Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services

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Yarnin’ Disability July 2025

In July, we celebrate the diversity, culture and rights of Mob with disabilities for Disability Pride Awareness Month.

This month aims to challenge stereotypes and shame. Instead, we want to spotlight identity within our Community and honour their contributions to society.

Disability Pride Month yellow tile

IUIH Disability Services was proud to celebrate with Community at many NAIDOC events around South East Queensland. It was an honour to connect with Mob and yarn about any support we can provide through the NDIS. We also brought along some fun and educational games that were a big hit with the crowd!

NAIDOC IUIH artwork

Are you on the NDIS? If YES – join us for a series of deadly yarns where we break things down, plain and simple.

The Education Team is officially up and running — and coming to a clinic near you!

Come along to one of our upcoming workshops to learn about your rights as a participant or carer under the NDIS.

Check out the list of education topics we will be covering over the next 3 months. We would love to see you there!

MONTHTOPIC
August

“NDIS in Propa Terms” – are you new to the NDIS and don’t understand their terminology?

“Carers & Family Support” – what are your rights and responsibilities as a carer or a parent under the NDIS?

September

“Carers & Family Support”

“No Shame in Disability” – deep dive into assessment terms and removing stigma associated to disability.

October

“No Shame in Disability”

“Choosing your service providers” – there are a million – how do I choose the right one for me?

Meet our deadly therapy assistants.

Our therapy assistants support our clinicians in many ways including making resources, supporting in therapy sessions, managing therapy assistant plans and supports directly with participants, booking and scheduling of appointments and many others!

Shout out to our deadly team, Julie, Shania, Brendan and Emily, pictured below.

Julie Nicholson
Julie Nicholson
Shania White
Brendan McLean
Brendan McLean
Emily Watson

If you need any allied health supports under your NDIS plan, remember we have supports available. You can self-refer by completing our form, or have a yarn with your clinic.

Allied Health timetable

Our dedicated Early Childhood Access (ECA) Team is proud to work in close partnership with The Benevolent Society, walking alongside our jarjums and their families to provide culturally safe and responsive support. Together, we assist our families to navigate and access Early Childhood Approach (ECA) funding, ensuring that children aged 0–9 with developmental delays or a disability receive the supports they need as early as possible.

Through this unique partnership, we provide comprehensive guidance throughout the NDIS access journey and offer meaningful linkages to local services, early supports, and culturally appropriate programs across the community. Our work spans the funded regions within The Benevolent Society’s catchment areas, covering MATSICHS in the northside of Brisbane, ATSICHS Brisbane on the southside and YBB in Redlands and Moreton Islands, ensuring no family walks alone on their journey to accessing the best outcomes for their children.

Meet our deadly team below: 

Leanda Strike
Leanda Strike

My name is Leanda Strike and I have recently stepped into the role as the IUIH’s NDIS Access ECA Manager. I have been with IUIH since 2018 being seconded from Yulu Burri Ba to join the NDIS Project team of National significance. This initiative funded by the NDIA, focused on breaking down barriers and creating a culturally safe pathway for Mob aged 0-65 to access the scheme. After the success of the Pilot Project, IUIH and The Benevolent Society commenced a unique partnership in 2020. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to join the team further strengthening the partnership. I am committed to expanding culturally safe pathways ensuring our families and their children receive the support they need, throughout their NDIS journey, the propa way – culturally safe, strong and respectful.

Emily Moore
Emily Moore

My name is Emily Moore, and I have been a dedicated member of the IUIH Disability Access Team for the past two years. I initially joined the team as the Administrative Officer, providing vital support across all functions and contributing to the team’s operational efficiency. In March 2024, I transitioned into the role of ECA (Early Childhood Approach) Access Officer, where I now focus on assisting families as they navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). I find great purpose and fulfilment in supporting our families throughout their NDIS journey, ensuring they feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.

