry, dietician and other services provided on a referral basis.

Due to the significantly higher calibre required for the 4th edition RACGP Standards and the necessity to maintain services in a busy clinical environment, work commenced on accreditation in July 2012 to be able to meet the new standards.

The service has now passed the assessment with no more than a few minor improvements identified.

CEO Tim Chatfield said, “The accreditation process is very labour intensive and requires a significant amount of resources devoted to it over an extended time period. It would be good for government to recognise this and financially support this work by ACCHOs, as an important partner in Indigenous primary health care.

However, I congratulate our team on achieving this important milestone, capably led by Alison Chatfield (Practice Manager), Gayelene Peoples (Practice Nurse) and Roman Zwolak (Consultant).

We now look forward to continuing to concentrate on providing high quality health services to our community members�.

Story by Roman Zwolak, Budja Budja Medical Clinic VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

7

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KMS Day is about dedicating

one day in Spring to engaging community and promoting

healthy pregnancy journeys.

Initiated in 2007 and driven by Midwives, Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, KMS Day has been an annual event ever since.

What is in the Kit?

8

interactive templates.

Who can access the Kit? The Kit is tailored for Koori/

• maternity services that can demonstrate a strong and positive link to the Aboriginal

Aboriginal Maternity Services

community controlled

(KMS/AMS) in Victoria. However,

health sector and/or local

it will also be made available upon request to: • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHOs) that are engaged

Aboriginal communities.

To access the Kit and for more information please contact the Koori Maternity Strategy Team

Information pack, event planning

in Koori Maternity but are not

at KMS@vaccho.com.au or

and evaluation resources and

identified as a KMS/AMS site

ph: 03 9411 9411.

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

BODY ARMOUR wins Creative Partnership Award Body Armour crew with Aunty Di Kerr (L-R): Lisa Parris, Rachel Mazza, Leeroy Parsons, Jessica Smithett, Maurial Spearim, Sandy Greenwood.

In August this year,

issues about Hepatitis C

and honour successful and

VACCHO’s Sexual Health

including tattooing, piercing and

innovative relationships that involve

Team spent three months

alongside the Body Armour

body modification. After each

healthcare, arts and cultural

performers as they toured

Body Armour performance,

organisations that improve the

community had the opportunity

health and wellbeing of individuals,

to ask questions and learn about

groups or a community.

the play and facilitated

youth health education sessions in Gippsland,

Sheparton and along the

Hepatitis C from the VACCHO Sexy Health Team.

The Creative Partnership Australia Awards have grown

The Body Armour production

into Australia’s premier business

was first put together in 2009

and arts event and celebrate the

the Ilbijerri Theatre Company,

through a multi- partnership

ways in which the arts, business

and follows the journey of

between the Ilbijerri Theatre

and donors can work together

three teenagers – Dannii,

Company, VACCHO, Hepatitis

to achieve shared objectives.

Harley and Rose – as they

Victoria and the Department of

The national finalists for this

experiment with at-risk

Health. Over the past few months

year’s Awards were announced

activities such as piercing,

Body Armour toured the State

at events in each state in August

tattooing and blood sharing.

performing to communities,

and September. The winners of

schools and prisons. The

the Awards in each state go on

performance proved a successful

to compete at the 2013 Creative

platform in raising awareness

Partnerships Australia national

of Hepatitis C among high

dinner to be held at Parliament

school audiences in Aboriginal

House in Canberra on Monday

communities, and in September

18 November 2013. Watch

the partnership was awarded

out for a new production next

the Arts and Health Award for

year dealing with the issues

The story follows the journey

2013 by Creative Partnerships

of respectful relationships and

of three teenagers and tackles

Australia. The Awards celebrate

sexual health!

Murray. Body Armour is

performed by members of

They met with students and community members in the Loddon Mallee region (Bendigo, Mildura, Swan Hill and Robinvale), Gippsland (Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Wron Wron) and Northern Victoria (Shepparton).

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

9

VACCHO’s nutrition and physical activity resources

The VACCHO nutrition and physical activity team have developed a variety of colourful, nutrition and physical activity information resources that can be used by Aboriginal Health Workers and other key health service staff to educate community members about healthy food choices and physical activity for good health. These resources include:

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TUCKER TALK TIP sheets

Recently, the team developed a set of seven children’s nutrition and physical activity tip sheets specifically targeting parents and carers of children aged 2-13 years.

The children’s tip sheets cover the following topics: Fussy eating, Healthy eating guidelines for children, Healthy lunch box ideas, Move, play and be active, Processed and unprocessed foods, Reading food labels and Snacks for primary school-aged children. The tip sheets come in a colourful presentation folder.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

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MOVE, PLAY AND BE ACTIVE

TUCKER TALK TIPS

MY MESSAGE TO YOU AGED 1 - 5 YEARS

AGED 5 - 12 YEARS

Should be active every day for at least three hours.

Need to be active for at least 60 minutes every day.

WHY SHOULD MY CHILD BE ACTIVE? • • • • • • • •

TIPS AND IDEAS

5 - 12 YEARS

Activity doesn’t have to be sport or exercise. It can include moving around and playing. Do activities together such as: • playing with different sized balls or balloons • dancing or moving to music or singing songs with actions • playing games – try hide-and-seek, obstacle courses or follow the leader • blowing bubbles and chasing them through the air.

Some activities should make your child ‘huff and puff’. Does your child enjoy the following?

• Bike riding • Footy or netball • Running • Swimming • Skipping • Brisk walking

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

Developed with funding from the Australian Government

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Foods that we eat have different effects on our bodies. Processed or refined foods like cakes, white bread and sugary breakfast cereals do not contain many vitamins, minerals or fibre. These foods give kids a short burst of energy, are digested quickly and make kids feel hungry again sooner.

