Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Who we are

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We want our People to Live Longer and Stronger.

The AH&MRC is the voice on Aboriginal Health and the peak body who represents ACCHOs in NSW that play a vital role in addressing the needs of Aboriginal people and improving Aboriginal health outcomes.

We support 51 ACCHOs to deliver culturally safe, high-quality primary health care services to Aboriginal communities across NSW. In partnership with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health organisations at a local, state and national level, we address the social determinants of health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people. We work to strengthen the ACCHO workforce and ensure Aboriginal people are involved in the decision-making and delivery of health services.

AH&MRC Strategic Focus Areas and Objectives

Strategy 1

Leadership and governance

Strategy 2

Relevance to members and other stakeholders

Strategy 3

Knowledge developing and sharing

Strategy 4

Cultural capability and humility

Strategy 5

Operational excellence

Our History

  • 1971
  • 1982
  • 1985
  • 1996
  • 1998
  • 2004
  • 2016
  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2022
1971

Established in 1971

The first Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) was established by the local Aboriginal community in Redfern. It was established to address the discrimination that Aboriginal people experience in mainstream health services. The increasing ill health and premature deaths of Aboriginal people provoked the need for culturally appropriate and accessible health services.

1982

Established in 1982

The NSW Aboriginal Task Force Report was released in 1982. The report recognised Aboriginal Community Control as crucial for laying the foundation to a better standard of health for Aboriginal people. The report sought to establish an Aboriginal community-controlled health sector, where communities had authority over health service delivery and resources. The report also acknowledging that, this was the most effective way to make an impact at both a policy and service level.

1985

Established in 1985

AH&MRC was established in 1985, as a registered co-operative, following a recommendation taken from the NSW Aboriginal Task Force Report. One of the most imperative roles for AH&MRC played during this time was to, advise Ministers for Health and Aboriginal Affairs, at State and Federal levels, on Aboriginal health policy, programs and needs in NSW.

1996

Established in 1996

The Ethics Committee was established from local community leaders and Elders due to the information that was research was not ethically and culturally appropriate.

1998

Established in 1998

AH&MRC became registered as a public company limited by guarantee.

2004

Established in 2004

The RTO was officially registered, marking an important milestone for our organisation.

2016

Established in 2016

Back in 2016-2017, the unit was called Member Services Support Unit (MSSU). Then it was changed to Comprehensive Care Practice Unit (CCPU) towards the end of 2017 (until 2018). In 2019, team was then known as Practice Support Unit until 2020.

2020

Established in 2020

The Service Performance & Quality Unit (SPQ) was created from the Practice Support Unit due to the specialised needs and requirements or our Member Services.

2021

Established in 2021

AH&MRC established the Policy team.

2022

Established in 2022

Ethics Committee won an Indigenous Governance Award.

A black and white picture of Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern with people in front

Our Vision

To be at the forefront of embedded positive change, leading through cultural integrity, enabling a self-determined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector that thrives with sustainable growth, financial independence, excellence in governance and ethics, leading the way through preventative health and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring every voice is heard and valued across our communities.

  • Indigenous Health Resources

  • Community Support

  • Culturally Inclusive Care

  • Advocacy for Equity

  • Collaborative Partnerships

  • Engagement Initiatives

Our Purpose

We are dedicated to strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector by providing robust leadership, advocacy, ethical standards and capacity-building initiatives that enhance governance, fosters sustainability, and uphold the trust and cultural integrity of our communities.

Our role and responsibility is to serve as a trusted leader and partner, connecting and complimenting ACCHOs across the state, amplifying their collective voice in policy discussions throughout the broader decision-making process of New South Wales. Through our efforts, we aim to be the conduit to support a robust and resilient sector that can effectively address the holistic health needs of our communities now and into the future. Achieved by fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and advocating for necessary reforms, we strive to ensure that our people have access to high-quality, culturally safe healthcare services that are governed and implemented by their own communities.

Our Values

The fundamental core values of the AH&MRC are trust, resilience, integrity, self determination and respect. The board of management and operational staff of AH&MRC are dedicated to carrying out their duties through accountability and professionalism.

These value principles ensure that our business practices, relationships, and outcomes reflect our cultural identity and commitment to excellence.

 

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51

Member Services

198

Students Enrolments

350

Workforce Training

20

Indigenous Trainees Recruited

Join the Cause

Help us raise funds for First Nations Health and Disaster Response.

As the peak body for the ACCHO sector, we are in a unique position to be able to identify gaps in funding and have identified 3 key areas of need – Disaster Response, Elective Surgery and Scholarships.

Donate Today
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Our Staff

Members are Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) led by their respective Aboriginal communities to deliver comprehensive and culturally appropriate primary health care services.

Meet the Team

Our Board

Governance Support Program created by the AH&MRC and funded by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to strengthen and support NSW ACCHSs in Board Governance.

Meet the Board

Job Opportunities

Explore the abundant opportunities available with AH&MRC or other health sectors.

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