Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services

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From first steps to next steps: Jared Egeskov’s journey as a podiatrist at IUIH

A podiatrist checking someone's foot.

At IUIH, we walk alongside our Community: step by step, story by story.

This Podiatry Week, we celebrate the vital role of our podiatrists in supporting the health and mobility of our Mob. From a jarjum’s first steps to an Elder walking pain-free, our podiatry teams are there, providing culturally safe, holistic care that empowers every journey.

For Jared Egeskov, that journey began with curiosity: “I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do at first,” he says. “I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but nursing wasn’t for me – and physio sounded a bit too competitive and tough on the hands.”

After seeing a podiatrist for supportive innersoles, Jared became intrigued by the profession and chose it as his first preference for university.

Later, a friend working at IUIH spoke highly of the meaningful and varied work. At the time, Jared was in private practice, but it felt more like sales than healthcare.

“It didn’t sit well with me,” he says. “So, I applied to IUIH – and honestly, it’s been the best decision I’ve made.”

Now, Jared’s days are filled with everything from general foot care, including trimming nails, managing calluses, and having a good yarn, to clinical assessments like checking circulation and sensation.

“It’s a bit of a mix between nursing and physio, which definitely keeps things interesting,” he says.

His scope is broad, supporting Mob with everything from diabetes foot checks and wound care to nail surgery and paediatric assessments.

Jared’s work is more than clinical – it’s Community-focused, culturally safe and deeply personal.

“Here, I get to build real relationships with my patients, work in a multidisciplinary team, and focus solely on what’s best for the person in front of me.”

And for podiatrists considering a role at IUIH?

“Be flexible and ready for anything,” Jared advises. “No two days are the same – one moment you’re doing routine nail care, the next you’re called in by a nurse or GP to lend a hand with something unexpected. It’s a collaborative, fast-paced environment, and if you’re open-minded and adaptable, you’ll thrive.

“You’ll grow as a clinician and make a real difference.”

From First Steps to Next Steps, we’re proud to walk alongside our community, with podiatrists like Jared Egeskov making a difference every day.

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How Podiatry Supports Strong Steps in Community

Image with orange footprints graphics on an dark purple background with the words “Podiatry Week,” promoting IUIH's focus on strong, healthy steps in community.

At IUIH, we believe healthy feet are about more than mobility. Our Foot Health (Podiatry) service is a core part of how we support your wellbeing. Our team help Mob stay comfortable, mobile, and independent.

What is Podiatry with IUIH? 

Our podiatrists are allied health professionals who specialise in caring for feet and ankles. They work with you to assess, support, and provide guidance so you can continue walking confidently. 

What We Can Support You With 

  • Foot health checks (blood flow, sensation, injury prevention) 
  • Diabetes foot checks + education 
  • Sports and overuse injuries 
  • Jarjum foot concerns 
  • Thick, curly or ingrown toenails 
  • Hard skin, corns, tinea (fungal infections) 
  • Foot sores that are slow to heal 
  • General foot pain 
  • Guidance on footwear: right shoes, in-shoe supports, padding 

Why Foot Health Matters 

Strong feet support more than walking. They’re central to overall health and independence: 

  • Mobility & independence: Walking without pain supports participation in work, school, caring roles and life.
  • Preventive health care: Foot checks reduce the chance of small problems becoming serious. Treating issues early can help avoid complications. 
  • Early detection: Picking up subtle changes before they become problems leads to better outcomes and less disruption to daily life. 
  • Chronic disease prevention: For people with diabetes, regular foot checks are vital to preventing long-term complications. 
  • General wellbeing: Comfortable feet make it easier to stay active and connected. 

How We Work with You 

First Appointment: Your podiatrist will yarn with you and assess your feet. We’ll check your nails, skin, circulation, and sensation to understand what’s happening and what matters most to you. From there, we’ll talk through any treatment you might need and how we can continue to support your foot health over time. 