DAIRY Includes milk (or soy milk), cheese, yoghurt and custard.

Choose reduced fat types for children aged over 2 years.

VEGETABLES

MEAT/PROTEIN FOODS

Includes all vegies, salad, baked beans, split peas and lentils.

Includes all lean meats, chicken, fish, eggs and nuts.

‘SOMETIMES’ FOODS

FRUIT Includes fresh, frozen, canned and dried fruit. It is better to eat whole fruit than to drink juice or eat dried fruit.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

Includes cakes, biscuits, chips, chocolate, lollies, pastries, ice cream, butter, soft drinks and cordials. These foods are not needed for good health.

Developed with funding from the Australian Government

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HEALTHY LUNCH BOX IDEAS

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

Many toddlers go through a phase of not wanting to try new foods. This is very common and it can take children time and many attempts to learn to like new foods. It’s important to enjoy a variety of healthy foods as a family. These tips may help you to encourage your child to try new foods.

Healthy foods help children grow, concentrate and play.

A healthy lunch box includes: • Grain foods • Vegies or salad • Fruit • Dairy • Lean meat or protein foods • Water

BEFORE EATING • • • • •

Have a routine of 3 small meals and 2-3 snacks a day Prepare the food together Avoid giving snacks and drinks close to meal times Let children know that meal time is near Give limited food choices (e.g. ‘Would you like some apple or banana?’)

DURING EATING • • • • • • •

Always try to eat together Be a role model: show that you like the food Avoid distractions (e.g. toys or TV) Offer new foods in small amounts with a food your child already enjoys Encourage your child to touch and smell new foods Keep calm and don’t use food treats as bribes Remember: a child may have to see a food on the plate up to 15 times before accepting it

AFTER EATING • • • • • •

Praise your child for trying new foods Take uneaten food away without fuss after 20-30 minutes Keep the meal in the fridge in case your child is hungry later Don’t offer alternatives to uneaten food Give non-food rewards for good behaviour at meal time Remember: children will eat when they are hungry

YOU COULD TRY: GRAIN FOODS (Wholemeal and wholegrain types) • Small bread rolls • Fruit, pita and crisp breads • Pasta and noodles • Rice cakes

DAIRY (Reduced fat types for children aged over 2 years) • Small cubes or slices of cheese • Tub of yoghurt • Tetra pack of plain milk

VEGETABLES

LEAN MEAT/PROTEIN FOODS

• • • • •

Shredded lettuce Mixed salad Carrot and celery (with dip) Cherry tomatoes Corn cobs

FRUIT • • • •

Fresh fruit Tinned fruit in natural juice Pureed fruit A small amount of dried fruit

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

Developed with funding from the Australian Government

Ham, chicken breast, roast beef slices, turkey slices, small tin of tuna, baked beans or bean mix, boiled egg

DRINKS Water is the best drink to have in your child’s drink bottle

Developed with funding from the Australian Government

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SNACKS for primary schoolers MY MESSAGE TO YOU

Unprocessed or unrefined foods like multigrain bread, oats and wholegrain breakfast cereals contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fibre. These foods give kids long-lasting energy that helps them to concentrate and feel fuller for longer.

Includes bread, porridge, breakfast cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, oats and barley. Wholemeal and wholegrain types are best.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

FUSSY EATING

TUCKER TALK TIPS

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

GRAIN FOODS

1 - 5 YEARS

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PROCESSED AND UNPROCESSED FOODS

This guide provides information about the kind of foods to choose each day for a balanced and healthy diet.

whAT ArE ThE fivE fOOd GrOUpS?

Help your child to grow Support brain development Improve balance, movement and co-ordination skills Build social skills through playing with other children Build strong bones and muscles Help maintain a healthy weight Encourage self-confidence and independence Be fun for all the family

TUCKER TALK TIPS

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

To be healthy, children need to: • enjoy a variety of foods from each of the 5 food groups, especially plenty of fruit and vegies • limit ‘sometimes’ foods and drinks • choose water as a main drink • include milk for healthy bones and teeth.

• Children don’t need to do their activity all at once; it can be done throughout the day.

• Outdoor active play is especially important.

BEING ACTIVE EVERY DAY CAN:

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hEALThY EATiNG GUidE 2-13yrs

Children have small stomachs and need a lot of energy for growth and development, so snacks between meals are a good idea. Children should have 2-3 healthy snacks every day. Foods that are lower in fat, sugar and salt are best.

HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS GRAINS (Wholemeal/wholegrain)

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? THESE FOODS HAVE HAD THE GOODNESS TAKEN OUT:

THESE FOODS ARE FULL OF GOODNESS: • Multigrain bread • Pasta • Oats (e.g. porridge) • Breakfast cereals made from wholegrains (e.g. wheat biscuits, bran flakes) • Baked beans • Fruit and vegies • Milk, yoghurt and cheese

• • • • • • •

White bread Cakes and biscuits Lollies Chocolate Soft drink 2 minute noodles Processed breakfast cereals (e.g. chocolate or honey flavoured)

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

Developed with funding from the Australian Government

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READING FOOD LABELS MY MESSAGE TO YOU Food labels can be confusing, but they do contain useful information such as: • nutrition information panel • ingredients list • ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date • storage information • weight of the food • food allergy information (e.g. nuts)

CHECKING THE INGREDIENTS LIST • Ingredients are always listed in order, from the biggest to smallest amount.

This means that if fat or sugar are listed first or second in the ingredients list, the food or drink is high in fat or sugar.

