Welcome to Umoona Tjutagku Health Service next edition, as expected the winter is starting to settle in and the flu is rising!
It’s certainly been a challenging few months in Coober Pedy of course, with COVID-19 still prevalent in the community, there will be many challenges ahead. But as we rely on vaccinations to keep our hospitalisation rates manageable, we will hopefully be able to enjoy more freedom and connection with extended family and friends during the months ahead.
There has never been a greater need for local services to be on alert to support the homelessness during the cold wintery nights. We seek any donations of clothes and blankets for our clients during this challenging times.
As you may have noticed our team are very proactive out in the community chasing up on clients appointment and program outcomes. Just to remind you all Umoona Health staff and Management have a very strong passion for theAboriginal Community and is strongly committed to improving the health and well-being status of our mob and everyone else in the community that require our support.
As I may not be able to take each and everyone’s phone calls, my responsibility is to Manage and seek ways of improving our financial position and standard of health services to our clients. My time is critical and is time managed each day to take on bigger responsibilities. It requires me to be away from my desk to join meetings out of community.
Our Many thanks for your on-going support which has enabled us to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I look forward to providing you with updates regarding our progress in newsletters throughout 2023.
Clients are our priority and there are staff here to support you with your request and needs. I have been working extremely hard to secure funding for programs staffing and infrastructure in the community. We have more exciting news to share so continue to watch this space.
Take care and stay safe.
After a year of working with us, Petrea Mueller and Stefani Cirillo have finally decided they needed to return home to Perth, WA. They have been a great support for our community and our health service. Their passion, energy, knowledge and skills have been a breath of fresh air. Clients know that if they want their concerns followed up, they need only speak to them. Stef has focused a lot on the women and children ion the community, getting them to have health checks, keeping well and getting their immunisations in time. Petrea has been focused on our clients with complex and chronic conditions, advocating for them to make sure they get their treatments and get as healthy as possible.
We, at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
We are so glad you decided to stay on after checking us out in your initial three months. Your invaluable contribution to the health and welfare of our team and our community will be missed. You will always be welcomed back as friends for life.
Everyone, Meet Kerry Waddell our newest Registered Nurse! Kerry has come to us from Adelaide bringing with her years of experience working withAboriginal people mainly in theAPY lands. She has only been with us a few weeks and is still getting to know the community and Umoona Tjutagku Health Service, but she has risen up to the challenge and is contributing her skills and knowledge to looking after our clients and ensuring we maintain continues quality improvement.
Please make sure you say hello to Kerry next time you see her.
On the 25th of May UTHS hosted the Women’s and Kids Health Checks Program at the Healthy for Life building. The program featured child’s entertainment, a raffle contest, giveaway packs for the children and a hairdresser, while health checks were completed by nursing staff and a GP, in addition to ear and eye screening by audiologists and an optometrist.
UTHS facilitated health promotion by providing a healthy lunch for participants, social workers for the emotional wellbeing of participants, take home entertainment packs for children with health information, nutrition education, toothbrushes/toothpaste and toys, and children’s books given to UTHS by theAboriginal Literacy Foundation.
Children’s entertainment on the day was provided by the Starlight Foundation who sent two Captain Starlight entertainers; Captain Noisy and Captain Bubbles, to provide activities and fun for the kids. This was a huge hit with the younger children in the community. Children also enjoyed the jumping castle, which was another success on the day, while also promoting physical activity and social interaction with other children.
For all community members who took part in health screen, their name was placed in a draw to win home kitchen appliances in a raffle contest. First place prize was an air-fryer, second place was a toaster and third place was kettle.
The day proved to be a huge success, with approximately 50 community members participating in the event. 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health checks completed and 45 people seen by the audiologist and optometrist. This was an excellent turn out, based on numbers of participants at previous programs and involvement within the Coober Pedy community. We hope our next program is as successful and enjoyable as this.
The most commonly used drugs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are tobacco, cannabis and alcohol. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are experiencing a disproportionate burden of harm from amphetamines, including methamphetamine. Methamphetamines are the fourth most commonly used drugs byAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
According to the client’s reviews the historical and social factors that influence the use of methamphetamine among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Furthermore, the review shows that a mix of individual, family and community factors are influencing the use of methamphetamine among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as are social and historical factors.
