Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services

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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!

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News Research

In our own time and space

In our own time and space: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s thoughts on easier access to sexual health screening

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women playing ball at the Deadly Choices Netball Carnival in April 2025 were invited to yarn up about their experiences with sexual health screening and share what would make the process easier.

Sexual health screening has been an important way to protect each other, looking after our health and the health of our families. Key findings from our yarns were that:

  • Many community members were unaware that STI tests are not included in standard blood/urine tests during 715 health checks.
  • Around 70% of the women hadn’t had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screen at their last 715.
  • All respondents agreed that STI screenings should be included as a standard part of health checks to ensure comprehensive care.

Unpacking traditional STI screening processes led to yarns that focused on exploring alternative screening options, such as mail-in STI tests and telehealth appointments. Women were clear that improving access to STI screening services is needed and provided preferences and suggestions:

  • Confidential Online Form: 63% of respondents wanted the ability to fill out a confidential online form and receive a referral to a place of their choice, such as a pathology provider.
  • Telehealth or Phone Appointments: This option was also popular, with many respondents appreciating the convenience and privacy of telehealth or phone appointments with their local clinic.
  • Other options: 6% of respondents wanted to see:
    • Client STI Questionnaire as part of a Health Check and
    • Referral via Mob Link to receive a referral form for testing at a place of their choice.

Overall, several respondents expressed that having multiple options available would be beneficial, with a preference for telehealth, phone, and online methods. They also valued the opportunity to have a conversation if needed. The feedback indicates a strong preference for flexible, confidential, and accessible screening options, with a significant emphasis on telehealth and online services.

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Food Safety Tips

Keep your Mob safe from food poisoning by following these four simple steps! 

Keep it clean

  • Before you eat or touch your food, wash your hands, food preparation tools and the surfaces you’re preparing food on.

 Cook it right

  • Cook foods, especially meat and chicken until the juices run clear and the food is steaming hot.

 Keep it chill

  • Put any food that needs to keep cold in the fridge right away.
  • Throw out cooked food that has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
  • Defrost and marinate food in the fridge, particularly meat.

 Check the label

  • Avoid eating food past it’s use by date.
  • Follow storage and cooking instructions
  • Ask for information about foods without packaging

Did you know?

Our deadly dietitians can work with you to improve your eating habits to make sure you’re getting a balanced and healthy diet.

For more information, yarn with your GP at your local clinic.

Need more info?

Visit the Queensland Health Food safety at home site.

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Youth Project Findings

Background

A team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers explored a range of topics relating to young people’s ways of seeing, knowing, doing, being and belonging. In total, 31 young people aged 15 to 24 years from over 21 different Nations participated in a yarn. In addition, the researchers yarned with 20 service providers such as health workers and social workers who work with young people. 

A Youth Advisory Committee was established to guide and support the project including overseeing the design and development, data collection, sense-making and knowledge sharing. This committee includes young people from all walks of life.

The project highlighted four key areas that were important for young people. Health organisations and young people could focus on these areas

These include:

  • culture and identity,
  • shared commitment,
  • relationships,
  • and belonging and connections.
Strengthening culture and identity

Culture means making my ancestors proud and participating in cultural events and hanging out with people who are also Indigenous too like that brings me a great sense of culture, cultural community as well…and also my connection to my family and my community and my country.

The project found young people are likely to take ownership and lead connections that foster and support their culture and identity. This is confirmation that our young people are invested and interested in the ways of Our Old People and Elders. They are wanting to learn the Propa Ways of our Mob, including storytelling, language, arts, traditional healing and being on Country as well as modern responsibilities and obligations.

Young people have a desire for strengthening their cultural knowledge and form identity.

Shared Commitment

I would say that it’s actually more so having other people that need my support because that can sort of kick me into gear and as long as I know I’m putting out something positive, I tend to worry a lot less … So, I think that I actually feel better by helping other people.

Young people are excited and wanting to learn and share their stories – while also hearing from others, especially Elders, mentors or each other.  Deadly young people take on roles as leaders and mentors, not always expecting anything in return. Instead, for young people it’s about being active in Community and leading by example.

That way young Mob have a space to be self-determined, and advocates for their social, cultural, emotional, and physical health.

