Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Author: Ashleigh Brissett

Knockout Health Challenge – Applications are now open

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The Knockout Health Challenge is a free 10-week community led health program, where the whole mob can get involved and ‘Blak on Track Together’.

Apply to become a Knockout Health Challenge team manager. It is a great way to bring your community together to eat healthy and live a more active life, as well as form new friendships.

This year we will have more teams – there are up to 50 spots available. You can run your challenge between 21 July to 28 November 2025.

“Being a part of a program that brings health, happiness and friendship is amazing.” – Previous participant

Register today to be a team manager and encourage your community to get involved. Applications are open from 12 May to 6 June 2025.

You can find more information about the challenge on our website at nswknockouthealthchallenge.com.au

 

New Funding to Expand Goanna Academy Mental Health Programs

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Greg Inglis’ Goanna Academy is set to broaden its reach with an expansion of its mental health education initiatives, thanks to a proposed funding boost.

The Labor Party has pledged $6.4 million over three years, if elected, to support the Indigenous-owned, headspace-endorsed organisation. The funding would allow the Academy to extend its preventive mental health programs and pilot a new training initiative aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations around mental health.

Goanna Academy currently delivers wellbeing and resilience-building programs to some of the country’s most vulnerable populations, including young people, men in regional areas, and First Nations communities. The new funding would enable the Academy to expand its impact beyond New South Wales and Queensland.

Real the full story on National Indigenous Times.

Women’s group-based Program, Resources and Training is live!

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

To support our sector to deliver smoking and vaping cessation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in pregnancy and beyond, AH&MRC have partnered with the Which Way? team and Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation to develop and launch the Gulibaa project in NSW.

This project offers all services free online training and resources to deliver evidence-based smoking and vaping cessation groups in their service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

WHY GROUP-BASED SMOKING AND VAPING CESSATION SUPPORT?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have asked for group-based programs to empower and support them on their quitting journey. Group-based programs have been shown to be effective, but until now, no program has been developed for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

WHAT DOES THE GROUP-BASED PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?

The program includes six sessions that services can implement in a way that suits the community.

The groups cover:

  • Benefits of Quitting the Smokes and Vapes
  • Overcome challenges to Quitting
  • Support to Quit
  • Changing Behaviours and Developing a Quit plan
  • Celebrating success and Staying on track

Your service will receive all the resources, games and activities needed to run group-based program which will be delivered to your service once you join the project.

TELL ME ABOUT THE TRAINING

The Which Way? training has received NAATSIHWP endorsement as an official CPD activity. Each online module has been allocated 2.5 CPD points and the face-to-face module to launch your services groups has been allocated 4 CPD points. Upon completion of each module, you will receive a badge as evidence. A total of 14 CPD points is attached to the free training for completion of all five modules.

The training covers topics of:

  • History of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Tobacco
  • Understanding dependence
  • Behaviour change for smoking and vaping cessation
  • Running an effective group and event planning.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO RUN GROUPS

The program is free for services who partner and contribute to the evaluation. There is a small grants program available to support the cost of running groups in your community.

To get involved express interest now: https://www.whichway.info/gulibaa

Ear Checks with Mr. Aaron

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Good hearing is essential for learning, and thanks to the Our Healthy Kids program, Year 6 students at Bowen Public School in Orange had the opportunity to receive on-site hearing and vision checks—right at school!

Our Western Health Educator, Aaron, also known as the Ear Check Guru, made it easy for students to have their hearing assessed without needing to travel to a clinic. Early detection of hearing issues can make a big difference in a child’s ability to focus, participate, and succeed in school.

A big thank you to the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service for helping make these checks accessible. By bringing health services directly to schools, we’re ensuring every child has the best chance to learn and thrive!

Our Healthy Kids Term 1 Recap

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

This term, the Our Healthy Kids program has been on the move—bringing smiles, support, and lifelong health advice to schools across NSW.

Our Western team hit the road, travelling far and wide to reach students in remote areas. On their way to Tottenham Central School, they spotted a stunning silo artwork 497km west of Sydney—just one of many scenic moments on their journey to support community wellbeing.

At Werris Creek Public School, our Northern team finished off with a sea of bright smiles. As the saying goes, photos speak a thousand words—and the joy on their young faces says it all!

