Close the Gap Story and photos by SOLUA MIDDLETON
A NUMBER of Aboriginal and Torres Strait organisations and services came together in an effort to close the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The Close the Gap Information and Networking night held at Robina attracted more than 60 people wanting to know more about local services and what they can do to close the gap. The event was put on by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Advisory Council and the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders Advisory Council. Event organiser Valmai Saunders from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships said it was important to identify the reasons why a gap might exist. “To Close the Gap on the Gold Coast it’s important to look at the issues here like identification, lack of resources, visibility, lack of cultural connectedness and bringing our community together,” she said. “Partnering through our local Elders and workers will help in the above mentioned issues. “The ATSI Partnership Advisory Council was formed to look at ways to better work together to improve the health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes of our people.” Valmai said the night was extremely important for the Close the Gap campaign. “We have over 5000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people residing on the Gold Coast, yet there is still a perception from the general community (non-Indigenous) that there aren’t many Indigenous people on the Gold Coast,” she said. “As a community it’s important to be visible and show that we are here and that we do offer services for our community. “It is important that people realise that to Close the Gap it is vital to concentrate on urban areas as this is where the majority of ATSI people reside.” Valmai said she was impressed with how the night went. “It was about networking and sharing information, so I do believe it was a success as there was a lot of interaction going on with those that attended,” she said. “It was a great opportunity to promote the awareness and support the Closing the Gap campaign as a community as improving the health and social and emotional wellbeing of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the Gold Coast is the aim of both ATSI Councils.”
L-R: Nicole Dyer, Aunty Lauis Williams, Aunty Lana Boondi Williams, Chris Green and Rhonda Wilson. L-R: Anne Curson, Julie Slabb, Lizzie Hannah, Lesley Wendt, Tracey Ritson, Aunty Josie Appo and Aunty Marg Cora.
ABOVE: Aboriginal surfer Munga Barry with his wife Krista. RIGHT: L-R: Valmai Saunders, Margaret Mills, Melissa Browning, Aunty Lana Boondi Williams, Aunty Joyce Summers, Michael Aird, Marcia Dwonczyk, Tracey Ritson and Clinton Schultz. LEFT: Brook Turner-Mann
BE COUNTED
Monday April 5, 2010
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