Using crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) with other drugs can make it even more dangerous.
Ice can be cut (mixed) with other substances. This makes its effects unpredictable.
Short term effects of ice include: Headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, increased energy, talking a lot, sweaty & cold skin
Co-occurring conditions or ‘Co - morbidity’is when a person is sick with two or more medical problems at the same time, such as a problem with a substance (ice) as well as a mental health problem.
Long term effects of ice include: Dependence, poor concentration & memory, weight loss, heart & lung problems.
Stigma and shame can impact a person who is taking crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’), their family or friends and their community.Avoid shaming people who use drugs, rather try to connect with them through conversations.
With treatment and support recovery from ice dependence is possible
Treatment options can be different depending on how long they go for and where they are run e.g at a clinic, in a rehabilitation centre or at a person’s home or at a Drug andAlcohol centre.
As a regional organisation, Umoona Tjutagku Heath Service (UTHS) has provide many services and has taken variety engagements with clients in Coober Pedy community and other communities such as Oodnadatta to support for the relapse, rehabilitation, counselling sessions (one-on-one/ group), brief intervention, educational workshops, awareness programs, yarning cycles and Harm minimisation approach which focuses on strategies to reduce harms to the individual and society that are associated with the use of methamphetamine (Ice).
Mental Health is also considered as a health….
After Hours Mental health Social Workers at Drug and Alcohol Centre at UTHS are responsible to educate and support community about Mental Health issues and work collaboratively with Alcohol and other drug social workers and with Psychiatrist and Psychologist. Apart from that AHMH Social workers support community in every aspect possible after working hours as well as on Saturdays and regularly visit Coober Pedy Hospital to support clients with their emotional and basic needs while they are under treatment.
A 30 year Old aboriginal man named Marco originally from Coober Pedy has been diagnosed with anxiety, severe depression and Post-traumatic stress disorders. Client was referred to mental health Social workers. Client is also addicted to Alcohol and smoke cannabis. Therefore, Marco was already taking services from Alcohol and other Drug (AOD) Social Workers. Client had no insight of his mental health issues.
After hour Mental Health Social Workers started working closely with client and started building positive relationship.AHMH Social Workers started communicating with a client about his mental state and figured out he was sometimes hearing voices as well.
Marco was referred to Psychiatrist who visits Drug andAlcohol Centre every month after getting a referral from GP. Client missed couple of appointments initially but Social Workers developed the knowledge by doing regular follow ups and 12 week sessions with Marco. Marco agreed to see Psychiatrist and AHMH Social workers tracked the medication administration. Marco now attends regular sessions withAHMH social workers and attends Psychiatrist and Psychologist appointments.
It is really important for people to have a respectful, culturally appropriate safe place where they can have fun and open up by sharing feelings of loneliness, grief and loss in yarning. It supports the work with Aboriginal people more effectively, and brings relief and at the same time can enhance the therapeutic engagement. Therefore, the hair dresser's program is a safe place for people to connect, feel safe and find support that they need from UTHS.
UTHSAC was able to arrange four successful Hair-dresser’s sessions fort he year on 3rd, 4th, 24th and 25th May 2023.
According to the clients, it helped them to feel better and connected which are very important aspects in promoting the person’s wellbeing.
Benefits from the program:
Better looking hair gives you a great confidence boost
The act of pampering can reduce stress and give you a mood boost
Less stress means that you have more mental resources to tackle life
Take care of yourself – start with something as simple as a hair cut
Social Connection -connecting with others is a vital part of reducingstress and depression no matter what you talk about!
Yarning and sharing stories made each participant deal with pastdifficulties, grief and trauma by getting the pain out.
Call 08 8672 5255 to book an appointment.