Relationships

…It’s nice to have that yarn, and even if you sit in silence, sometimes it’s nice to just be in the presence of others who actually understand what you are or what you have gone through.

Relationships are important to young people and are important when setting up youth advisory positions or committees. The Youth Project found it is important to create environments that build and maintain connection with and between young Mob.

To foster these relationships, honouring cultural processes and protocols is essential. That may be connecting with and to family, Community, Elders, or friends.

Belonging and connections

There’s so many different stories, so many different Mobs, different connections, different things that have happened.

To our young people, belonging is not just one thing. Our young people come from all walks of life and journeys. So, finding a belonging in Community or connection is important to the journey and support of our youth.

Our Youth Project pointed to young people’s need for a sense of belonging and connection. This domain relates to a phase in a youth’s rite of passage. This phase being ‘The Wandering/Wondering Life’, is the stage between ages 15-21. A time when young people begin to ask questions and challenge ideals and concepts in front of them. In these wandering years, young people test their limits, discover consequences to behaviour and learn how choices shape their character. The next phase, from ages 21-28 is a stage guided by Elders, teachers and mentors known as the Truth stage. This is the time young people discover their true selves, gifts and strengths along with concept of life and beliefs and values (Best Start Resource Centre, 2010).

Similarly, to culture and identity our young Community desires a connection and belonging to their culture. For young Mob to contribute to health and wellbeing of community, they shared a need for safe spaces to be seen, heard and valued. Young people are diverse with different life experiences, world views, advantages, disadvantages and subcultures or abilities etc. so it’s important to accommodate the needs and diversity of young people from all walks of life. This may be a space for young Mob to yarn together and share their experiences and learn from each other to fulfill a sense of belonging and connection.

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News

After a flood: Safe water, food and medicine

After a flood, you should always check that the water, food and medicine you have is safe to consume. Here is general advice to keep you from getting crook.

Safe water

  • Do not drink untreated or contaminated water.
  • Even if water looks okay to drink, it may have bad bacteria or chemicals in it that can make you sick.
  • The best way to know if water is safe to drink is to listen to your local radio and TV station or check your local council’s website (if possible) for updates on the water supply.
  • If there is no other water available, boil and let cool before drinking.

Food safety

  1. Throw away any food that has had direct contact with flood waters.
  2. If you have lost power to your fridge or freezer or if the appliance(s) stops working
    1. Avoid opening the fridge or freezer as much as possible, to keep cold air in.
    2. Unopened fridges should be able to stay cool for up to 4 hours and freezers for up to 24 hours.
    3. In longer power outages, you can safely eat food that has been out of the fridge for 2 hours, but not longer than that. Frozen food that has thawed can be eaten if it is still cold. Do not re-freeze these foods.
  3. Contaminated surfaces and utensils
    1. Discard any flood-exposed wooden utensils and cutting boards or damaged items with cracks and chips, as it is not possible to remove germs from them.
    2. Wash utensils and surfaces in hot soapy water and allow to air-dry. Clean metal cutlery, pots and utensils by pouring boiling water over them for 10 minutes. Clean dishes and other crockery by immersing in a weak bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to 2 litres of water) for 10 minutes and rinse.
    3. Clean cupboards and counters with hot soapy water and then rinse with diluted bleach before storing food.
  4. What to do with canned food and other food in air-tight containers that have been exposed to flood waters?
    1. Discard any cans that are dented, swollen or damaged.
    2. For tins with no damage, clean them thoroughly by removing the label, washing the cans in warm soapy water, sanitising with a weak bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to 2 litres of water) for one minute and then rinsing with water. Re-label the cans using a permanent marker. Do a similar process for air-tight containers with food inside if the seal has not been broken.
    3. If you have a vegetable garden that has flooded, do not consumer leafy green produce – you need to throw it away. Do not pick other vegetables for consumption for one month after flooding. After a month, pick any vegetables that are ripe, wash and then sanitise with a weak bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to 2 litres of water) before rinsing. Peel the vegetables and they can then be consumed.

