Bridging the Gap in Gunnedah
15 June 2010
It is widely known that the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is much shorter than for Non-Aboriginal Australians.
That’s why Red Chief Local Aboriginal Lands Council and Gunnedah Health Service have partnered to hold the Bridge The Gap Health Expo at Gunnedah this month.
The expo, to be held Wednesday 23 June, is aimed at improving health and life skills for Aboriginal people, and educating the community about Aboriginal culture.
Gunnedah Aboriginal Health Education Officer June Hurley said the day would address some of the health and lifestyle ‘gaps’ between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Non-Aboriginal people.
“At the expo people will be able to find out about different types of healthcare and health issues such as dental health, immunisation, smoking, diabetes, alcohol use, sexual health, mental health services and healthy eating for kids,” June said
“Other organisations will also be on hand to provide information about education, employment, sport and recreation, housing and financial services.
“We have had a great response from 24 groups who will be there on the day to give advice and support.”
There will be other attractions on the day, including the chance to learn more about healthy eating and to try traditional Aboriginal bush tucker.
The day’s activities have been planned in line with the Federal Government program titled Closing The Gap which aims to:
• Close the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people.
• Halve the gap in mortality rates for Aboriginal children under 5 by 2018.
• Improve early childhood education access for all Aboriginal 4-year-old children in remote communities by 2013.
• Halve the gap in Year 12 or equivalent attainment for Aboriginal 20 – 24 year olds by 2020.
• Halve the Gap in employment outcomes between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Australians by 2018.
The Bridge The Gap Health Expo is funded by Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767