Rye

Kia Ora, my name is Rianna, though most people know me as Rye. I’ve been with IUIH for five and a half years, beginning in the Access Team and, for the past eight months, working with the ECA team where my true passion lies in supporting families and their children. Before joining IUIH, I worked in the NGO sector, leading various teams that supported individuals living with disability. I feel truly honoured to now walk alongside Mob as they navigate the NDIS, ensuring we advocate for access in a way that is culturally safe and respectful. I feel privileged to continue this meaningful work and to continue making a positive difference in the lives of the families we support.

Nathan Milson

Hi, I’m Nathan Milson, I’m a proud Gamilarraay and Wiradjuri man, originally from Tingha, NSW. I have over nine years of experience in early childhood education. I’m Diploma-trained educator, passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to feel strong in their identity and empowered in their learning. I enjoy working closely with families and communities to create culturally safe, inclusive spaces where all children can grow learn and thrive.

Our IUIH Disability Access team were thrilled to be on DC Radio on 8 July 2025! Two of our dedicated Disability Access Officers, Emily Moore and Miria Kiddie, joined as guest speakers to have a yarn about all things disability access sharing how we support our Mob with disabilities to navigate the NDIS and access other support pathways as needed.

During the interview, Emily and Miria explained the role of our Disability Access Officers across both the 0–9 Early Childhood Approach (ECA) and 0–65 Aboriginal Disability Liaison spaces. They also shared insights into what a typical day might look like in their roles, who can access the IUIH Disability Access Pathway, and how our team supports Mob through NDIS, QCSS, and other services.

Some of the key topics covered included:

  • the types of supports offered under the NDIS for children in the ECA space
  • how we walk alongside Mob on their journey to accessing the right supports
  • what’s available through IUIH for Mob with disability
  • how to start the yarn with our team.

Both Emily and Miria did a fantastic job representing the team and sharing helpful, down-to-earth information to help Mob feel more confident in reaching out and accessing supports through the IUIH Disability Access Pathway.

Check out some great moments from the radio interview in the photos below!

If you would like to get started with the NDIS, or know someone who would, contact: 

  • Phone 1800 317 378
  • If you already access other health services through our clinics, ask your healthcare provider to refer to us. 
  • Email us directly at Disability.Access@iuih.org.au

Have you had your flu shot yet? The flu shot is safe and free for Mob and can prevent you from getting super crook. The flu shot helps stop the spread of flu in Community, especially to our Mob most likely to get crook, including our old people, jarjums under five, pregnant mums and anyone with a chronic condition.

Book in to get your flu shot today. You can do that at your local clinic, or most pharmacies.

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Events

POWA information days – July 2025

Get paid while studying the Nationally Accredited BSB10120 Certificate I in Workplace Skills with Axiom College (RTO40489). This opportunity is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16+ and not attending school.

This deadly program is all about supporting Mob in their career journey, providing an opportunity to learn and gain skills for the workplace.

  • Full-time traineeship (paid employment)
  • 20 weeks, 5 days per week
  • Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
  • All training provided
  • Connect with your community, work with Mob.

We are proud to offer safe space for Mob to try different career pathways in an empowering environment.

Find out more about POWA. 

Register for our workshops below to find out more. 

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News

National Diabetes Week

Did you know that diabetes in Australia is increasing? All types of diabetes are increasing.

  • Type 1 diabetes currently accounts for 9% of all diabetes in Australia
  • Type 2 diabetes currently accounts for 86.8% of all diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes 3.4%
  • Other diabetes is 0.8%

Source: https://map.ndss.com.au/ – accessed 14 September 2022.

Type 2 diabetes is increasing at the fastest rate. There are many people with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes which may be damaging their bodies. An estimated two million Australians are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and are already showing early signs of the condition.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the major consequences of colonisation and the modern lifestyle. The combination of easy availability of high energy (kilojoule) foods at cheap prices, combined with more sedentary work and less physical activity has led to an increase in type 2 diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes, symptoms are often sudden and can be life-threatening so it is usually diagnosed within hours or days.