• There are many different names for the fat and sugar added to food that you should look out for on the ingredients list: • fat may also be listed as oil, shortening, cocoa butter or cream • sugar may also be listed as glucose, sucrose, dextrose, lactose, maltose, maltodextrin, molasses, honey, golden syrup, fruit juice concentrate, corn syrup or maple syrup.

CHOCOLATE BISCUITS Ingredients: sugar, wheat flour, vegetable oil, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, golden syrup, colours, salt

Sugar is first on the ingredients list, so these biscuits are very high in sugar. They also contain fat (vegetable oil and cocoa butter) and extra sugar (golden syrup).

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

Developed with funding from the Australian Government

• Toast (toppings: mashed avocado or banana, tomato or a boiled egg) • Fruit bread • Rice, oat or corn cakes with reduced fat cream cheese • Wholegrain crackers with reduced fat cheese or hommus and tomato

VEGETABLES

• Vegie sticks with hommus • Corn on the cob • Cherry tomatoes • Small baked potato (topped with reduced fat cheese) • Vegie and noodle soups

DAIRY (Low fat)

• Tub of yoghurt • Milk (e.g. cow, soy or rice milk) • Fruit smoothie (e.g. banana, milk, yoghurt) • Small cubes of cheese

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

FRUIT

• Cut-up fresh fruit • Fruit kebabs • Frozen fruit (e.g. frozen orange wedges or frozen grapes) • Stewed fruit with custard • Tinned fruit in natural juice • Small amount of dried fruit (e.g. sultanas, apple, pear, apricot)

LEAN MEAT/PROTEIN FOODS

• Cold lean meat (e.g. sliced lean ham, chicken breast, turkey, roast beef) • Small tin of tuna • Baked beans • Canned bean mix • A boiled egg

DRINKS

• Water is the best drink • Plain milk (low fat)

Developed with funding from the Australian Government

Visit the VACCHO website www. vaccho.org.au/ nutrition where these resources can be downloaded, or download the order form and we can send the resources to you. These resources are free for VACCHO Members.

Tucker Talk Tip sheets These 12 A4 full colour tip sheets cover various nutrition and physical activity topics relevant to Aboriginal community members across the lifespan.

Topics include: Healthy eating, Healthy drinking, Healthy weight, Healthy eating during pregnancy, Feeding your baby, Healthy, active Koori kids, Getting active, Healthy eating on a budget, Good food for elders, Fuelling up for sport, Reading food labels and Tucker for your ticker.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

HEALTHY EATING GUIDELINES GOOD FOOD FOR OUR MOB

WHAT ARE THE FIVE FOOD GROUPS?

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

WHAT’S WRONG WITH SWEET DRINKS? • these drinks are high in sugar

Includes milk (or soy milk), cheese, yoghurt and custard. Choose low or reduced fat types.

• too much sugar may lead to weight gain and tooth decay • fruit juices are sweet drinks too because they contain the natural sugars from fruit

MEAT/PROTEIN FOODS

• it is better to eat your fruit than to drink it!

SOFT DRINK, 1 CAN = 10 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR

Good food is important to keep you healthy and stop you from getting run down. Key nutrients include:

VITAMIN C

CALCIUM

WATER

levels in breast milk can fall if you don’t eat enough fruit and vegies. Try to have some with every meal and snack.

is needed to make breast milk.

Try to eat 2 serves of meat, chicken, fish, eggs or baked beans each day.

is one of the main ingredients of breast milk. Try to have 3 serves of either milk, yoghurt or cheese each day.

For example, take the stairs instead of the lift or park further away from the shops.

CORDIAL, 1 GLASS = 5 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR

PROTEIN

• Put together at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

is needed to replace the fluid used to make breast milk. Try to drink 2 litres of water each day.

This is activity that makes you puff, but not so much that you can’t talk.

Breastfeeding along with healthy eating and physical activity can help you get back in shape after giving birth!

This is activity that makes you puffed out, like running, footy or basketball.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

GOOD FOOD FOR ELDERS

• feel good and have more energy • keep muscles and bones strong • stay a healthy weight • recover better if they get sick • prevent or manage health problems like diabetes and heart disease

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

Eating well and staying active can help Elders:

WHAT SORT OF FOODS SHOULD ELDERS EAT?

COMPARING VALUE FOR MONEY Some foods are better value for money than others. Compare the two photos below.

READING FOOD LABELS

WHY IS GOOD NUTRITION IMPORTANT?

WHAT CAN A FOOD LABEL TELL US?

Good food provides essential nutrients to help kids:

Food labels can be confusing, but they do contain useful information such as:

• grow and develop • learn at school • feel energetic and happy • have healthy eyes, skin, hair and teeth • stay healthy and avoid getting stick • avoid diseases like diabetes when they get older

WHAT SORT OF FOODS SHOULD KIDS EAT?

Elders should try to eat at least 3 meals every day and include a variety of nutritious foods:

Photo B: Not Good Value

TUCKER TALK TIPS

HEALTHY, ACTIVE KOORI KIDS

WHY IS GOOD NUTRITION IMPORTANT?

HEALTHY EATING ON A BUDGET

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Department of Health. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

HEALTHY BUDGET

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

• Breast milk is free

• If you can, also enjoy some regular, vigorous activity.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

Photo A: Good Value

• Breast milk is always ready for your baby

WHAT FOODS ARE BEST FOR YOU WHILE YOU ARE BREASTFEEDING?

ORANGE JUICE, 1 GLASS = 5 TEASPOONS OF SUGAR

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Department of Health. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

• This way you can feed more people and keep both your wallet and your body healthy

• Breastfeeding is hygienic

• Be active every day in as many ways as you can.

