Sector Leader Issue 22 August/September 2021

August/September 2021

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SectorLeader MAGAZINE

COVID-19 Making the Choice to get vaccinated

NDIS READY: BUILDING SERVICE CAPACITY IN COMMUNITY

NEWS

New Stroke resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

QUEENSLAND NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

QAIHC welcomes three new Members

COALITION OF PEAKS

National Agreement on Closing the Gap Implementation Plan

THERESA SIMPSON

The nurturing forward-thinker, guiding Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan towards new growth.

Data Room Disability

QAIHC Youth Health Network Profile Kyle Bekue

Finance

CQI

State Budget 2021–22

nKPI manuals

CEO MESSAGE We welcome submissions from our Members, Associates and Affiliates on the great work being undertaken within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation Sector.

If you would like to contribute story ideas for consideration or comment on items in the current issue, please contact our Communications Team at communications@qaihc.com.au.

Previous issues can be viewed online at qaihc.com.au

As we prepare to say our goodbyes to Winter, we find ourselves in the second half of 2021. It’s been busy and exciting for me transitioning back into the role of CEO, and QAIHC remains heavily focused on Health Equity and COVID-19 Vaccination efforts.

At the time of writing, several of Australia’s Capital cities remain in lockdown, which is a stark reminder of the ever-looming threat and disruptive nature of COVID-19. The Delta strain is particularly concerning, and QAIHC are working closely with Queensland Health to ensure our mob have the information and resources they need to Make the Choice to keep them and community as safe as possible.

QAIHC remains resilient, agile, and able for mob while we are facing an unprecedented challenge and delivering an unprecedented, coordinated effort.

We had the opportunity to sit down and have a yarn with Theresa Simpson from Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, who shared her journey and aspirations for the Service over the next few years. You can read about her incredible commitment to the CEO role on page 6.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this publication may contain images or names of people who have passed away.

Mookai Rosie is also one of three new QAIHC Full Members. We also welcome Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation and Torres Health Indigenous Corporation. You can read about their journey from Associate to Full Member on page 26.

This edition also features a continuation of Health Literacy (p12), unpacks the Queensland State Budget (p10), explores disability in Data Room (p16) and introduces an amazing Youth Health Network Member (p28).

Regardless of the vaccination roll out, I implore you to all continue upholding the highest hygiene standards as we knuckle down into the year. Wash and/or sanitise your hands and surfaces frequently, mask up, and keep two big steps apart from others.

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council First Floor, 36 Russell Street South Brisbane QLD 4101 P 07 3328 8500

NEXT EDITION OCTOBER 2021

I hope you enjoy this edition of Sector Leader Magazine. Remember to get in touch with the Communications Team if you have any articles or news you wish to share at communications@qaihc.com.au Keep safe you mob!

Cleveland Fagan Chief Executive Officer Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council

CONTENTS

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2 National News 3 Queensland News 4 Government News

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28

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QAIHC News

6 Cover Story Theresa Simpson:

The nurturing forward-thinker, guiding Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan towards new growth

9 QAIHC welcomes new Members transitioning from Associate to Full Membership

10 Finance Queensland 2021–22 State Budget overview

12 Research Health Literacy and Health Equity 14 Data An overview of QAIHC electronic medical records and data systems

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16 Data Room Disability and the NDIS 17 NDIS Ready Project at a glance

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18 Queensland Health Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network

19 Medicare Matters COVID-19 Temporary MBS telehealth services extended

20 CQI nKPI Date Reference Manuals 22 Launching Our Stroke Journey to better support Indigenous communities

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24 Member News Wuchopperen— Giving students a strong start

25 Member News IUIH—

Birthing in our community

26 Member News Galangoor—

Congratulations NAIDOC winners for 2021

27 Diabetes Goolburri completes another

successful round of My health for life program

28 QAIHC Youth Health Network Kyle Bekue 30 COVID-19 Making the Choice to get vaccinated 32 Deadly Reading and Viewing

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33 Events Calendar 34 Our Members and Board

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NATIONAL NEWS

125 years in the making— Australia’s first-ever Indigenous Olympic Flag-Bearer Basketball champion Patty Mills became the first Indigenous Australian to carry the flag into an Olympic Games opening ceremony when he marched alongside swimming star and fellow flag-bearer Cate Campbell in Tokyo.

“It’s such an honour and a massive privilege,” said Mills, who was the first Indigenous person to lead Australia since we started competing back in 1896.

“As a proud Kokatha, Naghiralgal and Dauareb-Meriam man it’s incredible. A very passionate moment I can feel in my bones” he said.

Following the Australian Olympic Committee’s announcement in early July, Mills— who is both a Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal man—said that while there hadn’t been any discussion about carrying the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags at the opening ceremony, he’d still bring them to Tokyo anyway.

Tokyo marks his fourth Olympic Games, but he is as renowned for his work off the court as he is on it.

Early in 2020, he founded Indigenous Basketball Australia, a not-for-profit entity delivering programs at a grassroots level for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths, teaching them skills for both sport and life.

Mills is a vocal advocate for social justice, well known for his commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement.

New study finds racism leads to poorer health outcomes A recent study from the Australian National University (ANU) has found discrimination is directly linked to poorer health outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The university analysed two years’ worth of data from more than 8,000 Indigenous Australians from the national Mayi Kuwayu study, outlining experiences of racism and its direct effect on health outcomes, regardless of the person’s age, gender or where they live.

little to no surprise to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the nation, the findings can be used to advocate for support for program and policy approaches to eliminate racism. Lowitja Institute chief executive Dr Janine Mohamed also said these findings provide “undeniable evidence” that racism is linked to health outcomes.

The pervasiveness of discrimination, coupled with its strong and far-ranging links to wellbeing means that there is vast potential to improve health by eliminating discrimination.

Researchers found that discrimination was linked to all negative outcomes examined, including pain, life satisfaction, psychological distress, anxiety, depression, heart disease, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, among others.

This study is the first-time researchers have national evidence specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the link between discrimination and such a broad range of health outcomes.

The ANU acknowledges that while these results will be of

For more information visit mkstudy.com.au

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QUEENSLAND NEWS

Queensland Health launches quality and safety information site Queensland Health’s Inform My Care website was launched in June 2021, providing the community with safety and quality information about Queensland’s public and private hospitals and residential aged care facilities.

Inform My Care allows all Queenslanders to search across public and private hospital facilities for information on maternity options and outcomes, post-surgery infection rates, elective surgery wait times and other key performance indicators.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the website would greatly assist in those wanting more information on their local facilities, enabling them to make more informed healthcare decisions.

The information needed to make safe and informed healthcare decisions across every Queensland facility is now accessible in one central location. Data on public and private residential aged care facilities is also available.

Aged care facilities can also showcase information such as their quality and safety aspects, including average daily resident care hours and for public residential aged care facilities, compliance with the recently legislated nurse and support worker-to-resident ratios.

The database is an important step towards greater transparency across the entire health system.

The Health Transparency Act 2019 is the legislative framework that was established for the website, and it applies equally to public and private health facilities.

Evidence from both Australian and international jurisdictions confirm that hospitals which provide the highest quality of care are those that have a detailed focus on a strong safety culture which is supported by open and transparent reporting.

Reporting safety and quality information in the public domain has been shown to stimulate efforts to improve performance that internal reporting of the same information fails to produce, leading to an improvement in the overall performance of the health system.

For more information or to access Inform My Care, visit informmycare.health.qld.gov.au/home

Queensland’s Criminal Code Act gets updated From July 5, Queensland’s Criminal Code Act 1899 has been amended under the Criminal Code (Child Sexual Offences Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2020, to include two new offences (Criminal Code, Chapter 22— Offences against morality): ss. 229BB Failure to protect a child from a sexual offence: will make it an offence to fail to protect a child from a sexual offence in an institutional setting. ss. 229BC Failure to report sexual offending against a child to police: will make it an offence for any adult not to report sexual offending against a child by another adult to police.

The offences recognise the difficulties victims have in disclosing or reporting abuse, the vulnerability of children, and the risk that perpetrators of child sexual abuse may have multiple victims and may continue to reoffend against particular victims over lengthy periods of time.

The Criminal Code amendment does not replace the mandatory reporting obligations of doctors and registered nurses under the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) (the CP Act).

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General are responsible for leading the distribution of central information for the new legislative amendments to agencies and have made the following resources available to Queenslanders: qld.gov.au/protectchildren or qld.gov.au/law/crime-and-police/types-of-crime/ sexual-offences-against-children

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GOVERNMENT NEWS

Indigenous bush medicine gets official recognition To mark NAIDOC Week 2021 (4–11 July), the Australian Digital Health Agency acknowledged the importance of bush medicine in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and health and announced that My Health Record can be used to record its use.

