Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture
A Culture of ill health: public health or Aboriginality
An essay on Aboriginality as a strength in individuals and communities that can contribute to improvement in Indigenous health.
Anatomical dictionary in an Australian Indigenous language
The Dictionary of Anatomy: Dhäruk Mala ga Mayali’ Rumbalpuy contains over 200 descriptive anatomical entries including everything from DNA to tear ducts in the Yolngu language. The Yolngu people can now understand the whole story about their health, as English words have been put into their language. To find out more and even buy the dictionary, go to the ARDS website.
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is the world’s premier institution for information and research about the cultures and lifestyles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Cultural Respect Framework for A&TSI Health
Cultural Respect Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, 2004 – 2009. Written by: Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Working Party.
Culture and Closing the Gap
Initiatives that strengthen culture are therefore important to the Closing the Gap agenda, which is a commitment by all Australian governments to work together to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and in particular, to provide a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Health Care and Indigenous Australians: Cultural safety in practice
Health Care and Indigenous Australians: Cultural safety in practice is an easy to read book that focuses on the health care professional and what they can do to contribute to improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians.
Indigenous Australian Health and Cultures
Book with life cycle approach emphasising culture, both traditional and contemporary, and diversity within Aboriginal cultures. Has unique coverage of the Apology and rituals of sorry, plus significant chapters on ‘sorry business’, pregnancy, ‘birthing’ and responsibilities of the elderly. Each chapter written or co-written by an Indigenous Australian. Order online.
Information Awareness-Torres Strait Islands
The Byalawa project
A website and a set of six online videos designed to teach how to effectively communicate with Indigenous patients and clients. Based on research with Aboriginal people and feature a pharmacist, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a psychologist and a speech pathologist. Category – Addressing Indigenous Health.
The story of Yudum
The Story of YUDUM is an Aboriginal story which will resonate with all Australians. It can be enjoyed as a story and as a resource for mental health workers and educators involved in Aboriginal Studies and Cultural Awareness classes.
Torres Strait Historic Timelines
Torres Strait Islanders Languages
Workforce
A Healthier Future for all Australians
This is the interim report of the National Health & Hospitals Reform Commission with significant recommendations regarding allied health; closing the health gap for Indigenous peoples and health workforce for the future.
Challenges faced by Indigenous nursing students and strategies that aided their progress
Report on feedback from 22 Indigenous nursing students at JCU.
Gettin em n keepin em
A report on need for more Indigenous health professionals and strategies to achieve this in the nursing profession.
Healing Hands: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Requirements
Paper argues that achieving proportionate numbers of First Australian people working as health professionals will require major workforce increases over the next ten years – for example 928 doctors, 275 pharmacists, 213 PTs and 119 OTs
Healthy Futures: Defining best practice in the recruitment & retention of Indigenous medical students
Report by AIDA on strategies to recruit & retain Indigenous medical students.
Research, Journals, Articles, Reports and Publications
Deficit Discourse and Indigenous Health Report 2018
This report explores ‘deficit discourse’ in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy. ‘Discourse’, in this context, encompasses thought represented in written and spoken communication and/or expressed through practices. The term draws attention to the circulation of ideas, the processes by which these ideas shape conceptual and material realities, and the power inequalities that contribute to and result from these processes. ‘Deficit discourse’ refers to discourse that represents people or groups in terms of deficiency – absence, lack or failure. It particularly denotes discourse that narrowly situates responsibility for problems with the affected individuals or communities, overlooking the larger socio-economic structures in which they are embedded.
Why Knowledge Translation Matters in Indigenous Health
AUSTRALIA’S health sector has an increasingly sophisticated network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing institutions. This is coupled with increasing capacity in the research and data fields, and multiple intersections of accountabilities across federal, state and territory, regional and local levels. Read more.
State of Reconciliation in Australia Report
Publication author(s): Reconciliation Australia, Release date: 9 February 2016
Twenty-five years after the establishment of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR), this report examines the state of reconciliation in Australia today. The report uses a five dimensional framework of reconciliation to measure and analyse Australia’s progress over this time and set out a roadmap for a reconciled Australia.
