The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has launched a new campaign calling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into health and wellbeing careers.
The campaign highlights the 65,000-year legacy of Cultural, health, and wellbeing knowledge that every Aboriginal person carries, and recognises the importance of having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in health and wellbeing professions.
VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO says that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are critical for the long-term future of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
“With our longstanding wisdom and culture to draw from, Aboriginal people are perfectly placed to embark on a career in Aboriginal Health. They provide a combination of clinical health and cultural services and supports within our Communities,” Dr Gallagher said.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said, “Aboriginal Victorians know what is best for their communities.”
“This important initiative backs our incredible Aboriginal health organisations to keep doing their excellent work.”
“Initiatives like this are ensuring Aboriginal Victorians get the culturally safe clinical care they deserve – whenever they need it, close to home,” Minister Thomas said.
Aboriginal Health Practitioners play a unique and vital role in the care of Aboriginal people. From birth to the dreaming, they can best support the health and wellbeing of Community Members across their entire life journey.
“Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners are the backbone of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare in Victoria, who work tirelessly to help nurture thriving, healthy Communities.”
“Having cultural expertise as well as the clinical skills and using them together really helps provide culturally safe care for our people,” Dr Gallagher said.
VACCHO’s campaign spotlights four skilled Aboriginal people working in health and wellbeing professions, to inspire future Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Midwives, Doctors, and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Workers.
“By increasing the number of Aboriginal people in Victoria’s health and wellbeing workforce, we move a step closer to achieving more equitable health and wellbeing outcomes for our Mob.” Dr Gallagher said.