Director of Clinical Services and Senior Medical Officer at Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service in Yarrabah Queensland, Yued Noongar man from Dandaragan WA, Dr Jason King, said “We use traditional medicine because we’ve always used it. When we were young it was too far to town, the shops were too far away and so we had to do this. It’s part of our life still.”

“I ask my patients what bush medicines they are using and include that information in the medical records in our clinic and this feeds into My Health Record” he explained.

What a lot of people don’t know is that some of the medicines used every day in pharmacies have their origins from the plants and animals from the lands around us.

Just because we’re taking it from the pharmacy shelf as a packaged medicine doesn’t dismiss the original source.

Australian Digital Health Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole said, “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can upload their uses of bush medicine to My Health Record by including it in their personal health summary.”

“This information can be used by health care providers to better understand and treat patients and help preserve key cultural heritage” she said.

There is a great extension for our mob, to put to be to put this information into My Health Record. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have never had this opportunity before. myhealthrecord.gov.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medicines Committee launched during NAIDOC Week A new joint committee between National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and Medicines Australia (MA) launched early July with a key focus on improving medicines access and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme for NAIDOC Week was ‘Heal Country!’, which highlighted the need to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have been calling for action to address the grave social and economic disadvantages experienced for generations. This includes targeting health inequalities currently being experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and building better access to medicines and treatments.

The NACCHO and MA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medicines Committee will have a strong representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices including health consumers, health practitioners, ATSICCHO sector representatives, as well as from industry.

The group acknowledges the ongoing disparities in access to medicines and associated services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples compared to other Australians.

Discussions will initially focus on exploring way of working together, such as strengthening the medicines sector’s cultural responsiveness, addressing health literacy, improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the sector, addressing medicines access and affordability, and considering remote and regional access. The group will also consider how reforms in health policy, legislation and the Health Technology Assessment processes may improve meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. naccho.org.au/news

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QAIHC NEWS

Murri Carnival Cohort Study

NAIDOC Celebrations NAIDOC Week celebrations were held across Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

QAIHC’s South Brisbane office came together to enjoy a lunch—honouring and recognising the achievements of our diverse staff, and paid homage to those who came before us and those who will follow us.

We were also delighted to receive positive reports from several Members who participated in local community activities across Queensland – some of which our staff were lucky enough to attend.

NAIDOC Awards QAIHC’s own Jan Roma is one proud Nana after the adorable Miss Constance Asse was awarded Miss NAIDOC Under 2, and Aged Champion 0–6 Months, as part of the Rockhampton Baby Show and Expo Day. Congratulations Connie! Our pride is strong, and our hearts melted.

QAIHC and the Murri Carnival Project Team are gearing up for the 2021 Murri Carnival Cohort Study. The study surveys Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, officials and spectators over 18 about their involvement in the Murri Carnival. The ten-minute survey asks questions about health access, elements of health literacy and the effect of health promotion messages.

Recently, QAIHC offered the opportunity for players and officials from 14 registered teams to participate in the 2021 Pre-Carnival Survey from Friday 30 June until Sunday 15 August. Teams which met minimum participation requirements qualified for a $300 reduction on the final instalment of their team registration fees.

The next data collection will be held onsite at the 2021 Murri Carnival, scheduled for 20–25 September at South Pine Oval, Brendale. QAIHC Staff and Survey Collectors will be recruiting participants for the survey and offering individual incentives.

Participants will be invited to take part in two and six-month follow-up surveys, with $25 gift cards for completion of each Survey. Information gathered from these surveys will help to provide an evidence base around the elements of health literacy and may assist in future funding applications for Indigenous only sporting events.

Look out for QAIHC at the Carnival.

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COVER STORY

THERESA SIMPSON

The nurturing forward-thinker Guiding Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan towards new growth.

Cultivating Mookai Rosie from humble beginnings to clinical service delivery, Theresa Simpson takes a proactive and hands-on approach in providing the best service possible for community as CEO. Theresa’s passion and drive has given her Board much to admire as she rolls up her sleeves to guide the organisation’s expansion of their Model of Care.

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With proud family connections to the Kalkadoon and Wakka Wakka people, Theresa was born in Mt Isa and grew up in Cairns with her grandmother, Bonnie Simpson. Bonnie was a strong and compassionate grandmother who immersed Theresa in positive cultural family values that has shaped the nurturing leader she is today.

Bonnie and Esme Hudson were the original house mothers who helped establish Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan nearly four decades ago, alongside founder Aunty Rose Richards—Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan translates to Aunty Rosie’s Place or Home. Theresa strives to uphold Aunty Rose’s strong vision and commitment to provide our people with a health-focused service which is viewed as a ‘home-awayfrom-home’.

For more than 35 years the organisation has provided a

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healthy and caring environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children attending medical treatment in Cairns. Mookai Rosie provides culturally appropriate care and accommodation services for women while they are bonding with their new baby or recovering from medical treatment.

With most of her family already in the health sector, it was natural for Theresa to step into an assistant in nursing role after graduating high school, with Hetti Perkins Nursing Home in the Northern Territory.

However, with a desire to expand her skillset and experience, Theresa took a government sector job in Canberra, where she developed her finance and business acumen.

Leveraging those skills, Theresa came home to Cairns and took up positions in the private sector before moving to Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan in 2000.

Theresa has been with Mookai Rosie since, and her growth within the organisation is reflective of the growth that she is facilitating now at the helm.

Starting in administration, Theresa transitioned into a finance role, onto management and then became CEO over her 21-year tenure.

I think I’m a true representation of what community control is.

It’s about supporting our staff members, developing their potential, and putting that investment back into them.

Mookai Rosie’s Board gave Theresa the support, guidance, training and mentorship that she needed to take up the mantle of CEO. Mookai Rosie’s commitment to succession and development has been rewarded through their considerable organisational growth and service capacity.

Theresa’s nature, care for community, passion and involvement in her role has also been integral to Mookai Rosie’s expansion over the years. She is innovative in her approach to leadership, forward thinking and selfless when it comes to driving the organisation into the future.

Theresa believes in interacting with mob to learn what they need to provide the right level of service, when and however needed. If Theresa sees something that needs to be done, she won’t hesitate to assist. Humble despite her position, Theresa grasps every opportunity to better her community.

I’m not in it for admiration or praise. I want to see improvements. I genuinely want to see how we can provide the best level of support with what we do here at Mookai Rosie.

Despite her supportive Board, management team and staff behind her, recognition and funding remain a real challenge for the organisation; irrespective of the vital service that Mookai Rosie delivers.

“It’s been a struggle to build the recognition from a service delivery

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context. We’re a primary healthcare facility delivering an array of services to each of our clients, yet we still receive historical funding despite the exponential growth we’ve experienced and level of service we deliver.”

Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan is not a nine to five service, it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week providing a healthy, caring and unique environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.

“I’m working hard to achieve the recognition for the work that we do, and to receive funding proportionate to the level of service we deliver. There is so much more growth potential for Mookai Rosie and I’m always looking at where we’re heading and searching for new opportunity to better our mob.”

Theresa is determined to build on and evolve the legacy left by the women who built Mookai Rosie before her.

A legacy which encompasses both a professional evidence-based health care and accommodation service, combined with strong and respectful cultural governance.

Theresa’s goals over the next few years are to accomplish funding reviews to address gaps in funding to enable innovative service extensions, growing their clinical service delivery. She is also passionate about enhancing the health status and social outcomes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients who rely on the organisation.

Integrating health education into their service delivery, the organisation provides a more holistic model of care which improves the overall health of

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Mookai Rosie’s clients, and bolsters the health of their respective communities and regions.

“I’m a strong advocate for health education and building one’s health literacy to really try and address those gaps as they present.

Integrated health is really needed for mob who might not understand what their health situation is, or why it’s so important.”

As Mookai Rosie continues to grow, part of what Theresa wants to achieve is a more complex health service delivery model; their capacity to do so needs to be scaffolded with elements of support and funding which is culturally and proportionally appropriate.

To tie in with its growth, Mookai Rosie has also become a Full Member of QAIHC.

It’s great that QAIHC has recognised the growth of Mookai Rosie, and we hope that this will open the door to allow more conversations, greater networking opportunities and ongoing support for what we do. To be fully supported by QAIHC for what we do is about our status being recognised.

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Mookai Rosie aims to fill gaps, work in with HHSs, and integrate resources to provide a better model of health for the region and clients – strengthening their partnerships in doing so.