25 years of health expenditure in Australia
Publication author(s): Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Release date: 5 February 2016
To better understand the long-term trends in health expenditure in Australia, this report presents data for the 25 years from 1989-90 to 2013-14, describes some of the key trends and explores the relationships between health expenditure and its drivers.
Review of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Treatment Service Sector
Publication author(s): Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Release date: 6th December 2015
2015 AMA Report Card on Indigenous Health
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease – Australian facts: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (AIHW, 2015)
United Nations Universal Periodic Review – National Report of Australia, August 2015
A healthier future for all Australians – Final Report
A healthier future for all Australians – Final Report by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Report, June 2009.
Attitudes Towards Indigenous Australians and Refugees
This paper examines Australian community attitudes and false beliefs.
Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health
With strong and effective Aboriginal control, the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health conducts high quality strategic Aboriginal health research, and engages in effective development activities with Aboriginal communities, service providers, policy formulators and decision makers.
Informit Health Collection
Informit / RMIT Publishing Health collection lists the latest publications (books & journals) under a number of topics including Indigenous health. Access to this collection is provided by IAHA Inc to website members through an annual subscription paid by IAHA Inc.
Medical Deans Australia & NZ
Go to “Publications” you’ll find: CDAMS Indigenous Health Curriculum Framework.
Medical Journal of Australia
The Medical Journal of Australia archive has over 360 articles on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
New Alliance Calls for Action on Social Determinants of Health
A collaboration of health, social service and public policy organisations has today called on governments at all levels to consider how the legislative decisions they make will affect the health of the nation and address increasing health inequity across Australia.
OT & Indigenous Health Reading List
A reading list of articles on Indigenous health and particularly relevant OT papers compiled by Tamar Paluch, KOTS, Dec 08.
PM’s Speech
Second Reading Debate Speech – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012
Special Feature: Indigenous Health
This special feature in the AMA’s Australian Medicine features the views of a number of medical and other experts on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – including IAHA former Chair James Charles.
Address to the World Diabetes Congress
The Minister for Health, Peter Dutton, address to the World Diabetes Congress Melbourne – 2 December, 2013.
Education
Summary of Australian Indigenous health, 2012
Key reference and summary of Indigenous health statistics.
Supporting workers in an Indigenous boarding school program
An APS Interest Group volunteer partnership
‘My Community, My Family: Three Indigenous Families Share their Knowledge of Brain Injury’
DVD resource which includes the stories of three Aboriginal men who have experienced brain injury, and their families. Includes a family from a remote area in Cape York, plus two in urban/regional setting.
“I See for Culture” Eye Health Education Resource Kits
The Kits, developed by International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE), are designed specifically for use in rural and remote Indigenous health contexts, they are primarily image-based. Learn more about the kits, and download PDF versions of the flip-charts, posters and instruction manual. Category: Addressing Indigenous Health.
“Journey After Stoke” Booklet: Survivor Educational Resource
A unique educational resource specifically developed by Rural Stroke Outreach Service, The Townsville Hospital, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stroke survivors and their families. Click here to read more & how to obtain copies.
Developing Stroke Booklet Townsville Community
This power point tells how the Rural Stroke Outreach Service (RSOS) Team at the Townsville Hospital developed a booklet to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stroke management. See other entry for obtaining a copy.
Epilepsy Information for Indigenous Communities
A resource kit specifically designed for Aboriginal people diagnosed with epilepsy, their families and community, to assist them with basic information about epilepsy and where to find further information and assistance to help them manage their condition. Also for Aboriginal Health Workers. The kit costs $20.00 plus postage.
New allied health web-based training package
NEW ALLIED HEALTH WEB-BASED TRAINING PACKAGE Education and training for allied health workers is now just a mouse click away after a new web-based training package was launched today.
On-line Cultural Orientation Program for health professionals working in Aboriginal health
The on-line Cultural Orientation program developed by Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health, Geraldton, WA, provides a framework of information and associated links that can assist allied health professionals to develop a broad understanding of cultural diversity. It does NOT replace local cultural orientation and education programs. And best of all…..it’s free.
