Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health news

Michael held off on having the COVID-19 vaccine but catching the virus changed his mind. ‘I was very hesitant to get it. And then when I did get the virus, you know, there was no way that I wasn’t going to get vaccinated because as I said, it was the worst feeling that I’ve ever felt in my life.'

The Australian Government Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, has today extended the hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support for the Municipality of Katherine, and Robinson River and surrounding homelands.

Brewarrina is a small town in north-west New South Wales, but don’t let its size fool you - it’s a town with huge community spirit.

'Having a stroke is a scary experience. It can change your life in an instant. But our stories show that good outcomes are possible, even when everything feels overwhelming,' (Joe, survivor of stroke, and proud Kooma man).

As the case numbers of COVID-19 keep growing in western NSW, a massive effort is happening to help keep regional communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people safe.

Lieutenant General John Frewen, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Pat Turner have co-signed a letter addressing COVID-19 vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) crew are continuing their good work in remote Australian communities.

Did you know that the Census helps the Australian Government, as well as other important organisations, decide how to best support different communities throughout Australia?

There have been new updates to the advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) for people living in outbreak areas.

More than 250 children in far-north Queensland recently had free eye check-ups! They were also offered two free pairs of glasses. This is part of an initiative started by Bamaga Enterprises Limited.

NAIDOC week has finished its ‘official’ events for another year, but the work still continues to ‘Heal Country!’.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is continuing its good work in helping remote Australian communities get access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

'Food is one of our basic needs and underpins our physical, mental and social health and wellbeing, even social security,' (Danae Giardina, Gidgee Healing nutritionist and dietitian).

COVID-19 cases have increased again in many places in Australia, and many states and territories in Australia have introduced new rules around entering or leaving communities and crossing borders. It is more important than ever to keep safe in any way that we can.

A major sporting event Legends of League was held at the end of May in rural and remote Queensland. This was the perfect opportunity for local health services to share important health information with the community.

COVID-19 and influenza, also known as the flu, are not the same.

There have been changes to the advice on COVID-19 vaccines. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to 59 years.

Since COVID-19 began, people from indigenous communities around the world have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

There have been changes to the advice around the COVID-19 vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine is now preferred to the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults aged under 50 years.

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is starting in February. Getting a vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting yourself from getting really sick from COVID-19. Encourage your family, Elders and community to get vaccinated when it is their turn so they are protected from it as well.

Are you a healthcare professional caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
You could be eligible for EarTrain: a series of free training modules on how to identify, manage and treat ear disease and hearing loss.