When asked about the legacy that she would like to leave behind from her time as CEO, Theresa focused on the foundations and innovation that she is sowing across the organisation.

“Forming those strong network relationships and really concreting what we are trying to establish. I’d love for Mookai Rosie to be seen as an extension of the hospital; a culturally safe hospital in a home environment.”

Theresa’s accomplishments as CEO are credit to the original house mothers of Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan and testament to the Board’s wisdom and confidence in the implementation of ongoing professional development and succession planning.

With Theresa pursuing sustained growth, funding and recognition, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan will continue its long foundation of success in bridging the gap for women and children throughout the Far North region.

From Associate to Full Membership: Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision and growth. QAIHC are honoured to have three Members who have recently made the journey from Associate to Full Members.

Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation (Gindaja), Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan (Mookai Rosie) and Torres Health Indigenous Corporation (Torres Health) have become Full Members of QAIHC. To be a Full Member of QAIHC is to share similar goals, objectives and aspirations while delivering primary healthcare services to our mob and bettering the community where each Member operates.

QAIHC are honoured to have Gindaja, Mookai Rosie and Torres Health continually reflecting our values and we recognise the vital work that each organisation delivers for their community.

We had an opportunity to speak with the CEOs of each organisation, where we asked them to share what it means for them transitioning from Associate to Full Member.

Gindaja—Ailsa Lively: “Associate membership has been great. It’s allowed our staff to participate in training opportunities and forums which have been beneficial in terms of skilling the local workforce, and continuous professional development.”

“However, being a Full Member allows us to participate in health reform activities and be recognised for the work that we’re delivering to each of our clients in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector.”

With QAIHC continuing its work on health equity, Gindaja’s service delivery directly links to social and emotional determinants of health.

“Transitioning from Associate to Full Member will give us more recognition, more input and more opportunity for participation and funding.”

Mookai Rosie—Theresa Simpson: “Because we’re so unique, we’re not seen as a full AMS and funding opportunities can be limited because of that status.

To be fully supported by QAIHC for what we do is about our status being recognised.”

Mookai Rosie have contributed to ongoing discussions regarding health reform and health equity and are eager to continue those discussions in their capacity as Full Member.

“Our transition to a Full Member links in perfectly with the growth that Mookai Rosie has been experiencing. We’re excited for new networking opportunities, continued support, elevated recognition and funding opportunities proportionate to our service delivery.”

Torres Health—Paula Arnol: “Becoming a Full Member is about QAIHC and the community recognising the growth, maturity, readiness and quality of service that Torres Health have achieved over the last few years. The transition acknowledges the hard work that our Board and team have put in to get us to this stage.”

Torres Health are eager to continue health equity discussions in their capacity as Full Member, as well as expand on their clinical delivery services as part of their continued growth.

QAIHC acknowledges and congratulates each new Full Member on their dedication to bettering mob, community and their regions and look forward to the continued expansion on primary healthcare services they deliver.

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FINANCE

WITH

KEVIN SIAH BQC FINANCE MANAGER, QAIHC

STATE BUDGET 2021–22:

Queensland Budget Overview On 15 June 2021, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick presented the state budget for 2021–2022. QAIHC’s Finance Team have dissected the budget in detail and prepared this summary.

The state has surpassed expectations in terms of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gross State Product is forecasted to grow by 2.75% in 2021–2022 and employment is estimated to increase by three per cent with a forecasted unemployment rate of 5.75 per cent by end of June 2022.

The following are the key focus areas of this budget most relevant to our Sector:

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Health An investment of $22.237 billion into health services which includes establishing a $2 billion Hospital Building Fund to increasing demands across the health system and new investments of $482.5 million for emergency patient flow in public hospitals and elective surgery waitlists.

The state’s COVID-19 health response receives an extra $480 million to support contract tracing and testing capability, vaccination, compliance activities, facilitation of quarantine accommodation and COVID-19 contact centres.

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Small businesses The budget provides $140 million to support business recovery, increase skills, drive job growth and support local and regional economies and communities. An additional $140 million looks to be provided over four years to support businesses that employ Queenslanders facing disadvantages in the labour market.

The budget forecasts a deficit of $3.5 billion in 2021–2022, with a prediction to return to a surplus of $153 million by 2024–2025. Net debt is estimated to rise to $24.7 billion in 2021–2022, reaching $42.6 billion in 2024–2025.

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Productivity A new Office of Productivity and Red Tape Reduction has been established to reduce red tape, boost productivity and regulatory reform.

The Queensland government aims to reduce the cost of retail electricity prices for households and businesses by investing $2.2 billion in energy generation.

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Infrastructure

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An investment of $14.688 billion in infrastructure projects to create jobs in the short term and support economic growth in the long term and improve regional connectivity.

This includes transformative transport infrastructure, satellite hospitals, new schools and facilities, energy and water assets and new social housing.

Significant projects include continuing construction work on the Cross River Rail, upgrading the M1 Pacific Motorway, Bruce Highway and inland freight routes.

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New initiatives from the $3.34 billion Queensland Jobs Fund includes a $2 billion boost for investment by government-owned corporations in commercial renewable energy and hydrogen projects. Small to medium-sized enterprises and research institutes are set to receive $350 million of tailored support via the Industry Partnership Program.

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Education and skills

The state government has increased funding of $1.4 billion for new schools to open in 2023 and 2024, and additional and renewed infrastructure in existing state schools. Skills and training receive $100.5 million matching investment for the national JobTrainer Fund. There is an extension of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, a revamped Back to Work program, and extension of the 50 per cent payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees to 30 June 2022.

Frontline services There is an investment of $1.908 billion over four years towards social housing and homelessness services. Additional funding of $61.7 million for arts infrastructure, $11 million to enhance the government’s cyber security, $10.8 million over four years for natural disaster responses and $7.7 million over four years for drug and alcohol treatment for young people.

Regional Queensland

The budget aims to boost region’s physical, digital and social connection with the rest of Queensland by providing $200 million for maintenance and minor infrastructure projects.

There is also $121.4 million over four years for drought assistance and $7.5 million to attract workers to regional positions.

Job creation

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Environment The budget provides $162.9 million over five years for the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, $93.6 million over four years for the Queensland waste management strategy, $61 million for environmental and investment initiatives, $500 million for the Carbon Reduction Investment Fund and $9.6 million for vegetation change mapping and assessment.

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COVID-19 economic support

The government will provide $6.148 billion of concessions to support individuals, families and business that reduce the cost of living or of doing business. This includes targeted discounts, rebates, subsidies, reduced prices on transport, electricity and water services.

If you have any further questions in relation to the content in this article, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the QAIHC Business Quality Centre (BQC) Finance Team at accounts@bqc.org.au

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NATIONAL AGREEMENT ON CLOSING THE GAP

Implementation Plan working in partnership The Coalition of Peaks, the collective voice of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector, proudly announced in early August the public release of their first Implementation Plan under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. All Parties to the Agreement are responsible for publishing implementation plans that are responsive to the differing needs, priorities and circumstances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations across Australia.

The Implementation Plan (the Plan), sets out the actions the Coalition of Peaks are and will be taking to fulfil partnership responsibilities under the National Agreement; driving deep change in how governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so that Closing the Gap outcomes are dramatically improved.

The Plan prioritises building an understanding of the National Agreement and promoting the advantages and opportunities it offers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and organisations, provided participation is significant and governments are held to account for its implementation.

To support the Commonwealth’s first Closing the Gap Implementation

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Plan, the Australian Government is investing over $300 million in health infrastructure and support to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access health services, when and where they need them.

As part of the Australian Government’s $1 billion investment in new Closing the Gap measures, they’re investing $254.4 million in infrastructure to better support the critical work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ATSICCHOs), which have been a significant part of the Government’s response to COVID-19.

The Government is also investing $45 million to ensure the best start in life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, through the Healthy Mums and Healthy Bubs program.

This funding is in addition to the $82 million for the Connected Beginnings Program, which includes

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funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP said the program promotes healthy outcomes and healthy lifestyle choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their babies.

The Closing the Gap Implementation Plan sets a foundation for the Commonwealth’s efforts over the next decade in achieving the targets in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, signed by all Australian governments in July 2020.

The Coalition of Peaks implementation plan has prioritised the need to build understanding of the National Agreement including its advantages to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and organisations, and so that collectively governments are held to account for its implementation.

The Priority Reform Areas highlight the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, community, and organisations to be central in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. This is necessary to build buy in and ownership. Without this, the full potential of the National Agreement cannot be realised. It is also necessary to support their knowledge about how the National Agreement can be leveraged to support their own objectives.

