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Five finalists in the NSW Aboriginal Health Awards
As Australia gets set to celebrate indigenous culture during NAIDOC Week
(6-13 July), Hunter New England Health has been recognised for its commitment to health services with five projects nominated as finalists in the NSW Aboriginal Health Awards.
The finalists are:
• Using our knowledge to safe guard our nations – A collective approach to vascular and renal health in Aboriginal communities within the Countries of north-eastern NSW. Submitted by Lesley Salem and Della Yarnold.
• Yaamanhaa Aboriginal Men’s Group Tamworth. Submitted by Garry Creighton Tamworth Community Health.
• AUNTS Program (Aboriginal United Nurturing Teams). Submitted by Sussan Maybury, Aboriginal Health Education Officer.
• Good for Kids. Good for Life project – nominated for their work in making the program culturally appropriate for Aboriginal children in the Hunter New England Health Area.
• Gary Creighton – nominated for the Gail May award for his exceptional contribution to Aboriginal health and to his local community of Tamworth.
Director of Hunter New England Aboriginal Health Tony Martin said members of HNE Health staff have worked tirelessly to help improve health and support services for indigenous cultures in metropolitan, remote and rural parts of the region.
“Being a finalist in the NSW Aboriginal Health Awards is a huge honour for all involved. It’s a tribute to the hard work and commitment of staff members as they work towards improving the life expectancy of Aboriginal people,” he said.
Renal Nurse Consultant Lesley Salem and Project Officer Della Yarnold have been instrumental in developing a collaborative approach in the treatment of vascular and renal health in Aboriginal communities.
The Using our knowledge to safe guard our nations project has created strategies to maintain kidney health and address the cardiovascular disease linked with early levels of kidney dysfunction.
The project is a finalist in the Innovation in Aboriginal Health Award category, after identifying key factors for the growing rate of renal disease in indigenous communities and working towards future invention.
The Yaamanhaa Men’s Group (in Tamworth) has been nominated for the Excellence in Program and Service Delivery Award. The group meets every fortnight since its inception more than three-years ago, with the aim of building self-esteem and to provide a support base for members of the Aboriginal community.
The group has been working tirelessly to re-establish traditional roles of Murri men and encourage youth to be proud and strong in their culture.
A team of dedicated staff members at Hunter New England Population Health have adapted The Goods for Kids. Good for Life program to be used in an Aboriginal health context.
Advice was sought from the Aboriginal community about how the mainstream Good for Kids. Good for Life program could be made relevant for indigenous children and families. It’s the first time a project of this scale has been rolled out within Australia.
The AUNTS (Aboriginal United Nurturing Teams) program is being nominated for a working together to make a difference Award. After seeing a similar program operating successfully in Dubbo, Aboriginal Health Co-ordinator Susie Maybury initiated a women’s health group in Tamworth.
More than 60 women have been involved in the mentor program, which focuses on maternal and infant health but also incorporates alcohol and drug educational components within its program.
Aboriginal Liasion Officer, Garry Creighton is a finalist in the Gail May Award which honours an Aboriginal staff member who has made an exceptional contribution to their local community. Uncle Garry was instrumental in developing the Yaamanhaa Men’s Group in the Tamworth community as well as being a strong indigenous leader and role model on a number of health issues.
“I look forward to seeing the HNE Health staff officially recognised on Monday evening for their efforts in improving the quality of health services for Aboriginal community members.” Mr Martin said.
The winners of each category will be announced at an award’s ceremony in Sydney on Monday 7 July. (HNE-1447)
Contact: Kylie Dawson
Phone: 6767 7136 or 0408 667 299
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