Medication safety

Disasters can impact access to medications. Some tips for accessing medication during a disaster and ensuring your medicine is safe following one include:

  • Ensure you have all your medications, prescriptions, medical care plans and other important medical information in a safe and accessible location you can easily take with you in an emergency
  • If you don’t have your prescription, your usual pharmacy may be able to give you a small supply without a prescription as an emergency supply
  • If you are having trouble accessing money for medication, you can try and organise an emergency payment from Centrelink
  • You can contact Mob Link (1800 254 354), 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84), Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE), your doctor, pharmacist, hospital or health clinic for more information

Some medication may be damaged or unsafe after a disaster. You should always check that your medication has not been affected. If you need to dispose of your medication, please talk to your pharmacist about how to do this safely. Dispose of any medication if:

  • It has had any contact with contaminated floodwater
  • It has been exposed to heat or smoke from a fire
  • There is damage to the product or packaging from an impact (for example, the label is illegible or damaged, the container is punctured, a blister strip is damaged)
  • It has been exposed to temperatures, light or humidity outside of the manufacturer’s recommendations (such as if power is unavailable for medications that require refrigeration)

If you are unsure if your medicines are safe to use, you can contact Mob Link (1800 254 354), 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84), Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE), your doctor, pharmacist, hospital or health clinic for more information

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News

Safety tips after a flood

There are a few things to keep in mind the first time you leave the house:

  1. If your home is damaged or obstructed by debris that may dislodge and hurt you as you open the door, call the SES on 132 500 for assistance. For quick access to all emergency services contacts, download the Emergency Plus App.
  2. If flood waters are at your doorstep, stay inside until flood waters go down. Can you see any hazards outside your home? If it is safe to step outside, look out for anything that may cause serious injury or harm. This might include:
    1. Fallen powerlines or exposed wires. Report powerlines down on 13 19 62 and call 000 immediately for electric shocks.
    2. Fallen trees, call SES on 132 500 if it is an emergency.
    3. Debris that could fall, call SES on 132 500 for assistance.
    4. Wildlife including snakes. Be cautious when moving debris, lift it facing away from you to avoid being bitten.
    5. Puddles and muddy areas, especially if sewage has been moving through the floodwater
  3. If it is safe to step outside, keep an eye out for any dangers that might be impacting your neighbours and keep them informed or report the hazard to the appropriate service.

Staying safe from germs

During flooding, germs spread through the water and can stay on surfaces or in the ground. If you come in contact with germs, you can get sick and become really unwell. Ways to protect yourself after flooding and during clean up include:

  • Wear enclosed waterproof shoes
  • ash hands with soapy water and use protective gloves during clean up
  • Avoid flood water and muddy areas
  • Wash your body with clean soapy water after cleaning up
  • Follow food safety advice
  • Wear a mask during clean up
  • Drink safe water. Listen to your local radio and TV station or check your local council’s website (if possible) for updates on the water supply.
  • Check if you are up to date with your tetanus shot if you are assisting with clean up. Adults should receive a booster every 10 years, or if it is more than 5 years and you get a cut during clean up

If you’ve been exposed to flood water:

  • Wash your body with clean soapy water as soon as possible
  • Look out for any cuts, scrapes or wounds you have
  • If you have cuts, clean them well with an antiseptic
  • Remember, even small wounds can get infected from flood waters
  • If you get any cuts during clean up, talk to your GP (when you can). They can check the last time you had a tetanus shot and whether you need any other treatment for your cuts

Remember to always follow the advice of emergency services and official government sources to keep safe, and if it’s flooded – forget it.

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Cyclone Alfred clinic + service update

To keep staff and clients safe, there are some clinic closures and service changes across our network of clinics.

For health, wellbeing and social support needs, Mob Link is available 7 days a week, 7am-8pm on 1800 254 354. In the event of an emergency, please dial 000.

Updates on services and clinic closures will be shared with Mob on social media, and if you had appointments or services booked that need to be changed you can expect to hear from your service provider. It is recommended that you follow your local Aboriginal Medical Service on Facebook to keep up-to-date with any new information:

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane
IUIH Goodna Clinic
Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd
Moreton ATSICHS
Yulu-Burri-Ba

Remember:

Stay safe you Mob and take care of yourselves, your family and your community.

