This NAIDOC Week, WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is celebrating alongside a number of Aboriginal health service providers to showcase just some of the work taking place across the state.
In collaboration with our South West team, the South West Aboriginal Medical Service is launching a series of videos that highlight the meaning of NAIDOC Week to staff from both organisations and local Aboriginal people, how their families celebrate culture, and how they believe their culture can promote a sustainable future.
In the Great Southern, Amity Health is launching its own video showcasing the Aboriginal Wellbeing and Resilience programs which features input from Elders and the benefits of providing a culturally safe place for connection and healing.
WAPHA staff will also be provided with an opportunity to hear about a program running in the Western Desert lands of the Pilbara, which is home to the Martu people.
With funding from WAPHA, a grass roots program called Wama Wangka, or alcohol talking, was developed with Martu people on country and uses the power of film and connection to bring awareness to the impacts of alcohol from a cultural and innovative foundation.
For WA Primary Health Alliance CEO, Learne Durrington, it is particularly important to acknowledge the longstanding history, culture and connection First Nations people have to Australia, which is encapsulated by this year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be.
“We are absolutely committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, health professionals and communities to improve health equity and outcomes for Aboriginal Western Australians being guided by what communities need and what works for them.
“This cannot be achieved without meaningful engagement, an area we have made significant progress since the launch of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan in 2018, with the creation of our Strategic Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Advisory Group, and recently starting work on our Innovate RAP.”
Find out more about our Aboriginal health priorities.