In an exciting collaboration, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is thrilled to announce its partnership with Green Cross Project Inc (GCPI) to unveil a dedicated health promotion van that will assist Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to support thriving, healthy Communities.
The new health promotion van will be guided by the strategic objectives outlined in the Victorian Aboriginal Cancer Journey Strategy 2023-2028, which prioritises enhancing self-determination, nurturing a robust and supported Aboriginal workforce, and fostering deeper cultural connections.
The van is wrapped in beautiful artwork by renowned and respected Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta artist Lynette Briggs.
This exciting initiative aims to amplify the impact of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCOs) by enhancing accessibility and community engagement.
The health promotion van will promote preventative health checks such as life-saving cancer screening, as well as increased access to eye checks.
This initiative responds to urgent concerns highlighted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), indicating a concerning widening gap in cancer mortality rates between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their non-Indigenous counterparts.
Despite improvements in outcomes for non-Indigenous Australians, statistics reveal a stark reality—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals are 14% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 45% more likely to succumb to the disease. This health promotion van is a strategic response to address these disparities head-on.
Building on the success of their collaboration in 2020, where the partnership significantly increased community engagement and awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine, VACCHO is pleased to renew its collaboration with GCPI.
Quote to be attributed to VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher AO:
“VACCHO is incredibly proud to work in close partnership with GCPI, as both organisations share an unwavering commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of local communities.”
“The health promotion van is an exciting collaborative initiative, that will play a pivotal role in boosting engagement in the health and wellbeing space and help promote preventative health checks such as life-saving cancer screening, and increased access to eye health checks.”
Quote to be attributed to Green Cross Project Inc. Chairman Anthony Kennedy OAM:
“Green Cross Project Inc is delighted to extend our valuable partnership with VACCHO.”
“On a personal note, I grew up in Victoria, so I am extremely excited about seeing the new GCPI / VACCHO van hit the road to increase access for Communities in regional areas.”
“This collaborative effort signifies a significant step toward enhancing access and engagement with health services. The van launch symbolises a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering health equity for all. This is consistent with the ethos of the organisation and members of the Order of St Lazarus who established GCPI.”
VACCHO pays tribute to GCPI and its generous members and supporters, including Lady Potter AC, Trish and Warrington Cameron, the Alfred Felton Bequest and the van’s supplier, Alan Mance Motors, for the company’s support.