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Whooping cough is on the rise

Queensland is currently experiencing a large spike in whooping cough cases. Pregnant women and bubs are most at risk.

IUIH’s Public Health Manager Rochelle Robinson said whooping cough (or pertussis) is particularly serious for bubs under six months old.

“Whooping cough is a highly contagious and very serious illness in bubs and can lead to hospitalisations and even deaths.

“The good news is that it can be prevented. That’s why it’s really important for pregnant women to get the vaccine – this action will reduce the risk of a bub being hospitalised with whooping cough by around 90 per cent,” Ms Robinson said.

Immunisation between weeks 20 and 32 of every pregnancy offers crucial protection in the critical early months of life before babies can be vaccinated themselves, and is provided free under the national immunisation program.

The whooping cough vaccine is also available for free for bubs aged 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, and 4 years old, and for kids aged 11-13 years as part of the free Queensland School Immunisation Program.

Anyone under 20 who missed a childhood whooping cough vaccine can also access one for free.

People over 18 who haven’t had the vaccine in the last 10 years should get a booster. This will protect others, including vulnerable bubs and pregnant mums from getting whooping cough.

Whooping cough is a cyclical disease which peaks every three to five years. During the last peak in 2019, there were 1,126 cases of whooping cough reported in Queensland between 1 January and 8 September. To compare, in 2024, there have been 8,440 cases in the same period in Queensland.

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IUIH announces new RTO: EMPOWA Training

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) is proud to announce that on 14 June, we received registration for our new Registered Training Organisation (RTO), EMPOWA Training (RTO code 46204). It is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled RTO.

IUIH CEO Adrian Carson said, “We established EMPOWA Training in response to a need for training and learning opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want a pathway into the health and community workforce that is led by Community and based on Our Ways.”

Through accredited training and nationally recognised qualifications, EMPOWA Training will train Mob and grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. These graduates will be essential to expand the range and capacity of culturally safe health and community care services needed to support the growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in southeast Queensland.

EMPOWA Training broadens IUIH’s scope to provide training and education pathways for Community. It will provide culturally safe, wraparound support for learners and increase the skilled, qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce. This directly impacts the social determinants of health while building our workforce and supporting better health outcomes for Community.

Initially, EMPOWA Training will offer the HLT30121 Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care to a small cohort of network staff. Over time, we will offer eight courses in total across health, work-readiness, business and community services.

“We look forward to welcoming EMPOWA Training’s first learners in the coming months,” Mr Carson said.

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The IUIH Employment Strategy 2023–2026

The IUIH Employment Strategy 2023–2026 guides how we build our workforce, following our Strategic Plan and Cultural Integrity Investment Framework, and embedding The Ways. It aims to grow both IUIH’s and the broader health and community services workforce, while simultaneously addressing employment as one of the social determinants of health for Our People.

The strategy builds on effective programs and work already underway. Through socialisation/propa ways, employment pathways, and growing our own, we will continue to develop the broader workforce, and equip and empower IUIH staff to enable effective and propa delivery of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Southeast Queensland.

Supporting more than a decade of growth, 20% of our workforce has been recruited through our training and development pathways, and nearly 50% of IUIH staff are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

The focus areas of education, employment pathways, and socialisation and development are already included in IUIH programs and ways of working, from Pathways, Our Way Academy  (POWA) and orientation to regular check-in yarns. Under the employment strategy this will continue to expand further into accredited training, school-based traineeships, work readiness programs, work-based traineeships, cadetships, broader university partnerships, and mentoring and support.

In collaboration with our network, funding bodies, and wider industry partnerships, we aim to achieve four strategic goals:

  • Strategic goal 1: mobilise our communities to increase employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
    • attracting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
    • culturally responsive best practice recruitment and retention
    • opening pathways
    • community collaboration
  • Strategic goal 2: an organisation with cultural integrity
    • socialising our people
    • working in propa ways
  • Strategic goal 3: growing a strong and deadly workforce
    • supporting continuous learning and development
    • facilitating networks that build supportive relationships and promote growth opportunities
  • Strategic goal 4: accountability for our outcomes
    • conduct rigorous reviews and be accountable and transparent in reporting our achievements.