(250ml)

• You can buy a lot more food if you spend most of your money on basic healthy foods like bread, cereals, fruit and vegies

• Breast milk protects your baby from infection • Breastfeeding helps prevent asthma and diabetes

If you have to walk to get somewhere, think of it as a good thing.

Includes cakes, biscuits, chips, pastries, chocolate, lollies, ice cream, butter, soft drinks and cordials. Have only occasionally and in small amounts.

• It is easy to eat healthy on a budget

• Breast milk has all the right nutrients

• Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience.

SOMETIMES FOODS

Includes fresh, frozen, canned and dried fruit. It is better to eat whole fruit than to drink juice.

• Breastfeeding is the traditional way

stick to in the long term. It is recommended that you:

Includes all meats, chicken, fish, eggs and nuts.

FRUIT

WHY IS BREAST THE BEST FOR BABY?

Getting active will help you to: • lose weight or avoid gaining weight • keep your blood pressure healthy • prevent or control diabetes • keep your bones and muscles strong • avoid heart attack and stroke • cope with stress and worry • spend more time with your family and community

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

Includes all vegies, salad, baked beans, split peas and lentils.

WHY IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPORTANT?

The main thing is to choose activities that you enjoy and that you can

• one glass of orange juice has about 3 oranges in it – this means if you drink the juice you get all the sugar from 3 oranges but none of the fibre

VEGETABLES

FEEDING YOUR BABY

WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITY AND HOW MUCH?

Sweet drinks include all soft drinks, cordials, fruit juices, sports and energy drinks:

DAIRY

Includes bread, porridge, breakfast cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, oats and barley. Wholemeal and wholegrain types are best.

• Water is the best drink to quench your thirst • Water is needed by every organ of the body • Adults need to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day • You need to drink more if it is very hot or if you are being physically active • Tap water is the best choice as it is cheap, sugar-free and usually has fluoride for healthy teeth

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

• eat foods from each of the 5 food groups, especially plenty of fruit and vegies • enjoy a variety of different foods from within each of the 5 food groups • limit ‘sometimes’ foods and drinks

TUCKER TALK TIPS

GETTING ACTIVE

WATER IS THE BEST DRINK

This guide provides information about the kind of food to choose each day for a balanced and healthy diet. To be healthy, we need to:

GRAIN FOODS

TUCKER TALK TIPS

HEALTHY DRINKING GUIDELINES

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

TUCKER TALK TIPS

CHECKING THE INGREDIENTS LIST • Ingredients are always listed in order, from the biggest to smallest amount.

This means that if fat or sugar are listed first or second in the ingredients list, the food or

• Plenty of colourful fruit and vegetables.

• 2 fruits and 5 vegies – fresh, frozen, canned or dried.

• Plenty of wholegrain breads and cereals – high fibre varieties can help prevent constipation.

• Plenty of wholegrain or wholemeal bread, cereal, rice and pasta.

• 3 - 4 serves of milk, yoghurt, custard or cheese – calcium is important for Elders to keep their bones strong.

• Lean meat, chicken, fish or meat alternatives like eggs or baked beans.

drink is high in fat or sugar.

• There are many different names for the fat and sugar added to food that you should look out for on the ingredients list:

• Milk, yoghurt or cheese – reduced fat varieties are recommended for children over 2 years.

Choose reduced fat types where possible.

• fat may also be listed as oil, shortening, cocoa butter or cream

• Foods high in fat, sugar and salt like chips, chocolate and lollies should only be eaten

• Healthy fats to protect the heart. Choose mono or polyunsaturated oils such as olive or canola and margarine instead of butter, lard or dripping.

• sugar may also be listed as glucose, sucrose, dextrose, lactose, maltose, maltodextrin,

on special occasions and not every day.

• Low and reduced salt foods to help control blood pressure.

molasses, honey, golden syrup, fruit juice concentrate, corn syrup or maple syrup.

• For healthy bodies and teeth, kids should drink water or reduced fat milk instead of

• Low sugar foods and drinks to protect teeth and gums.

sweet drinks like fruit juice, soft drink and cordial.

• Plenty of water or other drinks, such as tea and milk to avoid dehydration.

• nutrition information panel • ingredients list • ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date • storage information • weight of the food • food allergy information (e.g. nuts)

CHOCOLATE BISCUITS Ingredients: sugar, wheat flour, vegetable oil, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, golden syrup, colours, salt

Sugar is first on the ingredients list, so these biscuits are very high in sugar. They also contain fat (vegetable oil and cocoa butter) and extra sugar (golden syrup).

The food in Photo A is healthier and it would feed more people.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

TUCKER TALK TIPS

demands on her body from being pregnant. This does not mean that she needs to eat for two. It is the quality of what she eats, not the quantity that matters.

WHAT SORT OF FOODS SHOULD A PREGNANT WOMAN EAT? FOLATE is very important to help prevent birth defects.

Folate can be found in green leafy vegetables, baked beans, some breakfast cereals, oranges, strawberries and bananas. Folate tablets are recommended if you are thinking of getting pregnant and for the first 3 months of pregnancy.

WHY IS GOOD NUTRITION IMPORTANT FOR SPORTS PEOPLE? If you do lots of sport or exercise, good nutrition can help you to: • get the best results from training • perform well in matches or events • recover properly • avoid dehydration • stay healthy and get sick less often

WHAT SORT OF FOODS SHOULD SPORTS PEOPLE EAT? CARBOHYDRATE is the most important nutrient for athletes.

• It is the main fuel our muscles use when we exercise.

• If you don’t eat enough carbohydrates you can run out of energy and won’t perform well.

• Eat a high carbohydrate meal before and after playing sport. Good choices include:

IRON is needed to make extra blood for both mother and baby.