Ongoing Support & Education: Our role is to support you. We’ll work alongside you to strengthen your knowledge of foot care. For example, if you’re living with diabetes we’ll share strategies to help you care for your feet and know when to return for review. 

Regular Checks: Preventive care is key. For those with diabetes, we recommend at least one foot health check every year, just like annual eye or blood sugar checks. 

How to Access the Service 

  • If you’ve completed the 715 Health Check, you can ask your doctor for a referral to podiatry. 
  • You can also yarn with your doctor or nurse at any IUIH clinic. They can help connect you to podiatry care. 
  • Services are available across South East Queensland through IUIH clinics. 

We know that health care works best when it is respectful, accessible and culturally safe. That’s why: 

  • Our practitioners build relationships, listen deeply and walk alongside you on your health journey. 
  • Services are delivered through trusted clinics, often by staff who are part of or closely connected with Community. 

We adapt advice to be relevant for you, your family, and your lifestyle. 

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Statement on paracetamol use

Graphic with a brown background and an orange wavy border at the bottom. A decorative yellow circular pattern is in the top right corner. Centred white bold text reads 'Statement on paracetamol use', with 'paracetamol use' in a larger font. Below the text are dotted lines in blue, white, and orange.

Taking care of your health and wellbeing when pregnant helps keep you and bub deadly, safe and well.

When used according to the label or as recommended by your GP, Paracetamol (also known as Panadol, Dymadon and Panamax) is safe for use before, during and after your pregnancy.

It is also safe for bubs and jarjum, and is an important way to bring down fevers, and treat aches and pains.

If you want to have a yarn about paracetamol, any other medications or about your pregnancy, sing out to the GP, nurse or pharmacist at your local clinic or BiOC. Or call Mob Link on 1800 254 354.

Here in Australia, we have strong protections in place to make sure our medicines are safe. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is responsible for this. If you would like to read more about paracetamol, click here to read the statement on their website.

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Celebrating our pharmacists: Think health, think pharmacist

World Pharmacists Day. A pharmacist in a black and green shirt is showing a medical device to another person.

Today is World Pharmacist Day. This year’s theme is: Think Health, Think Pharmacist.

At IUIH, we proudly acknowledge the vital role our pharmacists play in delivering holistic, culturally safe and community-led healthcare for our Mob.

When we think about health, we think beyond treatment. We think about trust, connection, and the confidence to manage your own wellbeing. That’s exactly what our pharmacists bring to the IUIH network every day.

From helping clients understand their medications and preparing Webster packs, to supporting persistent pain and chronic disease management, medication reviews, smoking cessation, and health literacy, our pharmacists work in partnership with our deadly multidisciplinary teams to walk alongside Mob on every step of their health journey.

They are key to empowering Community with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices, all while ensuring medicines are used safely, effectively and respectfully.

To all the incredible pharmacists across our network – thank you for your expertise, your care, and your commitment to supporting the health of our people. One script, one yarn and one safe dose at a time.

You can listen to our deadly pharmacist Lucky Zeniou yarn with the DC Radio breakfast team about his role as a pharmacist supporting smoking cessation here.

Our pharmacy team plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Community. Every day brings something new, whether it’s yarning with clients in their homes or at GP clinics, case conferencing with GPs, health workers and nurses, or liaising with community pharmacies to organise and optimise medication packing.

They’re often answering medication-related questions, writing reports, ordering clinic medications, and collaborating with the clinic teams to address medication issues. It’s dynamic, rewarding work that keeps them connected to both science and community care.

One of our pharmacists shared, “I was inspired to become a pharmacist to be of service to community, finding the right balance between science and caring for others.”

To those considering joining our team, we say: “We walk alongside Mob on their healthcare journey. Learning never stops.”

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Exercise physiologist Nathan Sagigi tells us what moves him

Smiling man (Nathan Sagigi) wearing a red and orange Deadly Choices shirt with various patterns and logos, standing against a plain white background. An orange banner at the bottom reads 'EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY WHAT MOVES YOU?' in white and yellow text

Today is World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day.

