Aboriginal
Deaths in South Australia
How many deaths per year could be expected in a group of
people of the same size and age-structure as the Aboriginal
community in South Australia? The answer according to DHS
statistician Graeme Tucker is 29 male and 24 female deaths (ie 1 a
week). In fact there are actually 70 and 56 respectively (ie 1 every
3 days). This is probably an under-estimate because not all
Aboriginal deaths are recorded as such, particularly in urban areas.
For the technically minded, Graeme used indirect age-sex
standardisation and showed that the SMR (standardized mortality
ratio) for Aboriginal people is approximately 2.4 in South
Australia. Aboriginal mortality rates are significantly higher in
all age groups than for non-Aboriginal people. Of particular concern
are the very high rates among Aboriginal males in rural and
remote areas of the state.
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Methadone
Clinics
Two in metro area which cater for indigenous people are the
Substitution Options Program (SOS) at Nunkuwarrin Yunti, 183
Wakefield street, Adelaide, contact Jorge on 82316333 or 0403587443.
Also the "Way Out" program at Parks Community Health
Service, contact Dr Nick Williams or Wendy Fraser on 82435611. The
Parks program has just been beefed up with a DASC doctor,
psychologist and nursing sister available onsite. Dosing is done
through two local pharmacies. First 6 weeks methadone now
provided free of charge from all DASC sites.
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Tauondi
Aboriginal College Health Days
At 1 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide. Free health checks, and
displays by Aboriginal and mainstream agencies. Entertainment and
food also provided. For more information, contact Karen Smith
on 82400300.
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Journey
of Healing
This western suburbs group, formed in response to the "Bringing
Them Home" report, organises local events, focussing on
reconciliation by recognising indigenous culture, addressing
disadvantage, and supporting social justice for Aboriginal people.
Contact Suzanne Elliott 82435630
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Western
Carers Association
Now has an indigenous subgroup. Contact Trevor
Bromley or Dora Hunter on 82402900 Tues to Thurs
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Aboriginal
Men's Support Group
Port Adelaide Central Mission program for Aboriginal men (18
years and over) who may be seeking support with personal,
relationship, community or other issues. Counselling, referral,
projects, mentoring and/or learning workshops. Available for
Aboriginal men from Port Adelaide and western suburbs area. Contact
David Akbar 84402290 or [email protected]
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Aboriginal
Specialist Eye Health Program
Eye health screening is operating in Adelaide
metropolitan area using ophthalmologist Dr Damien Louis, optician Mr
Mike Burnside and other participating opticians working from centres
that are currently utilized by Aboriginal people. The program is funded through Medicare bulk billing (ie free for those
screened).
For more details, contact Bill Redfern 8100 1003 or email [email protected]
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Accommodation
Advice for People with Mental Health Needs
Accommodation advice for people with mental health needs is a new initiative
provided by the South Australian Housing Trust and Mental Illness Fellowship
of SA. A Housing Trust Worker will be available every Tuesday from 1-4pm at
the Mental Health Resource Centre, 1 Richmond Road, Keswick. For an appointment phone (08) 8221 5166.
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Aboriginal
Vascular Health Resource Catalogue and Network
Available free from NSW Health
Department, Locked Bag 961 North Sydney NSW 2059, this is an
important resource. There is also a regular newsletter. Considering
the tragically high prevalence of indigenous vascular disease, the
catalogue shows scarcity of specific resources in this area.
Highlights urgent need for indigenous action research around health
promotion initiatives.
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Indigenous
Child Abuse Report Line (Yaitya Tirramangkotti)
Meaning "people of
prevention". Staffed by indigenous workers, and open 9am to 5pm
weekdays, this service is operated by Dept Human Services and can be
accessed 82030470 directly or via the 24 hour/7 day general child
abuse line on 131478.
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Nunga
Drop In Centre
Run by the
Anglican Parish of West Adelaide, everyone is welcome to this place
of reconciliation on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm for painting, craft
work, free lunch, friendship, and healing spirituality. Located at
St James Church, 1B Falcon Avenue, Mile End. Phone 84433955
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Kidney
Care (SA)
The Australian Kidney
Foundation (AKF) has a nationwide education, care and support
network staffed by trained volunteers who have different experiences
with kidney disease. Because Aboriginal people experience high rates
of kidney disease and dialysis, the Foundation is attempting to set
up an Aboriginal support network. If you are interested in finding
out more about this initiative, contact Sr Karen Bennett,
AKF's Education Services Coordinator on 83347555.
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"C
Clearly" Hepatitis C Support Service
Care,
liaison, education and risk reduction. Co-ordinating health care of
people living with hepatitis C, and people who may be at increased
risk of hepatitis C. A program run by the Department of General
Practice, University of Adelaide.
Contact
details: Ph 0428 428 027, 08-8231
4026,
FAX 08-8231 1211
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Aboriginal
Neighbourhood House
New
neighbourhood house at Gilles Plains
(just behind Gilles Plains Primary School) with Ethel Abdullah as
co-ordinator. For
more details contact Enfield Community Health Service on 8342 8600.
