Working towards healthier and happier indigenous communities

The people who brought indigenous health and human service organisations around Rockhampton and Gladstone together have been congratulated by Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt.

Mr Pitt said the work of the Rockhampton and Gladstone ATSI Managed Health and Human Services Network was helping to change the lives of individuals, families and communities in the region.

“This group has identified service delivery gaps and helped us to prioritise the development of programs and services in this area,” Mr Pitt said.

“By collectively advocating and providing advice to government and non-government agencies this group is maximizing outcomes and opportunities around the region.

“They also created a peer support network for member organisations.”

The Rockhampton and Gladstone ATSI Managed Health and Human Services Network first came together in December 2012 for an initial half-day workshop.

That enabled participants to explore the scope and benefit of an established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Managed Health and Human Services Network.

They have been meeting quarterly, and on a needs basis, since that first meeting.

The group lists its achievements as:

• Improved relationships between organisations supporting enhanced referral pathways such as:
• Priority appointments for Juwarki and Gumbi Gumbi clients with Bidgerdii Community Health Service GPs;
• Helem Yumba clients receiving referral to Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) through GP Mental Health Management Plans with Bidgerdii Health Services;
• Joint service delivery project between Fitzroy Basin Elders Committee (FBEC) and Darumbal Community Youth Services Inc;
• Joint development and support of an achievable strategy to address the need for supported transitional housing options for clients of all Network members;
• Network members collaboratively planned and supported applications under the recent federal Indigenous Advancement Strategy funding round;
• Enhanced client service provision through improved relationships and communications between organisations;
• Peer support provided to senior organisational staff.

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