At IUIH, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible work of our Clinical Exercise Physiologists who walk alongside our community every day, supporting better health outcomes through culturally safe and evidence-based movement programs, including:

  • chronic disease management
  • Work It Out – our group-based program supporting clients with chronic conditions
  • Deadly Fit Mums – supporting mums pre and post pregnancy
  • Heart and Lung Rehab – our cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs
  • falls prevention, diabetes care, cardiovascular health and more.

Exercise physiologists are a vital part of the holistic care we provide. They work in partnership with our clients to create personalised plans that respect culture, community and connection to Country.

We acknowledge and thank all our exercise physiologists across the IUIH network who are supporting Mob to live longer, healthier lives through the power of exercise. We see you, we appreciate you and we celebrate your special day.

Meet Nathan Sagigi.

Nathan is one of IUIH’s dedicated exercise physiologists, working across the Moreton ATSICHS Heart and Lung Rehab Program and delivering services at the ATSICHS Browns Plains clinic. He brings a strong cultural foundation to his work, with connections to the Wakaid Clan from Badu Island, the Dauareb Clan from Murray Island, and the Wuthathi people.

“I’m currently facilitating the Heart and Lung Rehab Program at Moreton ATSICHS and delivering EP services at the ATSICHS Browns Plains clinic,” Nathan explains. His role focusses on supporting clients with chronic and complex conditions through tailored exercise interventions.

When asked about the difference between physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, Nathan offers a clear distinction:

“Exercise physiologists prescribe exercise interventions to improve functional capacity and quality of life for people living with chronic conditions, complex medical conditions, injuries and disabilities,” he says.

“Physiotherapists diagnose, manage and treat a diverse range of acute and chronic conditions and movement disorders using manual therapy, exercise and other modalities. You would see a physiotherapist in the acute stages of an injury or pain and an EP for long-term management.”

Nathan’s motivation to enter the field was deeply personal.

“The high incidence of chronic conditions within my community and the impact that chronic conditions had on members of my family,” he says, were key factors in his decision to pursue exercise physiology.

For those considering a role at IUIH, Nathan offers practical advice:

“Be open-minded and challenge yourself to really listen to the clients you work with and reflect on how you can adapt your practice to suit their needs.”

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Keeping our minds strong: Protecting brain health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s

Teal background with circular patterns. A large yellow circle in the center displays the white text 'WORLD ALZHEIMER'S MONTH.' A smaller red-orange circle overlaps it, containing the message 'KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP!' in white text.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain condition that affects memory, thinking and behaviour. It’s one of the leading causes of dementia, and rates are rising across Australia, including in our Mob.

Research shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to experience dementia earlier and more severely than non-Indigenous Australians. But there are steps we can take, at every age, to look after our brains, our memories and our wellbeing.

Below are some simple and powerful tips for preventing Alzheimer’s and supporting strong minds across the lifespan.

Eat well

A healthy diet doesn’t just keep our bodies strong; it also feeds our brains.

Tips for a brain-healthy diet:

  • Choose fresh, whole foods like vegetables, fruit, lean meats, beans and bush tucker.
  • Eat oily fish (like tuna, sardines, and salmon) 2–3 times a week. These are rich in omega-3s, which support memory.
  • Limit sugar, salt and processed foods (like soft drinks, chips, and fast food), which can damage brain health.
  • Include native foods like kangaroo, yams and bush tomatoes. They are high in nutrients and part of our traditional ways.

Check Good Quick Tukka for some recipes.

Keep your mind active

Mental stimulation helps build new connections in the brain and can slow or prevent memory decline.