Members of the Coalition of Peaks must engage with their members who in turn should engage with their communities to ensure that information about the how the National Agreement is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and communities. This Plan will include provision of resources to support that engagement.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, regional governance bodies, representatives and community members in each state and territory and nationally.

This whole-of-government Closing the Gap Implementation Plan was developed by Ministers, departments and agencies across the Commonwealth with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners, in particular the Coalition of Peaks.

To download a copy of the Implementation Plan visit coalitionofpeaks.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2021/08/Coalition-of-Peaks2021-Implementation-Plan-FINAL.pdf

The Coalition of Peaks is committed to talking to the broadest range of

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DATA

WITH

ANNA SHEAHAN DATA OFFICER, QAIHC

An Overview of QAIHC Electronic Medical Records and data systems In Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ATSICCHOs) use a range of four different Electronic Medical Records (EMRs).

The choice between four EMRs at ATSICHHOs—Best Practice (BP), Communicare, Medical Director (MD) and MMEx, is determined by each Members’ health service management/board.

If an ATSICCHO decides to transition EMR this can be a costly and time-consuming exercise but one that may benefit the organisation.

Two of the four EMRs—BP and MD—were designed by General Practitioners for clinical recording at mainstream General Practices, while Communicare and MMEx were developed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in mind.

Communicare was established in 1994 and highlights that it is for ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations who deal with complex care needs in Indigenous and remote communities.’ In other States and Territories, such as SA and NT, Communicare is the most commonly used EMR used by ATSICCHOs. MMEx was established in 2007 by Isa Healthcare Solutions and has a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Many services across Australia have now

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also successfully rolled out MMEx cloud-based software including Institute of Urban Indigenous Health.

MMEx also has an inbuilt data reporting software called Insights.

Reporting tools and data extraction capability are built into all EMRs however they have variable capabilities for CQI and auditing.

Therefore, since 2009 QAIHC have issued PenCS Clinical Audit Tool (CAT) licenses for Members. This allows Members’ staff to view, interrogate and extract data and patient reports for internal use.

Since 2005, QAIHC have also utilised the Practice Aggregation Tool (PATCAT) due to its interoperability capability to aggregate data from all four EMRs, allowing QAIHC to access de-identified data from Members under data service agreements.

The PenCS tools have many quality improvement features and also a clinical decision support system (Topbar).

A frustration with the current mainstream EMRs and PenCS data systems is that they do not capture all the work (or data) from all of the ATSICCHOs/programs delivered, for example, family wellbeing services or social determinants information.

JustCare is a supplementary software program which runs in conjunction with Best Practice Premier. It was initiated in 2020 and is designed by a General Practitioner working in an ATSICCHO. This

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program integrates with the existing practice database and provides a platform to manage data, workflow, resource/staff management, nKPI and Primary Mental Health Care Minimum Data Set monitoring/ reporting and program delivery.

Another limitation of current EMRs is that they do not operate from a holistic or cultural lens and they are not community owned or operated software companies.

In Canada, there is one such EMR solution that meets these criteria for its Indigenous community called Mustimuhw. This community controlled EMR is both a health and wellbeing software tool designed specifically for Indigenous Community Controlled Health.

EMRs and data reporting systems can elevate the care which services provide and offer structure and support for the model of care that ATSICCHOs deliver.

Feedback from the QAIHC Member Conference has prompted the QAIHC Health Information Team (HIT) to research and plan towards future proofing EMRs and data reporting structures and systems.

QAIHC’s Health Information Team (HIT) is planning for a future for Members where technology and patient care is supported and continues to be enhanced by EMRs and data systems, which is imperative for the sustainability of our Sector.

ATSICCHO Data System Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Patient Information System (PIRS) and billing software

QAIHC-HOSTED

THE PATIENT Record Tool

THE PRACTICE Clinical Audit Tool

THE POPULATION

Practice aggregation tool for groups of data for ASTICHHO, regional and QLD comparisons

For all Helpdesk and general HIT enquiries, please email hit@qaihc.com.au or phone 3328 8500

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

| August/September 2021

15

DATA ROOM

Disability & the NDIS

Disability generally refers to any limitation, restriction or impairment which restricts a person’s everyday activities, and has lasted or is likely to last for at least six monthsFootnote 1,1 Most common types of disabilities —all peoples (2018)2

Estimated number of people with disabilities in 2018 All Australians4

76.8%

Indigenous Australians3

Physical disorder

Nearly

1/6

29.6%

Musculoskeletal disorder

1/4 1/6

Most common disabilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (2018)3,Footnote 2

15.2%

17.7%

10.6%

Physical disability

9.0%

4.4 million down from 18.3% in 2015

8.0%

24.0%

139,700 up from 23.9% in 2015

Psychosocial disability

5.9%

10.1%

Intellectual disability

Head injury, stroke or acquired brain injury

1.9%

2.8%

32.0%

MALES

FEMALES

Least common disabilities

3

Severe/profound limitation

Severe/profound limitation

24.3% 17.8%

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) eligibility6 NDIS supports people with a disability: Aged 7 to 65 AND Live in Australia with Australian residency AND Usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability OR

8.8%

23.7%3

17.6% 5

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are more likely to experience disability at a younger age in 20183 Use special equipment because of this disability AND Are looking for supports now to reduce future needs

Low NDIS participation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples7 —despite higher rate and severity of disabilities

5.9%

2014

5.5% 2019

1/9

Disability increases with age

children aged 0 to 14 years

53.5% of

had a severe or profound limitation, 11% up from 5.9% in 2015

17.9% had a severe

Indigenous Australians >=55 had a disability or profound disability

Footnote 1 Disability is defined differently dependent on data source Footnote 2 a. Living in households b. Excludes those living in very remote areas and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities c. Excludes ‘other’ disability group3

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References page 33

NDIS

WITH

JERMANE HERBOHN PROJECT OFFICER, QAIHC

NDIS Ready Project at a glance The Department of Social Services (DSS) has entered into an agreement with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) for the provision of services to build the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) service capacity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This project is known as NDIS Ready: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander market capability.

The aim of the NDIS Ready project is to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CommunityControlled Health Organisations (ATSICCHOs) to become viable service providers of the NDIS and facilitate access to the NDIS for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a range of areas.

To achieve this, QAIHC has employed an NDIS Ready Project Officer to deliver monthly network roundtable meetings, providing opportunities for Members to have interactive discussions about specific logistical challenges and seek solutions towards becoming viable and sustainable NDIS service providers. These meeting offer the chance for Members to share ideas, concepts and ways of creating suitable and appropriate delivery models that are tailored to ATSICCHOs in Queensland.

The program aims to increase the number of ATSICCHOs registered as NDIS providers to deliver sustainable disability services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Ultimately, this will improve access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to appropriate supports and facilitate client choice and control under the NDIS. The key aims of the project will include: Increased access to, and choice and control of, services available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability through access to NDIS services in their communities.

Increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NDIS registered providers in urban, regional and remote communities.

Expansion of existing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regional and remote communities to include NDIS services.

Increased community awareness within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the NDIS, and increased participant registration.

These key aims will be achieved by strengthening the capacity of ATSICCHOs to transition to and expand NDIS services in their community.

If you want more information on the project, or have any questions for the NDIS Ready Project Officer, Jermane Herbohn, you can email him at Jermane.Herbohn@qaihc.com.au

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

| August/September 2021

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QUEENSLAND HEALTH ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CLINICAL NETWORK The establishment of the Queensland Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network is a step in the right direction for health equity. Coordinated

by Clinical Excellence Queensland, there are a range of Queensland Health Statewide Clinical Networks that represent the independent peak body of expertise1 for Queensland with an aim ‘to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare’ through representation by clinicians and consumers.

There are 24 Statewide Clinical Networks, including the Cardiac Network, Child and Youth Network, and Trauma Network. These are consulted by Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) and the Department of Health with a focus on continuous quality improvement, policy development and evidencebased consensus.1

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The newest Clinical Network is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network, inaugurally chaired

by Dr Mark Wenitong.

This new Clinical Network has been established to:

Provide leadership, cultural and

clinical expertise to drive system wide best practice through the identification, adoption and promotion of best practices and clinical/cultural policy.

Share and support

the development and implementation and replication of best practice approaches across the health system.

Advocate for best practice

clinical policy in matters related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Provide advice to Hospital and

Health Services and Queensland Health on clinical quality and the safety implications of policy, planning and funding decisions.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network will be comprised of Co-Chairs, a Steering Committee and a broader General Network and seeks to include multidisciplinary representation, clinicians, consumers and community members. The Steering Committee will have a minimum of 75 per cent and the General Network of 50 per cent of members that are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.2 QAIHC supported the development of the Clinical Network and was represented in the establishment of the Terms of Reference and its primary roles and functions.

