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Indigenous Health

Head over to our project signup form to get involved in TIME’s efforts towards improving Indigenous Health!

BACKGROUND

  • The health of Australia’s indigenous peoples is similar to inhabitants of Cape Verde and El Salvador (non-Indigenous Australians ranked 3rd compared to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 103rd on UN’s 2010 State of the World’s Indigenous People Report – the biggest discrepancy of the developed countries)
  • Life expectancy at birth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: 67.2 years for men and 72.9 years for women (2005-2007), 11.5 years lower than for non-Indigenous men and 9.7 years lower than for non-Indigenous women
  • 80% of the life expectancy gap can be attributed to preventable disease (cardiovascular complications, hepatic pathology and diabetes)
  • Broadly, inequality also exists in essential social determinants: unemployment, housing, access to food and water, suicide, substance abuse and crime
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s latest publication provides a comprehensive statistical overview of indigenous health.

TIME’s INDIGENOUS HEALTH PROJECT

Coordinating with the UQ-UNMDG Project, Towards Rural and Outback Health Professionals In Queensland (TROHPIQ), Oxfam Community Aid Abroad – UQ and Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR), TIME’s Indigenous Health project formally began in 2009.

Long term objectives of the project consist of:

  • Enhancing understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and sensitivities
  • Raising awareness about Indigenous health issues among the UQ community
  • Building relationships with Indigenous communities in Queensland and engaging in preventive health measures
  • Equipping UQ health students with skills to address Indigenous health issues, particularly in a clinical setting

ACTIVITIES IN 2010

Time for Hope

Hope Vale is an Indigenous community located 400km north of Cairns in Cape York. Since 2004 the Hope Vale-Pelican Project has held a two week on-country camp each September, which provides rest and respite for the community while engaging the youth with daily activities that promote caring for country, marine science and preservation of culture. This program is community driven, was initiated in response to suicide and youth issues, and is designed to address community issues in creative ways.

In 2011 TIME will again be working to send students to the Hope Vale camp.

Indigenous Health Seminar

Scheduled during NAIDOC Week, the joint TIME/TROHPIQ Indigenous Health Seminar raised awareness about Indigenous health issues.

Communities in Brisbane

TIME has fostered relationships with several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health organisations in Brisbane, including Inala Aboriginal Health Service, Biala City Community Health Centre, Goodna Medical Centre, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service.

TIME students have engaged in preventive health measures in conjunction with these services, including assisting at NAIDOC week Family Fun Days.

MORE INFORMATION

To be involved, learn more or suggest new directions for TIME’s Indigenous Health Project, please contact our 2011 Indigenous and Rural Health convenor, Alexander Matthews.

You can also head over to our project signup form if you’re ready to get involved, and we’ll get back to you soon!

Here are some more resources of interest: