The newly formed Narungga Health Assembly has met for the first time last week to discuss the health priorities and future health needs of Narungga Nation people living in the Yorke Peninsula.
Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Roger Kirchner, said as part of the State Government’s Buthera Agreement, the meeting saw a number of key stakeholders come together to discuss future health service opportunities tailored to the needs of the Narungga Nation people.
“We are pleased to be working hand-in-hand with the Narungga Nation’s people to ensure the delivery of health services in the Yorke and Northern region is tailored to meet the needs of their community, both now and into the future,” Mr Kirchner said.
“The meeting focused on the provision of culturally safe care, treatment and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Yorke Peninsula, and building a stronger and more sustainable approach to health services in the region.
“Key stakeholders attending the meeting included representatives from the Narungga Nation, Yorke and Northern Local Health Network and the Department for Health and Wellbeing.
“We recognise that providing a culturally sensitive health service is important to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the Assembly supports us to work in partnership to design and deliver services of a high standard.”
Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Klynton Wanganeen, said the first meeting is an important milestone for the Narungga people.
“It is a priority for the Narungga people living in the Yorke Peninsula to feel supported culturally, emotionally and physically when interacting with their health service,” Mr Wanganeen said.
“The meeting was a great opportunity for the Narungga community to share their health values and identify emerging and existing health priorities that are of importance to us as a community.
“By consulting with a range of health providers and stakeholders, we hope to improve and increase access to services and identify initiatives that will help Narungga people access health care closer to home and reduce the need to be away from the land.
“There is a strong commitment from both Government and Narrunga Nation to provide accessible, effective and meaningful services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from rural, remote and metropolitan areas.”
The first Narungga Health Assembly meeting was held on 5 March, with subsequent meetings to occur quarterly.