Additionally, representatives consulted the QAIHC Clinical Leader’s Forum during the consultation period and feedback was provided. QAIHC provided recommendations to the proposed Clinical Network summarised in the table below:

QAIHC recommendation

Final inclusion

Naming of ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network’ from the proposed ‘First Nations Clinical Network’.

Change of name to preferred terminology.

Clarity around eligibility for membership to the proposed Steering Committee and General Network.

Further detail provided about eligibility for membership in published documentation.

Development of measurable outcomes.

Clear processes for reporting and evaluation against the Terms of Reference expected outcomes.

The Queensland Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network is now seeking expressions of interest for the General Network membership. For further information and to place an expression of interest: clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/priority-areas/clinician-engagement/ statewide-clinical-networks/queensland-aboriginal-torres-strait-islander

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References page 33. Making Tracks artwork produced by Gilimbaa.

WITH

SANDY ROBERTSON WORKFORCE COORDINATOR, QAIHC

COVID-19 Temporary MBS Telehealth Services

Extended until 31 December 2021 The continuation of the temporary MBS telehealth items has been extended with changes until the end of December 2021. These items have been made available to help reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 and to provide protection for patients and health care providers.

The items are available to GPs, Other Medical Practitioners, Specialists, Consultant Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Participating Midwives, Allied Health Providers (including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner) and Dental Practitioners in the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

It is a legislative requirement that GPs and Other Medical Practitioners (OMPs) only perform a telehealth service where they have an established clinical relationship with the patient, with limited exemptions.

The broad range of temporary GP and OMP telephone attendances have been

replaced with a smaller number of telephone items from 1 July 2021.

Longer telephone items for mental health treatment will continue to be available until 31 December 2021.

A service may only be provided by telehealth where it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so.

Temporary MBS telehealth items are for out-of-hospital patients.

GP and OMP COVID-19 telehealth services are eligible for MBS incentive payments when provided as bulk billed services to Commonwealth concession card holders and children under 16 years of age.

Temporary MBS Telehealth via video conference will continue for patients.

Why are the changes being made?

The GP and OMP telephone items will be streamlined to align with how they are commonly used by providers and expert advice on the use of telephone-based services.

The broad range of telephone services established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be replaced with a smaller number of MBS items: – a short consultation GP item 91890 and OMP item 91892 (less than six minutes) for straightforward care, such as repeat prescriptions and diagnostic referrals – a longer telephone consultation GP item 91891 and OMP item 91893 (six minutes and over) for more complex attendances.

Please review the information factsheets prior to claiming for the Temporary Telehealth Services: mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/0C514FB8C9FBBEC7CA25852E00223AFE/ $File/Factsheet-COVID-19-GPsOMP-Post-1July2021V5.pdf Other New Items: There are also new items for blood borne viruses, sexual or reproductive health services have been created to support. Further information: mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/ Content/0C514FB8C9FBBEC7CA25852E00223AFE/$File/FAQ-COVID-19-SRH-Providers-Post.pdf

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

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CQI

WITH

LAUREN TRASK CQI ADVISOR, QAIHC

Data Reference Manuals The following CQI article aims to showcase the National Key Performance Indicators (nKPI) Data Reference Manuals and where the concept originated.

Another aim is to provide an overview of potential uses, and to detail some of the feedback we have received from organisations to this point.

Currently under review, the nKPIs are a set of mandatory indicators determined by the Department of Health, which ATSICCHOs use to report back to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

ATSICCHOs receiving Commonwealth government funding through the Indigenous Australian’s Health Program (IAHP) to provide services primarily to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, report against the 24 nKPIs to monitor performance. The nKPIs are client level, population health measures that have a biomedical focus.1 There are considerable improvements that could be made to nKPIs which have the potential to make them more useful to the ATSICCHOs. The Best Practice nKPI Data Reference Manual is a sector driven initiative of QAIHC and Carbal Health Service,

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who are acknowledged as the intellectual property owners of this resource. The provision of the resource is a response to the drive from Members and their commitment to the ongoing provision of targeted, meaningful and evidence informed health responses. Members recognise the need for clean data so that high quality, evidence based, and culturally appropriate solutions can be implemented. The Best Practice nKPI Data Reference Manual (the resource), was presented by Kim Passante, Clinic and Quality Manager of Carbal at the 2017 CQI Workshop— Our Health | Our Way and generated significant interest from the Sector.

Following the forum, QAIHC worked with Members to produce three nKPI Data Reference Manuals aligned with Best Practice, Medical Director and Communicare.

The resource is a significant contribution, recognising the importance of clean data, the commitment to improving the data collection and the data collection systems to support the comprehensive understanding of where health gaps exist in community and respond; using the evidence generated at service level. To support services to gain the most benefit from the nKPI data, there is a need to enable greater accuracy,

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completeness, and comparability of the data. These improvements will also positively impact the timeliness and consistency of data collection across Queensland that inform Government policy about where investment is best placed.

Good quality data plays a major role in influencing policy and levels of service delivery to support the health and wellbeing of clients at service level. The manual is designed for those entering data in the clinical team environment, as an induction to the service for on-boarding staff and an orientation to the model of care.

Essentially the resource is a tool to support the provision of clean data that is used for the ongoing delivery of high-quality healthcare. Constant change particularly with a dominant locum workforce can be challenging.

The resource enables the organisation to clearly specify the fields where records need to be entered in the patient information system.

“Onboarding locums to the way we do business is going to be so much easier.”

“I love it! This is going to make the processes a lot easier, especially if we have new staff commencing. Thanks heaps!”

“...this is great news and strongly welcomed. This will go a long way in assisting in educating myself and others with our organisation in better understanding and interpreting nKPI data and our performance against them.”

“Thanks for this... I have looked through it, and it is excellent.

Great work! I really like the format and explanations throughout.”

The resource highlights the’ ongoing commitment to drive improvements in clinical data infrastructure to support CQI by ATSICCHOs—including achieving efficiencies in reform.

Clinical and population health data drawn from patient information systems, ensure CQI activities are strategically directed at subsections in service delivery which require improvement to increase health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and the local community.

QAIHC has the population health expertise required to:

support health services with CQI ensure CQI is well informed by data and ATSICCHO expertise

lead to improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care

contribute to better health outcomes.

Where to from here…

Potential developments from this resource may include:

training packages workshops linkage with clinical governance frameworks

HR processes onboarding checklists.

“What and awesome reference—thank you! This is very timely for us. Is QAIHC considering providing workshops across the Sector on the utilisation of the manuals? Would be great and happy to yarn further and how and when for our Wuchopperen clinicians.”

If you have any questions about CQI or the nKPI Data Reference Manuals, please contact Lauren at ltrask@qaihc.com.au or call 0411609157.

1. Department of Health. (2021). National Key Performance Indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary Health Care. Canberra: Australian Government. Retrieved July 19, 2021, from https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health/reporting/nkpis

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

| August/September 2021

21

Launching Our Stroke Journey

to better support Indigenous communities An important collaboration between Stroke Foundation and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council has developed of a new resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survivors of stroke, families and carers.

The booklet—called Our Stroke Journey—is being launched as part of the 2021 National Stroke Week, which runs from August 2 until August 8. It contains information about what to expect when recovering from a stroke and outlines the support that is available for those in need.

Proud Noongar man, Justin, has generously shared his story of having a stroke at just 32 years old. He talks about his recovery through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. Justin says his advice to any other young person who has a stroke is to be patient and not try to rush the recovery.

“I rushed a lot of things to try and get back to how things used to be. Try and relax—when a stroke happens, life changes, everything slows down. Take your time.”

The booklet features the personal stories of people who have either had a stroke themselves or supported family through their recovery. Its language and content have been developed in close collaboration with survivors of stroke and their families, health professionals, researchers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

Our Stroke Journey Helping our mob after stroke

Stroke Foundation National Manager

StrokeConnect Jude Czerenkowski said Our Stroke Journey is a much-needed

resource. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are twice as likely to be hospitalised with stroke than non-Indigenous Australians.

Rebecca also shares her perspective in the booklet. The proud Yamatji/Ngadju woman is an Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinator and is passionate about supporting people in recovery.

“We are there to support the families of our clients and help in any way that we can, where possible. I just want everyone I work with to know that someone cares about their rehab and recovery and wants them to get better. That’s the most important part of my job.”

Keep this with you from hospital to home

“This booklet covers everything Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need to know to take their place at the centre of their care, look after their health and live a good life after a stroke.”