BREAD

You can get iron from lean meat, kangaroo, chicken and baked beans.

especially wholemeal and multigrain breads.

You may also need to take iron tablets while you are pregnant, ask your doctor.

IODINE is important for the baby’s brain development.

You can get iodine from eggs, meat, bread, dairy and fish. If you use salt, the best choice is iodised salt.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

BREAKFAST CEREALS OR PORRIDGE

FRUIT

POTATO, SWEET POTATO AND CORN

RICE AND PASTA BAKED BEANS OR LENTILS

especially bananas.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

Healthy Tucker card

HEALTHY WEIGHT

WHY IS NUTRITION IMPORTANT FOR HEART HEALTH?

WHAT MAKES PEOPLE GAIN WEIGHT?

What we eat and drink affects our: • body weight • blood pressure • blood fats and cholesterol • blood sugar level

• Eating foods that are too high in fat and sugar

These four factors are all linked to heart disease. Healthy eating and regular physical activity will help to reduce your chance of having a heart attack.

• Eating too much of any food (too much energy for what your body needs) • Eating large serve sizes • Drinking too much soft drink, cordial, sports and energy drinks • Drinking too much alcohol • Not doing enough physical activity • Some medications

WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT FOR A HEALTHY HEART?

WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT IF YOU ARE WATCHING YOUR WEIGHT?

Eat more plant foods, including:

• Wholegrain breads and cereals – These are low in fat. The high fibre varieties like porridge will fill

• 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegies every day • as many different coloured fruit and vegies as you can • wholegrain breads and cereals – oats are a great choice • legumes like lentils, split peas, kidney beans, chick peas or baked beans – try adding them to soups or stews • unsalted nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts or peanuts.

Replace bad (saturated) fats with healthy (poly and monounsaturated) fats:

DRY BISCUITS OR RICE CAKES

TUCKER TALK TIPS

TUCKER FOR YOUR TICKER

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

can grow and develop well and also to cope with the extra

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

A pregnant woman needs to look after her health so the baby

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and MEND Australia. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

TUCKER TALK TIPS

FUELLING UP FOR SPORT

HEALTHY EATING DURING PREGNANCY

WHY IS GOOD NUTRITION IMPORTANT?

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

MY MESSAGE TO YOU

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

• eat less fatty meat – eat more kangaroo and fish • eat less salt (sodium).

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

This resource can be used to compare foods and drinks based on their nutrition information panel located on the label.

The Healthy Tucker Card can help people compare total fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium (salt), using the Traffic Light Guide to Healthy Eating, and make healthier choices. The card comes with an A4 laminated instruction sheet which explains how to use the Healthy Tucker Card.

you up more.

• Plenty of vegetables – Vegies are fat-free and high in fibre and have many other nutrients that keep us healthy.

• Fresh fruit – Fruit is a healthy alternative to other snack foods. It is better to eat whole fruit than to drink juice.

• Lean meat – It is important to choose lean cuts. Trim the fat off meat and the skin off chicken before cooking.

• More fish – It is better to have it grilled, not battered. Canned tuna is cheap and convenient.

• Try some legumes – These include lentils, split peas, chick peas and baked beans. They are cheap, low in fat and high in fibre and protein to help make you feel full.

Produced by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and ‘Go for your life’. Illustrations by Brayden Williams.

RTO ID 20739

Short courses available at VACCHO 2013-14 • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aboriginal mental health first aid Building resilience - stress management Case notes and report writing Conflict resolution Drugs, brain, behaviour Dual diagnosis First aid Mental health first aid Motivational interviewing Nuts and bolts of supervision Strategic planning Systems literacy - unpacking OATSIH reporting • Workplace bullying and harassment • Youth mental health first aid

Courses can be delivered in regional and metropolitan sites or workplaces.

If you would like to enrol in or find out more about one of VACCHO’s short courses, please contact Sam Paxton on 03 9411 9411 or email her at samp@ vaccho.com.au.

National agreement signing between the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) and the Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC), Royal Melbourne Hospital

Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder, Ron Jones

Dr Tammy Kimpton, AIDA President and Prof Kate Leslie, Chair of the Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges with the signed agreement

KMS entrance- Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (Wodonga). From left to right: Shree Singh (KMS Worker), Gail Black (Midwife), Shakara Montalto (Project Support Officer- VACCHO), Simone Andy (Team Leader - VACCHO), Cassandra Fletcher (Project Officer- VACCHO)

Thirteen Koori Maternity Service sites visited over three months ‘There is nothing like face-to-face time to improve communication and strengthen connections’ - VACCHO KMS Team Story by VACCHO KMS Team

1. Reviewing ‘health promotion’ priorities.

We spent the months of May and July on the road and in the company of Midwives, Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers.

Greeted warmly at each of the 13 Koori/Aboriginal Maternity Service (KMS/AMS) across the state, these visits provided our Team (VACCHO Koori Maternity Strategy) with unique insight into the environment and daily experience of the workforce.

2. Improving the Koori maternity specific Minimum Data Set (MDS) reporting experience.

This year our Team prioritised a visit to each and every service as part of the KMS Annual Review, which on our fourth trip with the car packed and garage door opening, raised the comment from Team Leader Simone Andy “this feels like Groundhog Day”. We acknowledge that we have set the bar high this year and we aim to maintain this standard.

The key focus for the 2013 Review had two core themes:

Engaging the KMS/AMS in an online survey and faceto-face discussion about future direction, particularly in relation to these two focus areas, is timely.