Feedback forms are available at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation Reception (At the main office & the DAS building) and our website: www.uths.com.au
It can be easy to see a cockroach or mosquito as nothing more than a mind annoyance, but these pests can pose a danger to your family and home. Many pests can carry deadly diseases ranging from Zika virus to Lyme Disease and the deadly Hantavirus. Rats, ticks, and mosquitos pose a threat to people and should be dealt with asap. It is impossible to know for sure if an insect is a carrier and because of this, all pests should be treated as a danger. Therefore, it was identified as a matter among the aboriginal community in Coober Pedy.
As another community service performed by Umoona Tjutagku Health Service, we were able to support the Aboriginal community by providing PEST control service. As Coober Pedy is far away from Adelaide, and it is sitting in the middle of the desert, these people desperately needed the PEST control service. As a community friendly health service, Umoona Tjutagku health service was able to find a solution for the community. We were able to find a funding program to help the community.
We delivered a PEST control service on 09 /05/2022 and 10/05/2022. All together we were able to do pest controlling for 41 houses among the community between those two days. We had lots of positive feedbacks throughout the process and people wanted the service every 06 months and we are looking forward to deliver the service in the future as per the request.
Whether or not you own an animal, veterinarians affect you. The health of animals, people, and the environment are interconnected and the work of veterinarians protects people in ways you might not realise. Veterinarians are the first and best line of defence against animal diseases that could threaten public health.
On 5-6th of March 2023 saw the Redgum Veterinary service come to Coober Pedy. The purpose of the visit was to enable those with cats or dogs that required desexing to have this done. The visit was well received with a number of animals being see by the vet. We like to thank those who used the service and understand the importance of keeping your cat or dog healthy as there is a direct link between the health of your animal and your own. We would like to thank also those members of the community who assisted in the transport of cat and dogs to and from the vet. We are hoping this service will become a regular event which will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier community.
Alcohol and Other Drugs, social workers visit Oodnadatta and conduct workshops there to know better about their situations of the community. These visits are better opportunities to build rapport with Oodnadatta community. Social Workers work closely, from grass-root level to support aboriginal community in remote location according to their needs and link them with other services like rehabilitation services, health services, mental health support services, counselling services, motivational interviews and housing services. AOD Social Workers conduct educational and awareness programs regarding adverse effects of alcohol and other drugs by using visual and practical methods on physical and mental health of the people and encourage them to educate others as well.
Social Workers recently conducted an ICE workshop in Oodnadatta and provided awareness and education regarding the effects of using ICE, alcohol or other drugs during the pregnancy. Social Workers provided education by displaying a model of pregnant women which includes a model of a woman who is expecting (holding a model foetus inside a plastic uterus).For the practical visualisation social workers use different colour dye to represents alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs. The dye is mixed in water and was introduced in the mother's mouth which pass through her body, and contaminate the foetal environment. It gave a presentation on how alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs affect innocent unborn babies inside womb of mother who use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.
Social workers described how babies get the nutrients they need to grow from their mother's blood through the placenta. Drinking when pregnant has an impact on the growth and development of the unborn baby. Social workers further educate that alcohol or other drugs enters your bloodstream, where it is then transferred to your unborn child.
During the discussion the participants share theirs views and some of them share their experiences and their knowledge and their understanding about the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on the unborn babies.
“We are a part of your family… When you need us, we are here to help you as a family member.”
A42 years old male Aboriginal client, referred himself to DAS services after relocating to Coober Pedy. Client mentioned to AOD social workers that, he needs help with his alcohol and other drug issues. Client was enrolled inAOD services and counselling sessions. After building a rapport with AOD social workers, the client explained that he was working in in another state and stayed there with his children and partner but now he has separated from his partner. He was going through a tough time after losing his family and job. It was more stressful to him and he started smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol in excessive amounts.
AOD social workers started having one to one weekly sessions with him, inclusive Motivational Interviewing, Brief interventions, and counselling sessions. AOD Social workers referred him to Mental Health and Social and Emotional wellbeing services as well at DAS program coordinators. Meanwhile, the client has actively participated to men’s groups such as music programs and healthy cooking programs.
The social workers were able to get a referral to the client to attend Psychiatrist and Psychologist appointments.After attending those sessions and social workers one to one sessions, client started finding his way and started thinking positively.