Ms Czerenkowski hopes that

publicity about the new resource during Stroke Week will encourage people to share with friends or family who may need information about stroke recovery.

Our Stroke Journey will be available from the Stroke Foundation’s website.

It will be shared with health workers who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

StrokeLine (1800 787 653) can provide copies on request.

Stroke Foundation is grateful to everyone who contributed to developing Our Stroke Journey and in particular wants to thank those who share their personal stories for the booklet, the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council, and The Elizabeth and Barry Davies Charitable Foundation.

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Sector Leader M AG A Z I N E

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Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

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23

MEMBER NEWS UPDATE

Giving students a strong start

Administration), Certificate III in Health Services Assistance or a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance.

Six students in Year 11 from Bentley Park College and Trinity Bay State High School, have started a school-based traineeship at Wuchopperen to help kickstart their health career with 100 per cent Indigenous owned and operated group training organisation, Australian Training Works Group (ATW), leading the recruitment.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traineeship Program, ‘Strong Start’, will give Indigenous youth a head start, achieving a nationally recognised qualification and on the job training while completing Year 11 and 12. Qualifications include a Certificate III in Business (Medical

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Sector Leader M AG A Z I N E

“By allowing students to gain work skills while completing school, they’re able to work towards a goal, whether that be higher education or transition to work,” says Rachael Ham, Deputy CEO at Wuchopperen.

Tony Martens, Owner and Managing Director at ATW, says, “School-based traineeships can have enormous benefits for young people who prefer hands on learning to traditional schooling pathways and provides an opportunity to earn while they learn.”

Strong Start is a new partnership program, with both organisations sharing a commitment to improving the quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the local community. The program further supports the National

| August/September 2021

Agreement on Closing the Gap to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth who are engaged in employment or education. Rachael says,

“We are thrilled to be able to provide such an opportunity to the youth in our community and to keep our generations growing strong.”

more likely to access antenatal

Birthing in Our Community Birthing in Our Community (BiOC) was established in 2013 to improve health outcomes by providing culturally appropriate care to women birthing an Indigenous baby.

The program was established on Brisbane’s Southside by the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS Brisbane) in partnership with Mater Mothers.

In 2021, IUIH expanded the program to Brisbane’s Northside in partnership with My Midwives.

BiOC integrates expert midwifery services together with the cultural knowledge and clinical expertise of Community Controlled Healthcare Services (CCHSs), enabling a unique approach to service delivery.

In March 2021, a five-year study on BiOC was published in the Lancet Global Health journal and found

women taking part in the Indigenousled birthing program were 50 per cent less likely to have a premature baby.

IUIH CEO, Adrian Carson said the study’s findings emphasise the importance of Indigenous-led health services.

“That means these bubs are 50 per cent less likely to experience the risks associated with being born prematurely—things like childhood mortality, experiencing disability, and developing chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or kidney disease later in life.

“It’s a model we would like to see available to all women birthing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies, so that these outcomes can be replicated nationally.”

A study led by researchers at Charles Darwin University and published in The Lancet Global Health journal earlier this year also found over a seven-year period that mothers were:

more likely to breastfeed

care than those using standard maternity care

less likely to need a Caesarian delivery

less likely to have their baby admitted to the neonatal care nursery

more likely to attend five or more antenatal appointments

more likely to exclusively breastfeed on discharge.

The BiOC Model connects mothers with a dedicated midwife, a Family Support Worker, transport to and from appointments, social health services, community programs and more, to provide a holistic model of care.

BiOC’s social and peer support strategy, including weekly community days, is highly valued with women participating in arts and craft activities, receiving peer support and advice on food preparation.

Women join the program while pregnant and graduate after their bub turns six weeks old. After graduating the families continue to be invited into The Hub to join weekly community days and engage with the Early Childhood team.

BiOC's success is proof Indigenousled services are integral to reaching the Closing the Gap targets set by the Australian government to achieve by 2031.

You can access the full paper on BiOC at The Lancet Global Health thelancet.com/journals/langlo/ article/PIIS2214-109X(21)00061-9/ fulltext

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

| August/September 2021

25

MEMBER NEWS UPDATE

Congratulations

Galangoor

Duwalami

Galangoor’s NAIDOC winners for 2021 Alana Reid

David Larsen

Primary Health Care Manager

Paediatric and Family Care Coordinator/Registered Nurse

Health Services Manager Registered Nurse

RECONCILIATION AWARD

RECONCILIATION AWARD

LIFETIME AWARD

In his current role as Primary Healthcare Manager/Registered Nurse for Galangoor Duwalami, David takes pride and strives to contribute toward reconciliation in the Fraser Coast community which is on Butchulla Country. He engages community well and promotes empowerment through facilitation of community forums. David has 25 years’ experience managing health and humanitarian projects particularly with marginalised populations, thus equipping him to build partnerships with community organisations and connecting and collaborating well with our local Indigenous elders, aunties, and uncles. His absolute respect for people, combined with his talents enhance trust from community, evident by his strong relationships with key members and are emphasised during NAIDOC to come together and heal country.

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Ann Woolcock

Sector Leader M AG A Z I N E

Alana has 17 years’ experience in nursing, with the last 8 years working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health as a Registered Nurse. She is currently the Paediatric and Family Care Coordinator at Galangoor. Alana is a local Maryborough lass and connected to many community families in the area. She has worked tirelessly to improve health care outcomes for the Fraser Coast community, not only engaging families, but working alongside our mob, with enormous dedication and commitment. In her time at Galangoor, Alana has worked in multiple roles, including practice nurse, Manager and Innovator, and in her current role is a strong advocate for children in out of home care. Alana is passionate and caring and walks alongside families to heal country and maintain family integrity.

| August/September 2021

Ann is proudly Gooreng Gooreng and MaMu following her mother’s side.

With 40 plus years’ experience as a nurse, she is highly accomplished in rural and remote nursing. Ann is always passionate, dedicated and committed to improving health care outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and works as a strong negotiator, collaborator and planner who has helped drive the Galangoor service expansion to where it is today.

Ann is an inspiring work colleague, a respectful leader and role model for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ann ensures, the provision of quality orientated health care services that are underpinned by service excellence, innovation, cultural safety, and wellbeing – enhancing health, connection and healing for country. Ann is currently transitioning into a Corporate Services Manger role to continue to apply her skills and knowledge to the Fraser Coast area.

DIABETES

WITH

LEONIE YASSO DIABETES COORDINATOR, QAIHC

Goolburri’s completion of another successful group session of QAIHC’s Diabetes team coordinated a follow up

My health for life

visit with Goolburri to participate in a My Health for Life (MH4L) group session. The MH4L program includes six sessions over six months, with ongoing maintenance after the program has finished.

Goolburri’s session was the sixth (and final) in a series of workshops and was completed with participants undertaking a group cooking session.

The cooking session had been included at the request from previous sessions to explore ‘swap it’, with food.

Swapping frozen and canned for fresh.

While onsite, QAIHC's team were lucky enough to interview Goolburri’s MH4L Facilitator, Lizzie Mahon.

What did you think of the My health for life program, and did it suit your community members?

The MH4L program is definitely beneficial and well suited to today’s busy lifestyle. It’s self-motivated with assistance, and I think that’s significant as no one is going to change bad habits if they’re told to do it.

Did you enjoy delivering the MH4L program?

I absolutely enjoyed delivering the MH4L program, it was heaps of fun and I was also able to take a lot away from the program.

Have you ever delivered any other programs?

ELIZABETH MAHON PROFILE Where are you from?

I was born in Cairns but moved to Charleville when I was 5 years old and grew up there.

Who is your mob?

My mum’s side is from Darnley (Erub) Island, and our mob is Meriam Mir. What made you get into health and working for a CCHS? Working in health had never crossed my mind throughout high school.

Moving back to Charleville after boarding school, I was offered a Traineeship at CWAATSICH, where I found my passion for health.

As part of my role with Goolburri, I have the privilege of being part of numerous programs. These include diabetes awareness days, influenza vaccination clinics, education sessions with our mum’s and bub’s program amongst many others.

What is the MH4L program?

The MH4L program to me, is a self-motivated platform to assist individuals that are ready for change in their lives to help them in reaching their goals.

When and where would you run these programs?

This program works best when the individuals in the group are comfortable

with each other, which allows open communication with limited hesitation.

Running this program in already established groups assists with nurturing a comfortable environment, as well as establishing a suitable support network for individuals.

Is there something about the program that you have already delivered?

I’ve been lucky enough to deliver this program in Goolburri’s Mum’s and Bub’s group. As the group was already established, this allowed me to be comfortable in facilitating. This also allowed for the mother’s to support one another (as they do already), and we were able to get the children involved as well.