Cognitive activities for strong minds:

  • Do puzzles or crosswords or play card games with family.
  • Learn new things, like crafts, technology or a new language (including connecting with your traditional language, if possible).
  • Share stories with younger generations. Oral storytelling keeps our knowledge alive and minds engaged.
  • Join a local community group, such as a Men’s or Women’s yarning circle.

Move your body

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and reduces risk factors for Alzheimer’s like diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.

Movement ideas for all ages and abilities:

  • Walk on Country, swim, dance or do gentle stretching – every bit counts.
  • Sing out to your local clinic to ask about our Work it Out program.
  • Check with your local council to see if they have walking groups and activities for seniors.

Even 30 minutes a day of movement can make a difference.

What’s that? Check your hearing

Poor hearing reduces your connection to family, Country and culture. If a family member or friend tells you, you should get your hearing checked, take their advice.

Ask about a hearing screening as part of your next 715 health check.

Look after your whole self

We know that health is more than just the body – it’s spiritual, cultural and social too.

Supporting brain health also means:

  • Staying socially connected – visit family, attend community events, stay involved.
  • Looking after your spirit through culture, connection to Country and healing.
  • Managing stress and mental health – talk to your GP, Aboriginal health worker, or someone you trust.
  • Quitting smoking.
  • Avoiding too much alcohol.

Concerned about memory loss?

If you or a loved one are experiencing memory problems, confusion or changes in thinking or mood, don’t wait – sing out to your local clinic.

Early support can make a big difference.

Need support?

Check out iuih.org.au/clinics to find one near you. You can also sing out to Mob Link on 1800 154 354 from 7am-8pm, seven days a week, including public holidays.

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Celebrating movement: Physiotherapy and exercise physiology

Two people in a gym setting, one using an exercise machine while the other offers support. Abstract artwork decorates the background. Text on the image reads: 'Healthy ageing means doing what you love.'

Let’s move into springtime! September is a time to celebrate movement and wellbeing across our Community. With World Physiotherapy Day on 8 September and World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day on 23 September, we’re highlighting how staying active supports healthy ageing, especially for our Elders.

This year’s theme for World Physiotherapy Day is “Physiotherapy and Physical Activity for Healthy Ageing”, focusing on preventing frailty and falls. Exercise & Sports Science Australia also highlights the role of Accredited Exercise Physiologists in helping people live longer, stronger and more independently.

Staying strong as we age

Elders hold deep knowledge and play vital roles in family and community life. Supporting their health and mobility helps keep connections strong – to Mob, to Country and to culture.

Here are some gentle exercises recommended by physiotherapists and exercise physiologists that support healthy ageing:

Strength and stability

  • Sit-to-stand: Builds leg strength for everyday movement.
  • Heel raises: Strengthens calves and improves balance.
  • Seated leg lifts: Supports hip and thigh strength.

Flexibility and mobility

  • Shoulder blade squeezes: Improves posture and upper body mobility.
  • Toe taps and ankle rotations: Boosts circulation and joint flexibility.
  • Side leg raises: Strengthens hips and helps with balance.

Balance and coordination

  • One-leg balance (with support): Helps prevent falls.
  • Marching in place: Improves coordination and leg strength.

Why it matters

Regular movement helps older people:

  • stay independent and safe
  • reduce the risk of chronic illness
  • improve mental wellbeing
  • stay connected to family, culture and Country.

Whether it’s walking on Country, gardening, having a cuppa with mates, or playing with grandkids, staying active helps you keep doing what matters most.

Yarn with a physio or EP

At IUIH, our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists work with you to create personalised plans that suit your lifestyle and health needs. We’re here to support you to stay strong, mobile and connected.

Let’s celebrate World Physiotherapy Day and World Exercise Physiology Day by moving together toward healthy ageing.

Interested in movement and exercise? Follow us on social media – every month we post stretches and exercises from out Work it Out team.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to find the stretch of the month, every month!

Want to know more?

Check out our page on what our physios offer.

Check out our page on what our exercise physiologists offer.

Our Work it Out program.