Our Metro team joined forces with Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service (GWAHS) to deliver ear health checks at Dawson Public School and Wilmot Public School. We also carried out additional 715 Health Checks at Willmot—an outstanding effort to make essential health services more accessible and convenient for the community.

Over in Moruya, our Southern team found a moment of calm before the “little whirlwinds” of Moruya Public School filled the playground with laughter and energy.

Meanwhile, in Orange, Year 6 students at Bowen Public School received on-site hearing and vision checks, thanks to the support of Orange Aboriginal Medical Service and our very own Western Health Educator, Aaron—aka the Ear Check Guru! Aaron made it simple for students to get assessed without needing to travel, helping catch hearing issues early so every child can focus, learn, and succeed.

Thanks to all the amazing schools and health partners who’ve helped make this term such a success. By bringing health services directly to students, we’re giving every child the best start for a bright and healthy future!

Grant Opportunity for Medical Research and Innovation

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is administering a new grant opportunity on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, aimed at advancing medical research and innovation through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

This funding supports projects across three streams:

  • Stream 1 (Incubator): Early-stage, small-scale research led by early career researchers to explore novel strategies for critical health challenges in Priority Populations.

  • Stream 2 (Accelerator): Large-scale, interdisciplinary programs led by mid-career researchers to drive substantial improvements in healthcare and health system effectiveness.

  • Stream 3 (Targeted Call for Research): Co-funded initiatives that fast-track research translation into policy and practice, led by early to mid-career researchers.

Further details, including eligible organisations, can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care and NHMRC websites.

Movember Institute of Men’s Health Indigenous PhD Scholarship

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

A full-time Indigenous PhD scholarship is available as part of a national project within Movember’s Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing portfolio. This initiative is a collaboration between the Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) and the Movember Institute of Men’s Health.

The scholarship offers a high-achieving graduate from fields such as public health, psychology, or sociology the opportunity to conduct evaluative research on Indigenous men’s social and emotional wellbeing. The project will be applied and interdisciplinary, requiring cultural sensitivity and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and industry partners.

The candidate will be based at a Flinders University campus in Darwin, Alice Springs, or Adelaide, with potential flexibility. Supervision will be provided by leading researchers from Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health.

Benefits

The scholarship includes:

  • a stipend valued at $51,500* per annum (2025 rate) tax free
  • the scholarship will be awarded for 3 years
  • the opportunity to engage in research related travel (funded separately) to multiple regional, rural and remote communities across Australia
  • access to targeted professional development opportunities, including conference attendance support, industry mentorship, and involvement in team capacity building activities
  • additional support will be provided to facilitate research fieldwork, specific to the project
  • a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:

  • identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • be an Australian citizen
  • meet PhD admission requirements including: have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and
  • be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in semester 2, 2025.

Find out more: Movember Institute of Men’s Health Indigenous PhD Scholarship

Applications close April 4, 2025. 

Upcoming Webinars

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Triple protection: Vaccines for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV in 2025 

Date: Thursday 27 March 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:15 p.m

The NCIRS is hosting a Webinar today on vaccinations, aiming to provide information on influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. 
The webinar will be hosted by Professor Kristine Macartney (Director, NCIRS) followed by a live Q&A session.  

Please register to join the meeting. If you’re unable to attend, don’t worry – by registering, you’ll still receive the link to the webinar recording via email.

Protecting Mob this Winter – Immunisation Webinar for ACCHOs 

Date: Tuesday 1 April 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m

NACCHO in Collaboration with NCIRS will be hosting this webinar on Immunisation, especially for the ACCHO Sector. This will be hosted by Dr Megan Cambell from NACCHO and immunisation experts from NCIRS.  

The discussion topics will be around:  

  • Latest updates on winter viruses and available vaccinations in 2025. 
  • Practical advice to facilitate discussion around vaccines 
  • Strategies to increase vaccination uptake  
  • Resources available to tailor and utilise at the ACCHOs.  

Following the webinar will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to share what worked best for your ACCHO to boost vaccination intake in your community.  

If you are interested in joining, please register for the webinar.  

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners will be eligible to claim CPD points with NAATSIHWP for this education. The webinar will be recorded and made available to people who are unable to attend on the day.

Melbourne Academic Centre for Health Aboriginal Health Showcase 2025 

Date: Tuesday, 1 Apr 2025
Time: 08:30 – 16:00 AEDT 

The Aboriginal Leadership Group at Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) invites you to the inaugural MACH Aboriginal Health Showcase. This free event, available for attendance online, will highlight Aboriginal-led programs and initiatives addressing health priorities across our Community.  