Great work Goolburri!

A great morning was had by all.

My Health for Life is a free, evidencebased behaviour modification program for patients at high-risk of developing a chronic disease.

The programs are delivered by an alliance of health organisations and are designed to help Queenslanders stay well and lessen their risk of developing chronic health conditions.

All recipes were from the cookbook— Kukumbat gudwant daga ‘Really cooking good food’. Our dishes of the day were beef stew, damper, and rice pudding. These recipes can be found on hollows.org.au

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

| August/September 2021

27

YOUTH HEALTH NETWORK INTRODUCING

Kyle Bekue

QAIHC Youth Health Network member

The QAIHC Youth Health Network provides an opportunity for young people to come together and yarn about health and develop solutions for their health and wellbeing.

How old are you?

I am 22 years old.

Who’s your mob?

I am an extremely proud Yuggera Ugarapul man, a proud traditional owner over south Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba regions.

What are you studying?

I am currently studying a Doctor of Medicine at UQ and recently completed by Bachelor of Biomedical Science (last year).

Tell us a bit about your journey into the health sector.

I remember being a little boy who didn’t have his priorities in place correctly. I was too focused on surviving as an Indigenous boy in a white man’s school system to care for my own grades or own well-being. The turning point for me was after my father and mother decided they couldn’t live together anymore. It left me broken, even more so than I was before. I hit rock bottom at the end of Year 9 emotionally and physically and it was the most awful time in my life; I felt alone.

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Sector Leader M AG A Z I N E

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So, I turned to my books, applied myself and distracted myself with assignments and exams to try and fill the emptiness inside. I refused to become a statistic and become part of the data that condemns Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to a life of struggle and shame.

I took my education into my own hands!

I began applying for experiences through school. I was accepted into the SPARQ-ed program at the Translational Research Institute in Annerley. We researched HPV-induced cervical cancer and were focusing on a treatment for individuals who already have this disease. I got to work alongside Dr Ian Frazier’s and Dr Brian Gabrielli’s team; the same people who created the Gardasil vaccination; it was such an eye-opening experience.

This opened my heart to the possibility that this is the sort of work I want to do with my life. So, I pushed myself even harder. I eventually realised that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine.

This was a hard decision because I knew the hard work required to achieve it. And especially being a blackfulla chasing this pathway, I knew I had to apply myself in ways others may not have to. My mother instilled in me a motto that will define the trajectory of the rest of my life... That as an Indigenous man, there will be times when I need to work harder, smarter, and more diligently than my non-Indigenous counterparts. So, I did just that for the remainder of my high school years.

I ended up achieving the Dux honour at my school and achieved an OP1 in 2016. I went on to receive the Highest Achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student in the cohort of 2016 which was recognised by the QCAA. I ended up getting into the Doctor of Medicine program with these accolades and here I am today, living my dream.

Why is it essential that youth are involved in discussions about their own health?

Youth need to be in power of the policies that affect them. I believe that there is too much stigma in today’s society around what young people can contribute to the discussions in any arena. The insight you get from these young people is valuable!

I currently run camps with UQ InspireU’s outreach program. I also go on rural Queensland school tours with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation. Both programs have provided me valuable insight into the lives that these young people are currently facing. It has humbled me as an ambassador on these tours and camps to listen and to realise that sometimes my point of view isn’t the shared point of view of the people I’m trying to help.

It is important for anyone in any place of power to listen to the people you are helping.

Are you an aboriginal and/or torres strait islander aged between 18 and 28?

We want to hear from you!

Who inspires you?

My people do. Every single one of them. All my Indigenous brothers and sisters, Aunties and Uncles.

The adversity my people overcome every single day while living their lives is truly inspiring; and I just want to acknowledge their struggles as well as their resilience.

Why is the Youth Health Network important?

It opens that dialogue to allow conversations to take place.

This network, I believe, provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths with some self-determination to be in control of the policies that affect them.

Are you passionate about improving the health of your community?

Join us!

Find out more and register your interest— email communications@qaihc.com.au

Calm mind+strong body+resilient spirit

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

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Making the choice Fully vaccinated QAIHC Policy Officer, Andrew Goodman is helping spread the word to mob about making the choice to get vaccinated.

A Proud Aboriginal man and from Barcaldine on Iningai Country, Andrew wants mob to make informed decisions about getting the jab. Andrew Goodman, along with QAIHC Communications Officer Jacob Pagan, both recently shared their vaccination stories and discussed what motivated them to make the choice and get the jab.

For Andrew—a dad of two young boys and a fulltime PHD student at the University of Queensland and CSIRO—there were both personal and professional aspects that factored into his decision making about getting vaccinated.

“Not only do I need to make sure my family and my community are safe but also I have a responsibility as a healthcare practitioner that the communities that I go out to are safe, and also I practice what I preach— I can’t be saying things and not doing it myself,” he said.

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Sector Leader M AG A Z I N E

Communications Officer and proud Aboriginal man, with family links to Barunggam, Jacob Pagan factored in the practicalities of being vaccinated into his decision.

“I didn’t want it to disrupt my work or family and I didn’t want to risk catching it and be laid out for an extended period; and I wanted to be protected in terms of reducing the severity of the symptoms,” Jacob said.

“I also figured with all the talk about the vaccination passports I didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to travel abroad eventually,” he said.

Living in Brisbane, both Andrew and Jacob found the experience of booking and receiving the vaccine simple and relatively painless.

“For me, it was very simple.

Fortunately, I live in Brisbane, that has walk-in clinics every single day of the week,” Andrew said.

“My process was that I walked into the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, the vaccination clinic there.

This was back in April— I got the AstraZeneca—I walked in, got my jab. I waited the 15 minutes and got my little card to tell me to come back in 12 weeks and then I got my second jab in early July back in the same clinic.”

| August/September 2021

to get vaccinated Jacob said he used the Department of Health eligibility checker to register his interest to be vaccinated.

“That afternoon (after registering via the eligibility checker) I got the email that said you’re able to make a booking and it showed me where I could book and the closest to home was about 7 kilometres away,” Jacob said.

As for side effects, both Andrew and Jacob were pleasantly surprised.

While Jacob didn’t even feel his first vaccination, his second jab did hurt a bit and while he was prepared to have to take it easy after the second jab, he didn’t experience any side effects.

“It was fine, and I went home and enjoyed my weekend and that was it,” Jacob said.

Andrew experienced a restless night sleep after the first jab.

“I had a little bit of fever and restlessness, so I didn’t sleep that good and the next day I was a bit rough just because of the sleeplessness.

“My second one was fantastic, I was getting myself ready for a sleepless night after that but there wasn’t one—no fever, so I was very lucky with the second one as there were no side effects,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve done my part, as much as I think we’re going to continue to see these lockdowns and mask wearing mandates, for me

personally, I’ve just taken the right step to getting to the end of this pandemic,” Andrew said.

Making the right choice about health and wellbeing is something that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have done before, and will continue to do, said Andrew. “We need to continue to be the leaders that we have been throughout the pandemic, the ACCHO and AMS sector have very much been the leaders of how information has been wdistributed and safety mechanisms put in place.

During this time, QAIHC are making sure that our Members, our staff and the community have the information they need to make the right decision for their health and wellbeing.

Keep an eye out for the ‘Make the choice’ COVID-19 vaccine communications campaign— a collaboration between QAIHC, Queensland Health and the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health—launching soon.

For more information or to get in contact with QAIHC email communications@qaihc.com.au.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve been handed something external to us and our culture that we’ve had to deal with in a proactive, self-determined and selfmanaged way, so I’m sure that people are just going to pull together and do the right, informed thing,” Andrew said.

The Pfizer vaccine is rolling out through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ATSICCHOs) in Queensland in the beginning of August.

Providing ATSICCHOs with the ability to administer Pfizer doses will allow a lot more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access to the vaccine—especially in regional and remote areas— and will help get mob vaccinated sooner.

Andrew Goodman Policy Officer, QAIHC

Jacob Pagan Communications Officer, QAIHC

Sector Leader M A G A Z I N E

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Deadly reading and viewing

Catching Teller Crow (2018)

Born Into This (2021)

Authors: Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Engaging, thought-provoking stories from a young Tasmanian Aboriginal author who addresses universal themes— identity, racism, heritage destruction—from a wholly original perspective.

Author: Adam Thompson

Catching Teller Crow is a tale that goes straight to the heart of Australia’s darkest history. Through poetry and story, with great sensitivity, the Kwaymullinas pick up and deal with subjects most authors tend to avoid.

