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 15-11-2011
Mr Justin Mohamed has been re-elected Chair for a three year term of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), the national peak body for over 150 Aboriginal community controlled medical services across Australia.
Over two hundred delegates from community controlled Aboriginal health services across urban, regional and remote Australia are attending the NACCHO AGM. It is the largest annual gathering of Aboriginal people involved in community health.
This year’s meeting is in Sydney in recognition of the 40 anniversary of the founding of the first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in Redfern in 1971. This morning delegates paid tribute to the Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern and the inspiration and support it lent to the community based services that followed over the last 40 years.
Mr Mohamed said, “Redfern was the spark that began the movement of Aboriginal communities creating and running their own health services providing comprehensive primary health care. In forty years we have grown from one Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service to over 150 services run by communities. Our services across the country are the solution to closing the gap in Aboriginal health.
“We carry the torch for other Aboriginal communities who want their own health services and to set their own priorities according to their community’s needs. Aboriginal people taking control of their health at all levels is the most effective way to overcome the barriers to better health.” Mr Mohamed said.
Mr Mohamed welcomed the newly elected Deputy Chair of NACCHO Mr Matthew Cooke (25). He is the Deputy Chair of the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council and CEO of the Nhulundu Wooribah Indigenous Health Organisation Inc in Gladstone. Mr Cooke was elected to the NACCHO Board in 2010. In 2008 he was named the Deadly Vibe Young Australian of the Year award and in 2007 he was named Young Leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
Mr Mohamed also thanked the out going Deputy Chair of NACCHO Ms Glenda Humes for her support in the role over the last two years.
The three day NACCHO Annual General and Members Meeting continues on Wednesday and Thursday.
Members will set directions for the future of the sector in discussions covering core primary health services, quality improvement, the Congress of the First Australians and Aboriginal health in the national health reform agenda. Other sessions will look at Medicare Locals, men’s and women’s health, and the eye health program.
On Thursday night delegates will attend the Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern’s 40 th anniversary celebrations at the Sydney Town Hall.
NACCHO Media Contact: Chris Hallett 04 0770 4788
www.naccho.org.au
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