Our Deadly Fit Mums program with BiOC.

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Stronger together: celebrating our Community physios

A client wearing a Deadly Choices shirt and black cap sits on an examination table while our deadly physiotherapist Joshua Weier, dressed in black with blue accents, examines the client’s knee. They are in a physiotherapy room with various medical supplies and equipment visible in the background.

It’s World Physiotherapy Day! A day to recognise the vital role that our physiotherapists play in supporting the health, strength and independence of our community.

At IUIH, physiotherapy is more than just treatment – it’s part of a holistic, culturally safe approach to health and wellbeing. Our deadly physios work across community-controlled clinics, outreach services and home-based programs to support:

  • recovery from injury and surgery
  • management of chronic conditions like back pain and arthritis
  • healthy ageing and mobility
  • Women’s Business – including pelvic health, pregnancy support and postnatal care
  • culturally safe movement programs for Mob of all ages.

Our physios walk alongside clients, families and Elders – building trust, promoting independence, and restoring movement through care grounded in culture, community and connection.

Today, we say thank you to all our IUIH physiotherapists – your work is helping to strengthen the wellbeing of our people, every day.

For Joshua Weier, IUIH Physiotherapy Clinic Lead, a typical day as a physio is about more than movement – it’s about connection.

“A big focus is on yarning; taking the time to listen, build trust, and understand each person’s story and needs.”

Whether he’s in the clinic seeing clients or out on home visits, Joshua centres his work on providing care that’s person-focussed and culturally safe. Each session includes tailored exercises, but the foundation is always respect and relationship.

“We also work closely with other clinicians like GPs, nurses, OTs, podiatrists and exercise physiologists to provide a wraparound service that supports the whole person.”

Home visits, he says, are a special part of the role.

“It’s a real privilege. Visiting Mob at home gives us the chance to see how they move and function in their own space, and how we can help make them stronger and safer in daily life.”

Joshua’s journey into physiotherapy was driven by a desire to make a real impact – and a commitment to community.

“I’ve always wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. Working at IUIH gives me the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and be part of something that supports community in a meaningful way.”

For other physios thinking about a role at IUIH, Joshua’s message is clear:

“If you’re looking for a change and want to work somewhere you can genuinely connect with clients, learn from Community and be part of a strong, supportive team, then IUIH is the place for you. It’s a role where you can grow both personally and professionally, while making a real impact.”

Find out more about our deadly physiotherapy services. 

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Walking with jarjum: honouring our deadly educators

Kim Appo and three children wearing Deadly Kindies blue shirts smile at the camera in front of a teal background. The image includes the text 'Celebrating our deadly Early Childhood Educators' along with an orange paint palette icon and three orange arrows.

🌟 Celebrating Early Childhood Educators’ Day 🌟

Today, we honour incredible early childhood educators who nurture the growth, learning and identity of young jarjum we support.

At IUIH, we see the powerful impact of educators every day through our Deadly Kindies program and the BiOC early learning programs, where children are supported to grow up strong in culture, connected to Community and proud of who they are.

These educators do more than teach. They build foundations for lifelong wellbeing, helping our bubs thrive in safe, loving and culturally rich environments.

To all the educators who walk alongside families and communities, thank you. Your work is deadly, and your care shapes generations.

💛 Let’s celebrate your passion, dedication and the love you bring to every day. Read on for Kimberley’s story as an early childhood educator with Deadly Kindies and BiOC. 

Kimberley Broadhurst (Appo) carries her culture and community close to her heart. As a proud Gooreng Gooreng and Kullilli woman, her journey into early childhood education was shaped by the love and connection she shares with her big Mob.

Kimberley says, “I come from a big Mob with plenty of nieces and nephews. They were my inspiration to share love, knowledge and passion with other little ones.”

That inspiration led her to IUIH, where she now works as an Early Childhood Educator supporting First Nations families across the northside of Magandjin/Meanjin. Her days are dynamic and deeply rooted in community.