Resources for working with children
The Secretariat National Aboriginal Islander Child Care (SNAICC) Resource Service (SRS) seeks to fill resource gaps identified across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family and children’s services sector and provide a central information sharing clearinghouse.
Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease
Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status, 2017
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (2018). Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status, 2017. Perth: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.
The Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status (Overview) aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent indicators of the health and current health status of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The initial sections of the Overview provide information about the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, population, and various measures of population health status.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy
The first national whole-of-government strategy specifically addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide has been launched in May 2013, supported by $17.8 million in new funding over four years.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy will focus on early intervention and building stronger communities with the aim of reducing the prevalence of suicide and the impact on individuals, their families and communities.
Aboriginal Health Worker Diabetic Foot Screening Training – Country Health SA
Aboriginal Health Worker Diabetic Foot Screening Training Program in Country Health SA has Podiatrists initially trained and then they will train Aboriginal Health Workers in diabetic foot screening.
Continence Resources for Indigenous Australians
HACC/MASS Continence Project resource list and order form. Go to page 4 for Resources for Indigenous Australians. These resources are free to people living and working in Qld, but may incur a cost for those elsewhere.
Deadly Ears Deadly Kids Deadly Communities 2009 – 2013
Closing the Gap in ear health in Queensland.
Dietitians advice
Speaking on CAAMA Radio Ms Burgess said bush tucker plays an important part in healthy eating for aboriginal people. People can avoid some of the major health problems by just keeping active and having good food available.
Indigenous Chronic Disease website
The Indigenous Chronic Disease Package website provides information on: Tackling chronic disease risk factors; Improving chronic disease management and follow-up; Delivering workforce expansion, training and support; Fact sheets about the initiatives that make up the package; Useful links to other resources and organisations.
Medicare Allied Health Information
The Department of Human Services and the Department of Health and Ageing, have been working with a number of peak bodies in the health sector to develop health professional guidelines. Please see attached file for more information.
Medicare Allied Health Initiative
The Medicare allied health initiative allows chronically ill people who are being managed by their general practitioner (GP) under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan access Medicare rebates for allied health services.
Overview Biopolar Disorder
Healthline provides a very comprehensive overview of bipolar disorder as a critical starting point for individuals and/or their loved ones.
Leadership, Capacity Building and Cultural Safety
Boatshed Racism Roundtable Declaration
This Declaration was made at the National Roundtable on Research on Racism towards Indigenous Australians, which will be known as the ‘Boatshed Declaration’.
Close the Gap – Community Guide
Provides a good overview of the Close the Gap Committee and its work.
CRANAPlus support to remote health practitioners
The Bush Support Services division supports remote health workers with clinical and cultural awareness training and support via 24-hour confidential phone call.
Cultural Respect Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Developed by Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council March 2004.
Great Videos of Indigenous health professionals
An update on the Close the Gap campaign for Indigenous health equality. 16 Feb 2011.
Indigenous webpage on your Health website
The webpage provides information about how National Health Reform particularly benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Making Two Worlds Work
Making Two Worlds Work: building capacity of the health and community sector to work effectively and respectfully with the Aboriginal community & provide culturally competent health care to Indigenous peoples. This initiative won the 2009 Victorian Health Care Awards – Reducing Health Inequalities section.
National Strategic Framework ATSI Health Australian Government Implementation Plan
National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2003 – 2013 Australian Government Implementation Plan 2007 – 2013.
National Strategic Framework for A&TSI Health
National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health developed by NATSIHC and endorsed at the Australian Health Ministers Conference on 31 July 2003. Category: Addressing Indigenous Health.
Rural Health Education Foundation
The Rural Health Education Foundation is Australia’s pre-eminent provider of television-based health education for doctors, pharmacists, nurses and allied health professionals.
Sharing the True Stories: improving communication in Indigenous health care
A helpful resource for non-Indigenous health care practitioners working with Indigenous clients and communities – advice on communication & miscommunication and guidelines for improving communication.
Working Together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice
Working Together offers new approaches to Indigenous mental health that acknowledge the importance of cultural identity and resilience as well as the pervasive effects of racism, and the disempowerment of colonisation and assimilationist policies. The book incorporates culturally specific clinical.
Australian Indigenous Health Infonet Fact Sheets