Our journey began with day trips to KMS and AMS sites in the metro region, including the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Northern Health, Sunshine Hospital and Dandenong and District Aboriginal Co-op. Our first overnight stay was on Gunditjmara country where we visited the local Aboriginal Co-op and, on the return leg, spent a morning at the Wathaurong Aboriginal Health Service where their KMS team has initiated a magnificent women’s garden.

We set a personal record of five services visited in four days during our Loddon Mallee and Hume trip, VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

13

Corporation - Wodonga

where we started at the newly

number of delectable culinary

renamed Mallee District Aboriginal

experiences! We thoroughly

Service before taking the road

enjoyed each visit. A big thank

Gippsland Aboriginal Co-

south. Crisscrossing the NSW/

you to each of the KMS/AMS

VIC border on our way to Swan

operative - Bairnsdale

sites for making these deadly

Hill Aboriginal Health Service

• Central Gippsland Aboriginal

visits possible. In partnership

Health and Housing Co-

with the KMS/AMS workforce,

operative - Bairnsdale

the skies were clear and land flat. We spotted the renowned

• Gippsland and East

their management and

scar tree on the road to Njernda,

• Dandenong and District

colleagues and with the support

which was our haven for the

Aboriginies Co-operative -

of our core funding body the

nights in between a day trip to

Dandenong

Department of Health, our team

Mungabareena, our quarterly KMS Steering Committee meeting hosted by Njernda Aboriginal

• Victorian Aboriginal Health

looks forward to progressing

Service - Fitzroy

Annual Review actions that

• Wathaurong Aboriginal

reflect a collective vision.

Corporation and our final visit for

Health Service - Geelong • Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-

Services

the week at Rumbalara Aboriginal

operative - Warrnambool

• Mallee District Aboriginal

Co-operative.

• Sunshine Hospital - St

Health Service - Midura

I feel that VACCHO’s Team has a

Albans

• Swan Hill Aboriginal Health

clear focus and direction. - Sue

• Northern Health - Epping

Service - Swan Hill

O’Shanessy, Midwife

Story by the VACCHO

• Njernda Aboriginal

In late July, following NAIDOC

Corporation - Echuca

week we set off to Gippsland,

• Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-

home of two KMS sites, and

operative - Mooroopna

KMS team: Simone Andy, Cassandra Fletcher

and Shakara Montalto

• Mungabareena Aboriginal

along the way enjoyed a

Email KMS@vaccho.com.au

VACCHO member organisations

Mallee District Aboriginal Services

Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative

• Victorian Aboriginal Health Service • Aboriginal Community Elders Services • Ngwala Willumbong Co-operative • Melbourne Aboriginal Youth, Sports and Recreation Co-operative

3

2

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service

Cummeragunja Housing & Development Aboriginal Corporation Njernda Aboriginal Corporation

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative

Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative

Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative

Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative

Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Kirrae Health Services Inc.

Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly Gunditjmara and Community Health Service Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd

Healesville Indigenous Community Service Association

Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd

Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland Inc.

Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative

Lake Tyers Health & Children’s Service Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association

1

Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation

Auspiced services 1

Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health Service

3

Swan Hill and District Aboriginal Co-operative

2

14

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

Kerang Aboriginal Community Centre

Rumbalara GP Dr Satpal Singh - winner of the 2012 Victorian Rural Doctors Awards Outstanding Contribution Award and Ambassador for the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) 2014 Asia Pacific Region. Dr Satpal Singh accepts the award with his wife Balvinder, son Akashpal Thandall and RWAV Chairman Dr Phillip Webster

Celebrating our ACCHS’ GPs. Dr Satpal Singh – an amazing story of dedication and success. Winner for the 2012 Victorian Rural Doctors Awards When Dr Satpal Singh left

attends a local school. Dr Satpal’s

the RACGP Victoria faculty

his home country Malaysia

in 2005 he was bound for an

hobbies include gardening,

representative for the Hume

uncertain future in Australia.

watching movies, and travelling.

region since 2009, and a board

Dr Satpal has also been involved

member of the Goulburn Valley

With a post graduate diploma in Occupational Medicine, a

recent fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General

in the many avenues open to a rural general practitioner.

“What I found was that I really

Practice (RACGP), and a new

enjoyed working in a rural general

of Family Physicians, Malaysia

involved in the education of GPs,

Shepparton Australia, not

so I’m still there”, Dr Satpal says.

membership of the Academy

practice and being actively

under his belt, he headed for

medical students and registrars,

knowing whether the regional

He has been an examiner for

town would suit him long term.

Since arriving in Shepparton, he has immersed himself in the

the RACGP fellowship exams, and undergraduate medical exams for the Melbourne

local community. Dr Satpal is

University Rural Clinical School

married to Balvinder and their son

in Shepparton, since May 2006;

Medicare Local Board.

Dr Satpal was influential in establishing a bulk billing practice in Shepparton where he conducted health assessments and managed the medical needs of the first Shepparton Refugees settlement project.

For many years Dr Satpal has also worked at the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative.

“My philosophy is to close the gap for Aboriginal and Torres CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

15

FROM PAGE 15

Strait Islander peoples by providing skills and expertise in managing the complex health needs in a way that is culturally appropriate. I am passionate about improving the health outcomes of the rural community. General practice can be challenging, but rewarding and fulfilling – especially in a rural setting, where there is a close relationship, and a trust that is built with my patients and their family members”. Dr Satpal said.

Dr Satpal is constantly looking at innovative ways to share best practice, support ongoing learning and contributing to workforce succession planning and retention in the Goulburn Valley Region. In addition to his busy local activities, Dr Satpal has also been involved in state-wide and international projects. Dr Satpal was appointed the Ambassador for the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) 2014 Asia Pacific Region. He was the organising Chair for the first joint conference between the Academy of Family

Supporting the growth of the GP workforce in Aboriginal Health VACCHO is working hard to enable your communities

Physicians Malaysia and the RACGP.

have access to quality GP primary care.

