PAHA Newsletter

The Pilbara Aboriginal Medical Services All Board Meeting

Issue #06   |  July 2024

Chair Report

Ashley Councillor

Welcome to the sixth edition of our PAHA Newsletter, the last three months have been busy with activities to improve opportunity and growth in the Aboriginal Heath Sector across the Pilbara region.

Discussions have continued with stakeholders, community and government representatives that address our regions need and aspirations to improve the health outcomes for our Pilbara Aboriginal people.

PAHA attended the WA Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector Conference in Perth listening to the amazing stories of activities and programs within ACCHS across WA. We continued discussions to progress the Dialysis Unit in Tom Price, we held our first engagement meeting with all three Members services in Pilbara to discuss and finalise the Strategic Plan for PAHA and other matters important for the region, we attended the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Planning Forum in Karratha and the list goes on. 

I am proud of our amazing staff that continue the journey of Our Story Our Way project, Culture Care Connect and Aboriginal Family Partnerships Program that will contribute to improved health and wellbeing of Pilbara Aboriginal people.

CEO Report

Chris Pickett

It’s official. On the 19th June PAHA signed a contract with the Commonwealth to build a 4 Chair Dialysis Unit in Tom Price under the Better Renal Services for First Nations Peoples program. Aboriginal residents of Tom Price and Paraburdoo as well as the Aboriginal communities of Wakathuni, Bellary Springs and Youngaleena currently must relocate to Perth (1452km) or South Hedland (404km) or travel 3 times a week to access dialysis treatment.

At community meetings held by PAHA from August 2023, the depth of community support for a dialysis unit at Tom Price was clearly demonstrated, reflecting many years of advocacy for local access.  Furthermore, the Yule River Bush meeting 2023 Call To Action reaffirms the urgency for better renal dialysis services in the region.  The Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation (‘Purple House’) will operate the facility on PAHA’s behalf and, fingers crossed, it should be ready to receive its first patients in late 2025. I want to take this opportunity to express PAHA’s deep appreciation for the way in which the Tom Price Aboriginal language and community groups have rallied around to support this initiative.

What a week we had in mid June commencing with an meeting of all 3 member Boards from across the Pilbara at the Ngurin Centre in Ieramagadu, the first meeting together for 3 years. This was an opportunity to review our Strategic Plan (soon to be published on our website), Constitutional changes and funding arrangements over the coming years and for PAHA staff to present on the projects they are working on. Board members also had an enjoyable yarning session with the Murru Minya National Research Project team on their experiences with health research. The next three days were filled with a PAHA Board meeting, a Pilbara Aboriginal Health Planning Meeting and a Steering Committee meeting. This was an organisational challenge very ably met by the PAHA staff and in particular a big thanks to Jodie and Sandy.

Much is happening over the coming weeks including the Yule River Bush Meeting on the 24^th and 25^th July. I hope you enjoy this update on PAHA happenings.

Good News

The Pilbara Aboriginal Medical Services All Board Meeting

For only the second time ever the Board Directors of Mawarnkarra Health Service, Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service came together, the first time they formulated the strategic direction path for PAHA.  The team at PAHA were thrilled to be able to showcase the work we have done since that very first meeting.  The growth of the organisation was showcased by our Programs, Culture Care Connect and the Australian Family Partnership Program, that together with the recent funding announcement of the four chair dialysis unit in Tom Price.  PAHA has been very successful in advocating for our Aboriginal Member Services for increased programs and a number of millions in funding.   A review of the original Strategic Plan was conducted by the Directors which confirmed the clear path for PAHA’s future and at the base of that plan is the core values of Culture, Respect, Integrity, Accountability and Transparency.  Winding up this day was a fruitful yarning session with the folks from Murru Minya, thanks to Felicity, Michelle, Ray and Kayden for travelling to the Pilbara to deliver the Yarn and a special thanks for the beautiful painting gifts you gave us!

Member Highlights

Member Highlights

Sandy Rodricks

Senior Administration Officer

Events

FHRI Open Day

PAHA was excited to co-host with WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) the FHRI Open Day in Perth which also celebrated International Women’s Day.  The 120 attendees were riveted by an impressive overview on Our Story Our Way by Mrs June Councillor from Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and is PAHA’s Our Story Our Way’s Chief Investigator.  Our very own CEO Chris Pickett was co-Master of Ceremonies and what a brilliant job he did ensuring the event ran smoothly and on time.  FHRI is the Government of WA Future Health Research and Innovation Fund which provides secure sources of funding for health and medical research and innovation.

AHCWA State Sector Conference

Once again the Pilbara shone like the bright stars they all are with another strong representation at our State Sector Conference.  With representatives from Mawarnkarra Health Service, Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service as well as our very own PAHA staff we were easily one of the largest contingents that travelled.  In now familiar territory at The Esplanade in Fremantle our mob spent an amazing few days listening to some very incredible speakers, including our very own Kesi-Maree who has proven inspirational and a strong leader in the Suicide arena.

Our Culture Care Connect Coordinator, Kesi-Maree Prior, showcased our innovative Pilbara aftercare Model of Care and Network Suicide Prevention Plan at the recent AHCWA State Sector Conference. This presentation highlighted our co-design approach in developing these crucial frameworks. The Pilbara region was prominently represented at the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Adelaide in April. The Pilbara Suicide Peer Network shared insights on their effective collaboration for suicide prevention across remote areas, with our Culture Care Connect program serving as a prime example of positive outcomes through collaborative efforts. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kesi, Sam, Charity, and Lauren for their exceptional dedication and contributions. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in advancing our mission to create a suicide safer Pilbara region.

CCC Update

We are delighted to share the latest advancements of the Culture Care Connect Program in the Pilbara region, marking significant progress towards enhancing social and emotional wellbeing and preventing suicide.

We are pleased to announce that recruitment for our Aftercare positions, based within our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation partners, is well underway. Currently, two out of three Aftercare Worker roles have been successfully filled, bringing us closer to bolstering our support framework.

Co-presenting with PAMS Aboriginal Environmental Health and the Environmental Health Trachoma Project #EHTP, the team emphasized the crucial role of Clinical EH Referrals in delivering holistic healthcare. This collaboration highlights our Member Service’s commitment to integrating environmental health into comprehensive healthcare practices for the benefit of our communities.