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Bean
Bag Net Center
Kumangka
program to train Aboriginal young people in IT. Run by Frank Nam
from premises in Mary Street, Hindmarsh. Ring 83404499 for details.
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Takikurtinna
Wiltarnendi ("Families becoming stronger")
Parenting
and family support program being run from Port Adelaide Central
Mission. Phone 82410211 for more
details.
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Karpandi
Shelter
For
Aboriginal women and children in crisis in inner Adelaide. Funded by
Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services and administered by Westcare at Millers Court, Adelaide. Phone
Lin Turner or David Wright on 82118344 for more details.
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ATSI
Men's and Women's Sexual Health Courses
Run by
indigenous teachers from SHINE (SA) for Aboriginal Health Workers,
these courses aim to increase knowledge, skills and confidence for
participants to increase the sexual health of their communities.
Further
information, contact course support worker on 08-84315177 or e-mail [email protected]
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Puggy Hunter Memorial
Scholarships Scheme
Aims to address under-representation of ATSI Peoples in
health professions, and as tribute to the late Dr
Hunter's outstanding contribution to Aboriginal health.
For further information contact: 1800 188 331
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"Having
a Yarn"
Drop-in, free counselling
service for Aboriginal people every Wednesday 1pm to 4pm immediately
following the Nunga lunch at Parks Community Health Service,
Trafford Street, Angle Park. Free creche for children 1 to 5 years
old.
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Aboriginal
Women's Activity Group
At Inner
Southern Community Health Service, 1140A South Road, Clovelly Park. Free lunch and transport,
plus creche available for young children (please provide a plate for
your children's lunch if creche used). Activities include craft,
sewing (machines provided), outings, guest speakers.
More details,
contact Margaret Nelson on 82772488
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Carers
Support ("Karrarendi". to rise above)
A group of Aboriginal people
providing ongoing care to children and young people with physical,
intellectual and developmental disabilities. Family days, picnics,
retreats and other supportive gatherings are organised. Located in
Western Adelaide, contact person is Josephine Judge-Rigney phone
82402900
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Parenting Support
Services for Aboriginal children and families in the Port
Adelaide-Enfield local government area. Practical and emotional
support. Contact 8243 5544
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ACHA Program
Assistance
with Care and Housing for the Aged Program has Aboriginal workers
with Salisbury, Adelaide city, Port Adelaide-Enfield and Onkaparinga
council areas in Adelaide. Aim of ACHA is to assist financially
disadvantaged older persons in meeting their housing and care needs.
Karen Wyld is the Aboriginal
Support Officer delivering the ACHA program to indigenous people in
Port Adelaide-Enfield.
The definition of “older persons” is flexible and depends on
circumstances. Contact (08)84056868.
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Dental
Services
Free
dental care for refugees and Aboriginal Health Care Card holders is
available Nunkuwarrin Yunti, 182 Wakefield Street, Adelaide 5000.
Waiting list for non-urgent cases is 1 month. People with
dental emergencies (eg pain) can be seen "on the day".
Phone 08-82235011 for appointments and information.
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Reconnect
"Reconnect
Port Adelaide-Enfield" is a program for young people aged 12 to
18 from all cultural backgrounds. It aims to encourage
reconciliation between young people and their families where
difficulties have been occurring. It also provides access to
appropriate counselling, mediation, advocacy and information for
young people and their families.
Phone toll free 1800 448 999 Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm and Sat 9am to
2pm.
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ANTaR
(SA)
Australians for Native Title
and Reconciliation. A national coalition of individuals and
organisations supporting reconciliation and indigenous native title
and self determination rights. Ph 82270170/FAX 82233039 for details
of activities and how to join.
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CareLink
Centres
A nationwide
(mainstream) information service for aged Australians and those
people with complex care needs, and their families. Hours Mon -Fri
9am to 5pm on 1800 052 222
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Aboriginal
Men’s Group
Initiative
of Parks Health Service, Angle Park. Its aim is mutual support,
friendship, practical discussions about health and social matters. Inquiries: Trevor Graham 82435611.
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Western
Paediatric Outreach
Specialist
paediatric outreach service from Women’s and Children’s Hospital
based at Parks Health Service, Trafford St, Angle Park. Target
groups include Aboriginal children, and children from non-English
speaking backgrounds. All other children living in Western metro
area also eligible to attend. A referral from a GP is required.
Inquiries: Deidre Burn on 82435611.
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Aboriginal
Parents’ Group
Collaborative
venture between Child & Youth Health and Enfield Community
Health. The aim is to provide support for Aboriginal parents living
in the N.E. Adelaide area. Operates weekdays from 10-3 during school
term from 489 North East Rd, Hillcrest. Childcare is provided for
children under 4. Some transport is available for people living in
the Gilles Plains area. Timetable includes; Craft class in mornings,
followed by a light lunch and discussion about parenting issues in
the afternoons. Inquiries: Felicity on 83428600.