The theme of the Showcase is Listen and Learn: Co-Design and Innovation in Indigenous Health, which provides an opportunity to learn from each other about the innovative programs and initiatives addressing Aboriginal health priorities across the MACH partnership.  

For more information and registration, go here.

NSW Rural Health Network’s Virtual Forum: Rural Innovations Changing Healthcare 2025

Date: Wednesday, 2nd April 2025
Time: 8.45 am – 4:30pm

Program available via this LINK

Syphilis Overview in NSW: Risk, Testing, Treatment & Support

Date: Tuesday, 8 April
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
Location: Online

List syphilis clinical tools, resources, and primary care support services readily available in NSW. You will earn CPD points by attending.

Expert speakers

  • Dr Vani Arjunamani – General Practitioner
  • Dr Kym Collins – Sexual Health Physician
  • Dr Miriam Grotowski – Clinical Dean, Peel Clinical School, University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health

Register here.

Webinar: Are you ready for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program?

Date: Tuesday 15 April
Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm AEST

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and Lung Foundation Australia are hosting a webinar for the healthcare workforce. NACCHO will also join the panel discussion. The webinar will focus on how to prepare for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program commencing in July. Learn about the program’s objectives and practical strategies to implement the program in your health service. The webinar is RACGP and ACCRM accredited.  

Register here: National Lung Cancer Screening Program Health Workforce Education Webinar 

The Lung Foundation Australia has developed eLearning education modules to support healthcare providers to prepare for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.  

The eLearning consists of six self-paced online modules, that will take ~3.5 hours to complete. The modules are being finalised and will be available to start soon.  

You can register here to enrol in the modules and be notified when they go live.  

The impact of the NSW Drug Court on Health and Social Functioning 

Date: Thursday 27 April 2025
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

This is a presentation by the University of New South Wales and the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre about the impact of the Drug Court on reoffending, imprisonment, health and child protection.  

Presentation will focus on the following topics:  

  • Impact of the Drug Court on reconviction at 12- and 24 months post referral 
  • Imprisonment at case finalisation. 
  • Emergency department and hospital admissions within five years of referral 
  • Having had a child or children confirmed as at-risk of serious harm or placed in out-of-home care (OOHC) within five years of referral. 

If you would like to join, please register for the presentation here.

Doin’ it Right and Using Condoms!

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Don’t forget we supply our member services with FREE condoms and lube! 

Check out our new packaging! (see pic above) 

Each packet comes with 2x latex condoms and 2x lube sachets in a handy packet with instructions on how to use on the back. 

Each box comes with 250 packets, so reach out to our Sexual Health Nurse at AH&MRC (kalderton@ahmrc.org.au) to order yours now! 

For additional clinical resources, head to the AH&MRC Shop. All members receive these items for free. Log in here. 

If you’re a member and need a login, please contact comms@ahmrc.org.au 

Gonorrhoea – Antimicrobial Resistance

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

NSW Health had a recent notification of a locally acquired, extensively drug resistant (XDR) gonorrhoea. The XDR showed high level resistance and decreased susceptibility to first line drugs, azithromycin and ceftriaxone, used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. 

This comes as a timely reminder to ALWAYS collect a gonococcal culture to determine antimicrobial sensitivity PRIOR to administering treatment for gonorrhoea – but don’t delay treatment. 

An endocervical swab collected by a clinician is the ideal investigation.  However a self-collected high vaginal swab is often more acceptable for patients. 

Refer to the Australian STI Management Guidelines for further information and management of gonorrhoea. 

*Hot Tip* – Place your swabs next to your ceftriaxone stock as a reminder to collect a culture before treating your patients.  

UPDATE: On 28th March 2025, NSW Health released a new gonorrhoea alert.

An additional case of overseas-acquired XDR gonorrhoea was reported to NSW Health this month.

The health alert emphasises the importance of obtaining a travel history from patients (including partners’ travel) during STI screenings. Of particular concern is any potential exposure to gonorrhoea in South-East Asia, where there is an increase in drug-resistant gonorrhoea.

Please find the NSW Health Alert here and share amongst your colleagues.

If you have any questions, please contact publichealth@ahmrc.org.au