Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Health
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
Our Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network services are located on many Aboriginal nations across NSW, and we pay our respects to all traditional custodians of these areas.
Justice Health NSW is deeply committed to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for our Aboriginal patients, in line with our vision to return healthier patients to their communities.
The Aboriginal Chronic Care Program
This program is offered to help Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who have a chronic or complex illness.
Aboriginal Health Workers and nurses work together to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who:
- Have trouble speaking to health staff
- Would like extra help managing their health and going to appointments
- Need or want to learn about health and how to stay healthy.
- Any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patient can be seen by the team.
- Ask your Care Coordinator or the nurse to refer you to this program.
How can I get this service?
Ask the nurse to refer you to the Aboriginal Chronic Care Program.
You can call the Integrated Care Service who can help make a referral for you. Contact by dialing option 5 on the yard phone, between 8am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
Websites
Information about NSW Health Aboriginal health services.
Better to Know is a sexual health resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It provides information about common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), what to do if you have an STI and where to get tested. It contains information that deals with both men's and women's business.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
Important dates
26 January - Survival Day
The National Australia Day Council (NADC) recognises the unique status of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The NADC advises that it is committed to playing a part in the journey of Reconciliation by helping all Australians to move forward with a better understanding of our shared past, and importantly how this affects the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today and how we might build a better future together.
13 February - National Apology Anniversary
Anniversary of the formal apology made on 13 February 2008 by the Government and the Parliament of Australia to Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in particular to the Stolen Generations.
15 March - National Close the Gap Day
The day gives people the opportunity to show their support for closing the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. It is a chance for organisations and communities to hold events and raise awareness of the Indigenous health crisis. For more information visit the National Close the Gap Day.
26 May - National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day offers the community the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the policies spanning more than 150 years of forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998 following the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report, Bringing Them Home: The 'Stolen Children' report (1997) which recommended that a national day of observance be declared.
27 May to 3 June - National Reconciliation Week
Each year, National Reconciliation Week celebrates the rich culture and history of the first Australians. The week provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements so far and the things which must still be done to achieve reconciliation. 3 June - Mabo Day marks the anniversary of the High Court of Australia's judgement in 1992 in the Mabo case. This is a day of particular significance for Torres Strait Islander Australians.
3 - 10 July - National NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The week is celebrated not just within the Indigenous community, but also in government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces. Wherever you live, taking part in NAIDOC Week is a great way to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to build bridges between all Australians.
4 August - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day was established by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988. Each year, SNAICC has a theme for Children's Day to highlight a significant issue, concern or hope for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
9 August - International Day of the World's Indigenous People
The United Nations' International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is observed on 9 August each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. This event also recognises the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
5 September - Indigenous Literacy Day
Indigenous Literacy Day is held to raise literacy levels and improve the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Australians living in remote and isolated regions.