In type 2 diabetes, many people have no symptoms at all, while other signs can go unnoticed and might be seen as part of ‘getting older’. By the time symptoms are noticed, complications of diabetes may already be present.

Common symptoms include:

  • being more thirsty than usual
  • passing more urine
  • feeling tired and lethargic
  • always feeling hungry
  • having cuts that heal slowly
  • itching, skin infections
  • urinary tract or fungal infections
  • blurred vision
  • unexplained weight loss (type 1 or type 2 diabetes)
  • gradually putting on weight (type 2 diabetes)
  • mood swings
  • headaches
  • feeling dizzy
  • leg cramps.
How can I get tested for diabetes?

You get tested with a blood test ordered by your GP or nurse practitioner.

If you’re pregnant, gestational diabetes testing is part of your antenatal care. It is usually done in the second trimester between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant.

Diabetes is serious

Diabetes can be managed well, but there are potential complications for untreated diabetes.

Early diagnosis and optimal self-management and treatment have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

We know diabetes:

  • is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults
  • is a leading cause of kidney failure and dialysis
  • increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke by up to four times
  • is a major cause of limb amputations
  • affects mental health as well as physical health. Depression, anxiety and distress occur in more than 30% of all people with diabetes.
How can I manage my diabetes?

Your healthcare team can prescribe a treatment suited to your condition. This may be a combination of healthy diet, regular physical activity and medication.

What are Diabetes Educators, and how can they help?

Did you know your local IUIH clinic has diabetes educators? A diabetes educator is a healthcare professional who specialises in supporting people living with diabetes. They will provide you with the advice and education you need to manage your diabetes with confidence.

A diabetes educator will advise you and support you in making lifestyle changes. They will also inform you about other health problems you may be at risk of because of your diabetes and let you know how you can prevent these problems.

Additionally, your diabetes educator will help you access subsidised products and services you may need to manage your diabetes through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). Above all, your diabetes educator will help you  reach your health goals.

Contact your local clinic to find out more.

Extra resources:

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/atsi/resources/

https://www.ndss.com.au/

https://www.adea.com.au/about-cdes

Note: This information is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice or used to alter medical therapy. It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs.

Categories
Events News

NAIDOC 2025 – Next generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

50 years of NAIDOC week! NAIDOC is a special week for our Mob and Community. This year, NAIDOC is celebrated from 6-13 July. NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity to promote cultural awareness, enhance diversity and inclusion, and foster reconciliation. This time of year provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn and celebrate our culture. NAIDOC also reflects the struggle and hardship of our people who strived for a better future. It sets aside a time for us to reflect on the trailblazers that led the way for our Community and who continue to work towards a better future for the next generation.

This year’s theme is focussed on the Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. The theme highlights the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our enduring connection to the land, and sea. In line with 50 years of NAIDOC, the theme for 2025 honours this milestone by elevating the voices of our people. This week, and every week we celebrate and are empowered by the achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.

IUIH’s work is all about working across generations, including nurturing the next generation to flourish and thrive, and to be the Elders of tomorrow. We do this by providing high quality, culturally safe health services and leaning into our vision for healthy and strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

IUIH is supporting events across the network for Community. Check them out:

Kalwun Gold Coast Community Day

Date: Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Location: Gold Coast Sports Precinct, 296 Nerang Broadbeach Road, Carrara

Find out more.

Musgrave Park Family Fun Day

Date: Friday 11 July
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
Location: Musgrave Park, South Brisbane

Find out more.

Moreton ATSICHS NAIDOC Family Fun Day

Date: Saturday 12 July
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: The Mill Waterpark, 12 Moreton Parade, Petrie

Find out more.

Pamela Mam Health Centre BBQ Brunch

Date: Thursday 17 July
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Pamela Mam Health Centre | 13 Church Street, Goodna

Find out more.

We’d love to see you there!