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Diabetes and Vascular Health Resources
"Aboriginal
Vascular Health Resource Catalogue"
ISBN 0 7347 3315 1 (NSW Health Dept) is
available free from:
Better Health Centre
Publications Warehouse
Locked Mail Bag 5003
Gladesville NSW 2111
Ph 02-98160452 FAX 02-98160492
Also,
a pamphlet and a fridge magnet printed in English and Pitjanjatjara
are available from Aboriginal Health Council, 167
Fullarton Rd, Dulwich 5065. Ph 84314800. Myra Wilson, at Dept Human
Services Health Promotion Services, 08-82266000 is the contact person
for the Metropolitan Aboriginal Diabetes Mob, a group of health
workers interested in finding ways of approaching the problem of
Aboriginal diabetes.
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Gambling
Intervention Program
Run
from Nunkuwarrin Yunti, 182 Wakefield St, Adelaide, this program
runs educational sessions designed to give information and explore
ways of reducing the risks from gambling. Inquiries: 82235217.
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Kumangka
Aboriginal Youth Service (KAYS)
Also
run from Nunkuwarrin Yunti, KAYS provides advocacy and referral
services to young Aboriginal people frequenting the inner city area.
Manager Frank Nam and 5 staff provide a weekly service in Hindley
Street, assisting young people in crisis, providing advocacy,
referral and emergency transport. Inquiries: 82235217.
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Parks
Open Clinic
The Parks Community Health
Service and the Aboriginal Health team provide a free lunch every
Wednesday 12-1pm. There is also an open medical clinic from 10.30am
to 3pm. Many other services are also available during this time (physio,
podiatry, children's play group, drug counseling). Some transport is
available for people otherwise unable to get there.
The Parks provides many services for Aboriginal people wanting help
with a drug habit. The following services are available: - clean
needle program - free blood tests and Hepatitis B immunisation -
drug and alcohol counselling by an Aboriginal DASC worker - a methadone
maintenance program (first 6 weeks methadone free) - assistance with home detoxification off heroin.
Phone 08-82435611 and talk to a worker
or just drop in.
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Port
Adelaide Open Clinic
Morning and afternoon Aboriginal
medical clinics with Aboriginal lunches (coin donation if possible) from
midday Thursdays during school term time. Ring 82409611 for details.
Address 9 Church
Street, Port Adelaide. Limited free patient transport available but
prior bookings essential.
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Anglicare
Family Support
Anglicare's Family Support
Team brings over 25 years experience to their work with families.
Develop skills and knowledge to improve your family
relationships and enjoyment of family life. Help to:
Increase confidence in being a parent
Understand children's physical and emotional development
Get to know local services and supports
Develop skills in:
Communication
Decision making and problem solving
Managing children's behaviour in a positive way
For further information:
Phone 8305 9200
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ATSI
Veterans
"Do you know someone who
served?"
Aboriginals who served with
the Australian Armed forces, especially during times of conflict,
are able to claim/apply for entitlements and services through the
Department of Veterans' Affairs. Enquiries welcomed by phone local
133254 or free call 1800555254.
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Fluvax/Pneumovax
For Aboriginal People
All ATSI people over 50, and
any aged 15 to 50 with chronic illnesses are eligible for free
flu vaccine every year and free pneumococcal vaccine every five
years from their GP. Doctors contact SA Immunization Co-ordinating Unit on phone 82267177
or FAX 82267187 for supplies.
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Immunisations
in Port Adelaide-Enfield Council Area
From Karyn Fromene, Local
Immunization Co-Ordinator: The City of Port Adelaide Enfield is
offering free immunisation services at the Gilles Plains Community
Health Outreach Service 489 B Northeast Rd Gilles Plains, for
indigenous families residing in the northeastern suburbs. After the
success of the Tauondi Aboriginal College Clinic, Immunisation
services are being offered to those families living in the
northeastern suburbs. Currently visiting on Tuesday mornings (best to check with the centre on 82615355 for
next clinic.). All vaccines are free to Aboriginal families,
including Hepatitis B, Pnuemococcal and flu vaccine.
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Aboriginal
Kinship Program
This initiative underway in Adelaide to support the
families of Aboriginal people who have drug problems. It has just
(2003) received increased funding. Workers make referrals and facilitate access to various agencies,
advocate on behalf of affected people, and do home visits although
they do not provide formal counselling. Western metro area workers based at the Parks
(82435611) and Port Adelaide community health services (82409611).
Another worker covers southern metro from
Nunkuwarrin Yunti (82235011). Northern metro is served by 2 workers based at Lyell McEwin Health Service
(81829000), and 2 additional workers at Enfield
Community Health Service. One concentrates on the women's
prison, and another on homeless people in city of Adelaide.
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Resource
Booklet About Aboriginal People
Published by the SA Museum.
Title: Aboriginal Adelaide. A series of reprints from the Journal of
the Anthropolgical Society of South Australia. Interesting and
essential background reading for anyone who has an involvement with
the Adelaide Aboriginal community. Available for $21.95 plus $3
postage from the Museum Shop, SA Museum, North Tce, Adelaide 5000.
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NOTICES