Dr Satpal was the International Medical

We are taking a holistic approach to GP workforce issues

Graduates (IMG) Committee Chair of the RACGP Victoria faculty board from 2005-08, and the lead mentor for IMGs in Victoria for three years, analysing the needs of IMGs and providing support and mentoring. He has also been a Quality Assurance Examiner for the RACGP fellowship exams since 2008 and a member of the RACGP Victoria faculty board since 2005. Dr Satpal would like to thank Rumbalara Aboriginal Health Services for their support and commitment.

Story by Danielle Thomson, AGPT Liaison Senior Project Officer VACCHO. 16

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

and are implementing a number of different, multi-level strategies to this end, from: • promoting to GP Registrars (training GPs) and junior doctors about the opportunity to work in your services • supporting GP training in ACCHS working with the four Victorian Registered Training Providers (RTP) • maintaining partnerships with universities to support medical student placements • continued partnership with the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV), who place GPs in your services.

Many VACCHO Members train GPs in their service. By the end of 2013, 19 GP Trainees will have worked in nine VACCHO Member services. There are many benefits for your health service and community including: • Additional medical personnel – salary supported:

Supporting GP training in ACCHS working with four Victorian Registered Training Providers. (L-R): VACCHO’s AGPT Liaison Senior Project Officer Danielle Thomson, Professor Marlene Drysdale Cultural Mentor at Southern GP Training, with Dr Ali Khan CEO and Dr Umar Ali Practice Manager of Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation

Registrars are qualified doctors, who have

Service (LEAHA) and Bendigo and District

completed two years of hospital training

Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) have GPs

and are working towards a post graduate degree in General Practice. When they work and train in an ACCHS, you receive financial incentives to support the Registrar’s salary and supervision costs.

• Free equipment: any equipment the registrar requires will be provided. The ACCHS can retain the equipment after the GP Registrar leaves.

• Additional income source: ACCHS can keep all the Medicare (MBS) fees generated by the GP Registrar.

• GP workforce sustainability: GP Registrars train in your service for three, six or 12 months, but many GP Registrars do come back to work as GPs when they are fully qualified. ACCHS such as the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health

in their services that originally came to their ACCHS as a GP Registrar, and returned to them after they achieved their GP fellowship.

• Contributing to sustainability of a culturally appropriate GP workforce: while GP Registrars may only be employed at ACCHS for six months – their experiences in an ACCHS will inform the way they work with their Aboriginal patients long-term – whether they decide to work in an ACCHS or in a mainstream General Practice when qualified.

ACCHSs can become accredited to train GP Registrars.

If you are interested and would like additional information, or just want to talk about your GP needs, contact: Danielle Thomson, Australian GP Training Liaison Senior Project Officer at VACCHO: daniellet@vaccho.com.au or 03 9411 9411.

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

17

Drug dependence treatment at the Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service, Portland Aboriginal people use illicit drugs at a higher rate than

non-Aboriginal people. This means that the Aboriginal

community requiring care for

health and well-being contains people who use drugs.

The Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community

Health Service in Portland

recognise this and offer, as one part of health care, a

pharmacotherapy service.

Pharmacotherapy provides a replacement drug for opioids such as heroin and it plays a crucial part in stabilising people’s lives and keeping people out of prison. Here the Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service share their story

The pharmacies are a big issue.

While they are called community pharmacists the staff don’t necessarily have the time or expertise to be working with drug dependent clients. For instance, if a client comes into a pharmacy intoxicated and wants their methadone dose the pharmacist may not have the time or skill to counsel the client properly. It’s not the holistic care that some complex clients require. Ideally a specialist nurse would be available at the pharmacy to provide this.

A challenge for us is clients with methamphetamine dependence.

These clients can be complex,

about pharmacotherapy care.

demanding and aggressive,

Ros Alexander - CEO

and crisis management. Really

I used to work in the Drug and Alcohol sector and am passionate about providing good services for drug dependent clients. An important part of this is providing access to opioid pharmacotherapy, like methodone or suboxone. While we have a GP who can provide drug treatment, ideally we would like stronger partnerships with

18

clients at our health service.

requiring a lot of resources the only places for people to go when they are in crisis are the police station or accident and emergency at the hospital.

Clients wanting treatment for methamphetamine dependence usually come to us with a family member or through the justice system. We can send clients to detox and teach harm reduction but it’s a really tough area. The

can be really hard to get clients booked in and followed up properly on their return home.

Janice Huggers - Practice Manager

Sometimes you need to build trust with clients with drug dependence as they may not be used to having people care about them, particularly if they have been treated badly in the past by health providers. We have community members whose lives are well managed on pharmacotherapy.

One person returned to fulltime work, but that person still needs support and it can be hard for people to take time off work for their health appointments. It can take people a few tries to manage their drug dependence well and different people need different support. I used to think that people with drug issues were difficult and bad people but now I see how drug dependence can control people’s lives and I am more understanding to people’s situations.

There are a lot of issues with pharmacies here. Some areas, like Hamilton, don’t have a pharmacist that will dispense for clients. This means staff have to

local drug and alcohol services

closest residential rehabilitation

particularly to be able to provide

places for our clients are

need to travel by themselves to

good counselling services for

Melbourne or Adelaide and it

the next town. There have also

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

travel to pick clients up or clients

been issues with clients being

overdose while well managed

male Aboriginal Health Worker

banned from using pharmacy

clients can have longer scripts.

with drug and alcohol skills has

services and then having to travel to the next town to use the pharmacy there. The bus leaves at 6am and returns at 5pm. It can be cheaper for clients to get drugs than to pay for travel and

Sometimes complex clients require home visits. In these instances it’s important to work with the Aboriginal Health Workers to assess safety and think about whether the

pharmacy dispensing fees.