Terrible crimes lie at the centre here; viewed through the eyes of young women of unquenchable spirit – they can be approached, examined, and ultimately solved.

More informationt: allenandunwin.com

Two Cultures, One Story (2021)

Adam Thompson’s debut collection of short stories, Born Into This, delivers refreshing and vital reading. The lives of the characters within these pages provide an honest, humorous, and occasionally raw insight into the experiences of living in a country, and on Country, both shared and in contest.

More information: uqp.com.au/books/born-into-this

Charlie’s Country (2014)

Authors: Dr Robert Isaacs with Tanaz Byramji

Director: Rolf de Heer

Dr Robert Francis Isaacs AM, OAM, PhD (Hon) has spent his life bridging the divide between white and black Australia.

Taken from his mother as a baby, Robert was raised in institutions not knowing he had a family and not knowing he was Aboriginal.

The impact of white settlement on contemporary Indigenous identity is the premise of Charlie’s Country, exploring the often-complicated relationship between current Australian society— based heavily on British laws and custom—and Indigenous Australians and communities.

Enduring severe hardship, discipline and abuse at the hands of the Christian Brothers, Robert went out into the world at the age of 16 determined to make a life for himself and a family of his own. Told with grace and strength, this memoir shares the inside story of a respected Elder and his drive to break down cultural barriers and improve the lives of his people.

Charlie is an Aboriginal Australian living in a remote community up in Arnhem Land, who is finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile living in a type of no-man’s-land caught between the legal requirement to abide by ‘white fella’ rules, and his traditional culture.

More information:

visitfilms.com/charlies-country

magabala.com/products/two-cultures-one-story

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Sector Leader M AG A Z I N E

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More information:

EVENTS CALENDAR SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 1–31 August

National Immunisation Awareness Month

1–30 September

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

2 August

Jeans for Genes Day

1 September

Indigenous Literacy Day

4 August

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

13 September

Anniversary of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

9 August

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

1–30 September

Blue September

6–10 September

Women’s Health Week

13 August

Red Nose Day

10 September

R U OK Day

23 August

Daffodil Day

29 September

World Heart Day

QAIHC MEMBER EVENTS

For more information, or to register for an event, please email tiana.lea@qaihc.com.au

Our team are busy planning upcoming events for Members. Keep an eye out for these announcements.

DATE

MEMBER EVENT

28 September 2021

Sexual Health Workforce Workshop

References page 12 Health Literacy

1. Paasche-Orlow, M., & Wolf, M. (2007). The causal pathways linking health literacy to health outcomes. American Journal of Health Behaviour, 31 (Supplement 1), 19-26.

2. Batterham, R., Hawkins, M., Collins, P., Buchbinder, R., & Osborne, R. (2016). Health literacy: applying current concepts to improve health services and reduce health conditions. Public Health, 132, 3–12.

Retrieved from https://files.cercomp.ufg.br/weby/ up/127/o/Batterham_2016.pdf 3. Hayman, N., White, N., & Spurling, G. (2009).

Improving Indigenous patients’ access to mainstream health services: the Inala experience.

The Medical Journal of Australia, 190(10), 604-606. doi: https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009. tb02581.x 4. Freeman, T., Edwards, T., Baum, F., Lawless, A., Jolley, G., Javanparast, S., & Francis, T. (2014). Cultural respect strategies in Australian Aboriginal primary health care services: beyond education and training of practitioners. Indigenous Health, 38(4), 335–361.3.

5. Nutbeam, D., Levin-Zamir, D., & Rowlands, G. (2019). Health literacy and health promotion in context. Global Health Promotion, 25(4), 3-5.

Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/ doi/10.1177/1757975918814436 6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2016).

Australia’s health 2016: Chapter 4—determinants of health. Canberra: AIHW. Retrieved from https:// www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/ australias-health-2016/contents/chapter-4determinants-of-health#t3 7. Sherwood, J. (2013). Colonisation—It’s bad for your health: The context of Aboriginal health, Contemporary Nurse, 46:1, 28-40. doi: https://doi. org/10.5172/conu.2013.46.1.28 8. Geia, L., Baird, K., Bail, K., Barclay, L., Bennett, J., Best, O., Birks, M., Blackley,L., Blackman, R., Bonner, A., Bryant AO,R., Buzzacott, C., Campbell, S., Catling, C., Chamberlain, C., Cox, L., Cross,W., Cruickshank, M., Cummins, A., …Wynne, R. (2020): A unified call to action from Australian nursing and

LOCATION

DURATION

COST

Brisbane Hilton

1 day

FREE

midwifery leaders: ensuring that Black lives matter.

Contemporary Nurse. https://doi.org/10.1080/103761 78.2020.1809107 9. Australian Government. (2020). Tabled Papers: Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2019., (pp. 1–25).

10. Bourke, J., Marrie, H., & Marrie, A. (2019).

Transforming institutional racism at an Australian hospital. Australian Health Review, 43, 611-618. doi:https://doi.org/10.1071/AH18062 11. Australian Government. (2020). Tabled Papers: Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2019., (pp.1–25).

12. Queensland Health. (2021, 07 10). Health Equity.

Retrieved from Queensland Government: https:// www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/groups/ atsihealth/health-equity

page 16 Data Room: Disability

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020).

People with disability in Australia: Definitions of disability supplementary data tables. Canberra: Australian Government. Retrieved July 7, 2021, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/ people-with-disability-in-australia/data 2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2019). Disability ageing and carers, Australia: summary of findings (latest release). Canberra: Australian Government.

Retrieved July 6, 2021, from https://www.abs.gov. au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageingand-carers-australia-summary-findings/latestrelease#disability 3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). 2018 Survey of Disability Aged and Carers (SDAC) as cited in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island People with disability. Canberra: Australian Government.

Retrieved July 6, 2021, from https://www.abs.gov. au/articles/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islanderpeople-disability 4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020).

People with disability in Australia 2020: in brief, How many people have disability? Canberra: Australian Government. Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https:// www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-withdisability-in-australia-2020-in-brief/contents/howmany-people-have-disability 5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020).

People with disability in Australia 2020: in brief, How

many people have disability?, Data Tables. Canberra: Australian Government. Retrieved July 5, 2021, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/ people-with-disability-in-australia/data 6. National Disability Insurance Agency. (2021, July 8).

Applying to access the NDIS: Am I eligible. Retrieved July 7, 2021, from NDIS: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible 7. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020).

Disability support services: services provided under the National Disability Agreement 2018–2019.

Canberra: Australian Government. Retrieved July 6, 2021, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/ a77135a0-927a-43ac-b5c0-445bf2e7f577/aihw-dis-75. pdf.aspx?inline=true 8. National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. (2020, October 28). Delivering the NDIS: Improving access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Retrieved July 7, 2021, from NACCHO: https://www.naccho.org.au/ news/delivering-the-ndis-improving-access-foraboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-communities 9. Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2020). NDIS Workforce: Chapter 8 Thin Markets. Canberra: Australian Government.

Retrieved July 8, 2021, from https://www.aph. gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/ Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/ workforce/Interim_Report/section?id= committees%2Freportjnt%2F024501%2F75159

page 18 Clinical Network

1. Statewide Clinical Networks. Clinical Excellence Queensland | Queensland Health. (2021). Retrieved 5 August 2021, from https://clinicalexcellence. qld.gov.au/priority-areas/clinician-engagement/ statewide-clinical-networks 2. Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Network. Clinical Excellence Queensland | Queensland Health. (2021). Retrieved 5 August 2021, from https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/ priority-areas/clinician-engagement/statewideclinical-networks/queensland-aboriginal-torresstrait-islander

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QAIHC Board Members

Matthew Cooke Chairperson

Sue Andrews Deputy Chairperson

Paula Arnol Far North Queensland Director

David Collins South East Queensland Director

James Cripps North and North West Queensland Director

Sheryl Lawton South and South West Director

Stevan Ober Central Queensland Director

QAIHC Members Members Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Mackay Limited Apunipima Cape York Health Council Bidgerdii Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service

Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation

Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation

Girudala Community Co-Operative Society Limited

Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service

Gladstone Region Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service t/a Nhulundu Health Service

North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health

Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Limited

NPA Family and Community Services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation

Carbal Medical Services

Goondir Health Services

Torres Health Indigenous Corporation

Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Limited

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services

Injilinji Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Children and Youth Services

Wuchopperen Health Service Limited

Cherbourg Regional Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health Galangoor Duwalami Primary Healthcare Service Gidgee Healing

Kalwun Health Service Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health Mamu Health Service Limited Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan

Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health

Regional Members Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Northern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Alliance 0305