“A typical day for me can vary. Most often, I’m working directly with families, helping them access their local Aboriginal Medical Service and culturally safe early childhood services.”

Whether it’s assisting with enrolment forms, birth certificates, Child Care Subsidy, NDIS, or appointments with Paediatric Allied Health, Kimberley’s role is all about being responsive to the needs of families. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help jarjum get the best start to life through kindergarten or long daycare.

But Kimberley’s work goes far beyond logistics.

“Being an Educator isn’t about ‘playing with toys’,” she says.

“It’s about nurturing little souls to become the best version of who they want to be. We’re part of their village, loving and supporting them the best way we can.”

She knows the impact of her role can be life-changing.

“Sometimes, we might be the only safe person in a child’s life. The only one advocating for them. That’s a huge responsibility. We’re here to change lives for their future.”

And for those considering a career in early childhood education, Kimberley offers heartfelt advice:

“If you’re not ready for that responsibility, make space for those who are.”

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Speechies making a difference: Meet Emily

Despite popular belief, Speech Pathology isn’t just for those needing support with a stutter or lisp. Our speechies can support you with a range of communication techniques – from speaking, listening, understanding language, to reading and writing, as well as eating, drinking and swallowing.

For our Mob, communication is deeply connected to culture, Country, kinship and identity. We offer culturally safe speech pathology services for both jarjum and adults. 

We yarned with one of our deadly speechies, Emily Brennan, to find out a little more about her role.

What is a typical day like in your role?

There’s no ‘typical day’ at IUIH! Every day is dynamic.

In clinic, a day can include new assessments or sessions with existing clients. I’ve worked with some of my clients since I first started with IUIH. It’s definitely rewarding seeing them develop and meet their goals. I’m lucky to work in a Multidisciplinary Team which creates a really collaborative environment. Working alongside an Occupational Therapist is a rarity in Speech Pathology but that holistic approach truly makes a world of difference both for myself and my clients.

What’s been your biggest takeaway from working at IUIH?

Working at IUIH has taught me to think outside of what’s ‘tangible’. It’s not about deciding where your client is at, it’s about letting them tell you and working towards their goals together. I’ve been challenged to think outside the box, especially when working with my long-term clients. Everybody is different – why try and confine someone to one way of working?

Can you tell us a moment that’s stood out?

I have so many stand-out moments – it’s hard to choose!

One I remember really clearly is a client I was working with when I first started at IUIH. A mum had a child with autism and wanted to develop their communication skills. We had both thought her child may be non-verbal for the rest of their life.

This mum was amazing! She went above and beyond to provide support and absorbed everything she could about speech pathology. The three of us worked together on non-verbal communication tools, like signing and felt boards, for about three years.

A little after the child’s fifth birthday, they said their first words – not just a word but a whole sentence! We were blown away. That was one of those moments that made me remember what I do this for. Every day, I get the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.

What is your favourite part of working at IUIH?

I’m privileged to say I genuinely love going to work. IUIH allows me flexibility, learning on my feet, and the opportunity to develop lifetime skills for both me and my clients.

There’s a real emphasis on connection here. Before I studied Speech Pathology, I completed a Bachelor of Psychology so I definitely understand the importance of having a yarn. I’m always yarning with clients, colleagues, and community – it’s those connections which develop your skills and make you a better speechie.

What activities are you recommending to clients right now?

Check out the NYT games – Wordle and Connections are great ways to practice your language skill! 

I’ve also been getting jarjum playing with the ‘helicopter’ leaves. We drop them off the stairs and there’s so many great words we get to use; drop, spin, fall, pick up!

To find out more about opportunities with us, see Current Vacancies.

If you have had your 715 health check, or have a GP management plan, you can request a referral from your doctor.

Or you can yarn with your doctor or nurse at one of our clinics.

To see more about Speech Pathology for children and adults, visit our Speech and Language page.