Aboriginal Health Worker should

Corina - General Practitioner

client comfort.

The clients I see that require pharmacotherapy for their drug dependence are at various stages of their journey. They can be just beginning out on pharmacotherapy or have been maintained on it for some time.

This means that people have different needs. For instance, some people may need weekly scripts to closely manage their medication and prevent

also attend the visit to ensure I currently have about 40 clients that need pharmacotherapy and about ten of these are Aboriginal.

I find that the Aboriginal clients are more respectful of the service because it is managed by their own community. An important support to my practice in this area has been having timely access to advice from the Drug and Alcohol Medical Specialist at the local hospital. Having a

also been an important support particularly for male clients. I generally encourage people to self-manage their appointments, but sometimes clients who are forgetful need a recall to remind them that their scripts are due. One issue clients can face is being stood over by others for their dose when they leave pharmacy. This is why it is important that clients are well supervised by the pharmacist to ensure medication is taken, but this doesn’t always happen. The Suboxone sublingual film is fast dissolving so better for these circumstances.

Story by Dr Karen Adams, VACCHO

VACCHO NEWS Winter 2013

19

VACCHO and Diabetes Australia Victoria sign MOU On Monday 29 July, VACCHO

to support prevention and

and Diabetes Australia Victoria

management of diabetes in our

(DA-Vic) re-signed their

communities. Some of the key

Memorandum of Understanding,

achievements that have resulted

committing to continue to work

from our partnership include:

together to address the high prevalence of diabetes in the Victorian Aboriginal population.

• The delivery of accredited training in nutrition/ physical activity promotion

Since 2007, the VACCHO

and diabetes prevention/

Nutrition Team has been working

management at Certificate

in partnership with DA-Vic on

III and Certificate IV level for

a number of initiatives aiming

Aboriginal Health Workers

across Victoria.

• Providing professional development, information sharing, and networking opportunities related to diabetes for the Aboriginal workforce through our statewide Healthy Lifestyle Forums.

• Working in partnership with Deakin University to create pathways for Aboriginal Health Workers

MOU signing between VACCHO and Diabetes Australia – Victoria (DA-Vic). (L-R): Carolyn Hines, Emily D’Amico, Jennifer Browne, Sharon Thorpe, Jill Gallagher AO CEO (VACCHO), Craig Bennett (CEO DA-Vic), Robyn Alexander and Colin Mitchel

into the post-graduate

2 diabetes through healthy

Diabetes Education

lifestyle changes.

qualification. We now have 16 qualified Aboriginal Diabetes Educators who have graduated from this course - the only one of its kind in Australia - who are delivering diabetes messages back in their local communities.

• Supporting Aboriginal health services to implement the Aboriginal Life! Strategy and Road to Good Health

• Developing and disseminating culturally appropriate diabetes prevention and management information for the Victorian Aboriginal community such as the four Pictorial Guides.

• Developing and distributing the Feltman resource which is a visual teaching tool and accompanying DVD and manual which aims to

Program. This is a six week

increase understanding of

health education program

diabetes prevention and

that aims to prevent type

management.

• We have recently submitted a joint proposal for funding to develop a Diabetes Conversation Mat which is another visual tool for discussing diabetes with the community.

• Submitting a joint abstract for the upcoming World Diabetes Congress which will be held in Melbourne this year.

Through this MOU, VACCHO and DA-Vic are committing to continue to work together to devise joint strategies that will achieve and sustain better health outcomes for the Victorian Aboriginal community.

VACCHO VACCHO NEWS NEWS Winter Winter 2013 2013

21 21

3KND radio interview with Brad Brown World No Tobacco Day

NAIDOC Week March Melbourne City

R U OK DAY, VAHS staff and community began the walk in Preston

Sue Hine from Lakes Entrance Police Station, with Kelsy Wykes

No Smokes Lanie Harris with Blakboi at VACCHO with Robyn Bradley and Brad Brown for World No Tobacco Day,

ACU and VACCHO MOU signing

Around the traps

Message Stick handover with Ilana Solo (Loddon-Mallee Palliative Care Consortium Manager), Karlene Dwyer (Njernda Aboriginal Corporation), Ada Peterson (Mallee District Aboriginal Services), and Shane Harrision (Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative)

NAIDOC Week

Illana Atkinson singing during NAIDOC Week

Reporting Racism launch, Immigration Museum

R U OK DAY Shakara Montalto Inset: walkers finish at VAHS in Fitzroy (LR): Shannan Wright, Kay Montalto, Tina Wright, Jasmin Wright, Shakara Montalto, Shontai Farrant, Kadeesha Sankari, Terena Montalto Front: Pauline Montalto, Melissa Montalto

Members meeting group photo

Follow us on

VACCHO Board of Directors Jason B. King: Chairperson Joanne Badke: Vice Chairperson

17-23 Sackville Street Collingwood VIC 3066

Marcus Clarke: Executive Member

P 03 9411 9411 F 03 9411 9599

Andrew Gardiner: Executive Member Rudolf Kirby: Executive Member

E enquiries@vaccho.org.au

www.vaccho.org.au

Kevin Williams: Executive Member Daphne Yarram: Executive Member Karlene Dwyer has retired from the VACCHO Board. The Board would like to thank Karlene for her contribution and support during her time on the Board and also welcome Kevin Williams who was elected to fill the vacancy.

stories | IDEAS | FEEDBACK

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

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

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 taloih@vaccho.com.au.

• 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 Winter 2013