After successfully reaching his weekly goals,AOD social workers suggested to him he could go to a rehabilitation centre to encourage him to start a new career. The client agreed andAOD Social workers sent a referral to Rehabilitation centre, in time the Client’s referral was approved. UTHS management assisted to arrange bus ticket and other relevant items including medication, blankets, pillows, pillow cases, bedsheets, clothes, shoes etc. for the client.
That assistance was highly appreciated by the client and his morale was very high when he left Coober Pedy. He stated that he was feeling very proud about himself and the decision he made to go to the rehabilitation centre. During the time he spent in there, AOD social workers kept in touch with the client and the staff who were working closely with the client.
Client was able to successfully complete 12 weeks at rehabilitation centre. Pleased with his progress he extended his rehabilitation program for 3 more weeks.
After finishing his rehab program, client returned back to Coober Pedy. He looked totally different personality, he looked healthy than before and his attitudes towards his own life was more positive and improved. AOD social workers have since been able to assist him with getting a job and apply for his own accommodation.
The client andAOD Social Workers efforts and achievement set a good example for community as well cause to motivate others who are looking changing their lives. Social workers are here to help all current clients in need of assistance and welcome any new clients that come to seek services.
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service has been successful in receiving funding for NDIS in Coober Pedy.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme known as the (NDIS) is a scheme of the Australian Government that funds costs associated with disability. The scheme was legislated in 2013 and went into full operation in 2020.The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency known as the (NDIA) and overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).
The scheme entitles people with a "permanent and significant" disability (under the age of 65) to full funding for any "reasonable and necessary" support needs related to their disability (subject to certain restrictions). Funding is allocated to the individual. The individual or their guardian chooses which providers supply the funded goods and services (subject to certain restrictions).
Our nationally consistent early childhood approach is for children younger than 7 with a disability or a developmental delay, and their families. Children, younger than 6 who do not fully meet the definition of developmental delay and have developmental concerns will also be supported through the early childhood approach. The early childhood approach was developed based on evidence-based research with the help of leading experts in early childhood intervention.
The approach supports best practice in early childhood intervention because it helps the child and family to build their capacity and supports greater inclusion in community and every day settings, meaning each child will be provided with opportunities to grow and learn. It is about giving children and their families the right supports to enable them to have the best possible start in life.
The scheme is entirely publicly funded: recipients do not purchase or contribute to an insurance policy.
The NDIS funding is independent of the Disability Support Pension and Medicare,Australia's universal health care insurance scheme.
The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.
The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community. This includes connections to doctors, community groups, sporting events, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as providing information about what support is provided by each state and community.
The NDIS provides funding to participants for supports and services aimed at increasing their independence, inclusion, social and economic participation.
Supports funded by the NDIS need to:
Be related to the participant's disability
Not include day-to-day living costs that are not related to a participant's disability support needs
Represent value for money
Be likely to be effective and beneficial to the participant, and Take into account informal supports given to participants by families, carers, networks, and the community. For more information about how to gain access to the NDIS and how to use your NDIS plan and access to the NDIS Commission Portal, our friendly staff are always available to help and support you with your needs to access supports, services and mentoring.
If you require any further information please feel free to contact
Josie Warrior (NDIS Remote Community Connector) and Yusharni Perera NDIS Remote Community Connector) On 86725 255
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHSAC) will
Inform, educate, perform, model and lead to ensure diversity is reflected throughout UTHSAC.
Create & sustain an environment that actively embraces diversity and inclusion by recognising value in the uniqueness of all individuals
Hold all people associated to UTHSAC accountable for their actions and decisions impacting the achievements of UTHSAC Diversity
Utilise the success in diversity to assist UTHSAC becoming a provider and the employer of choice as we lead our community to improve health
We respect all our Community and all who walk through our doors and expect the same in return from Community Members and Clients.
Innovative, responsive and culturally appropriate health services are accessible to Aboriginal people living in the Coober Pedy and
To provide a holistic health care service that achieves positive health outcomes through primary health care intervention as well as safer communities through prevention and education.
