Asta Flugge – Health Promotion Officer at Child and Adolescent Community Health
When Child and Adolescent Community Health reviewed its service delivery, it was identified that the role of the Aboriginal Health Worker needed to be reviewed to align with the needs of the Aboriginal Health Team and the Aboriginal community. Asta Flugge undertook the task of engaging with Aboriginal consumers in a series of yarning sessions. Asta always advocates for user friendly consumer engagement processes.
“I nominate Asta as she is a quiet achiever, strong advocate for her community, uses innovate ways to engage with community, passionate about working with community and uses teachable moments to educate non-Aboriginal staff in ways of working with the Aboriginal community. She would be well deserving of such an award.”
Down South Aboriginal Health
GP Down South has been operating Down South Aboriginal Health Service for over a decade, helping raise the health profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in Collie, Harvey and Manjimup.
The DSAH team includes Aboriginal Health Workers, Outreach Workers and Care Coordinators, and offers a range of support services to local Aboriginal community including care coordination, transport to local medical and allied health appointments, and outreach services.
Nidjalla Waangan Mia – GP Down South
Nidjalla Waangan Mia was established in 2010 to help meet the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Peel region by providing Culturally Appropriate Health and Wellbeing Services for clients who live in Mandurah, Murray, Waroona and Pinjarra. It is an AGPAL accredited practice.
Services include a nurse-led GP clinic, and Integrated Team Care including an outreach worker and Transport Officer. The centre also offers Wellness Programs including such as cooking and healthy lifestyle, runs podiatry clinics, and has a visiting paediatrician. All activities and programs are directed towards achieving maximum improvement in health outcomes for clients. “We try to deliver them in a fun, non-clinical and non-threatening way to reduce barriers and maximise attendance.”
Jodie Jackson – Mawarnkarra – WA Country Health Service
Jodie works in the metro area to assist patients who have to go to Perth for appointments. This position is unique among all the Aboriginal Medical Services. Jodie has been praised for her enthusiasm, passion and commitment to supporting Aboriginal people while in Perth.
Jodie supports Aboriginal people to attend their appointments often by transporting them to and from the airport, accommodation and appointments. She visits them in hospital, liaises with other health professionals to coordinate their appointments and psychosocial support to ensure they get the care they need.
Te Urupu IMPI (Te Urupu Indigenous Community Development Inc)
Te Urupu Indigenous, Maori and Pacific Island Community was created to engage indigenous communities in healthy living, sport opportunities, upskilling and education. They promote positive pathways to Youth Mental Health, by empowering youth with the tools to care for their own wellbeing, under the guidance of youth workers and peer support programs.
One consumer shared their experience when nominating and said the organisation really helped with mental health support for their family. “I was not coping at all until Tina came along to listen to our very sad, sad hearts. We were lost beyond any words. Tina stood beside us and got us professional help. I want to show my appreciation of this organisation, by giving them what they deserve. A huge pat on the back.”
Yura Yungi Medical Service
Yura Yungi Medical Service (YYMS) has existed since 1987 and has been through many challenges whilst continuing to deliver a culturally appropriate primary health care service. YYMS has a membership of local community members and is governed by a local Aboriginal board of directors, and is the largest employer of local Aboriginal staff.
No other AMS has as many Aboriginal Health Workers on its staff. YYMS provides primary health care services in acute and chronic disease management, and child and maternal health, delivers a mobile clinic in the community, and conducts health promotion activities.
SMHS – Aboriginal Health Strategy Champions Program
The Aboriginal Health Champions (AHCs) program was established in 2018 to assist in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal patients accessing all South Metropolitan Health Services (SMHS). The Working Group involved in the establishment of the Aboriginal Health Champion program consisted of Aboriginal consumers, carers and community members, who contributed to the program concept along with SMHS staff.
This program was designed to build on the existing knowledge base and practice of the Aboriginal Health Champions and assist them to further develop their leadership within the organisation and their understandings of the cultural and health care needs for Aboriginal patients.