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NSW Health

MINISTER ASSISTING THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH (Mental Health)
Paul Lynch


07 July 2008

Workers recognised for their contribution to Aboriginal Health

Programs to improve renal health among Aboriginal people, encourage safe sex and reduce overweight and obesity in children are among the winners of the 2008 NSW Health Aboriginal Health Awards.

Minister Paul Lynch, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, presented the Awards on behalf of the NSW Minister for Health, and acknowledged the contribution made by the finalists and winners of the awards, towards improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people in NSW.

"The NSW Health Aboriginal Health Awards provide a valuable opportunity each year to recognise outstanding contributions of health care workers from across the state, and the quality of finalists and winners this year was outstanding," Minister Paul Lynch said.

"Through their professionalism and tireless commitment, this year's winners have helped steer the NSW Health system towards improving the health of Aboriginal people and closing the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people."

The Minister's Award for Aboriginal Health was awarded to the Hunter New England Area Health Service initiative Good for Kids Good for Life. Equity - Focused Health Impact Assessment.

"This project brings together a variety of agencies, community groups and industry to provide practical information and new systems, to make it easier for Aboriginal children to be active and eat well," Mr Lynch said.

Minister Lynch presented the Enterprise and Resourcefulness Award to the Pit Stop Men's Health Screening and Referral Program run by Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, Greater Western Area Health Service, Bourke Aboriginal Medical Service and the Outback Division of General Practice.

"This is an innovative screening program specifically targeting male health issues - it will significantly strengthen awareness of men's health issues and provide men with referrals to health services," Minister Lynch said.

Director-General of NSW Health, Professor Debora Piccone AM presented the Director-General's Award to the Malabar Community Midwifery Link Service run by The Royal Hospital for Women.

The highlight of the evening was the induction into the Hall of Fame of Judy Johnson and Pam Greer. Ms Johnson was honoured for her work with Bourke Aboriginal Health Service and Ms Greer for her tireless work as an activist and mentor in the field of family violence in Aboriginal communities.

"The two women exemplify the passion and commitment of thousands of health workers across the state who are making a real difference to the health of Aboriginal people," Minister Lynch said.

The NSW Health Aboriginal Health Awards have received overwhelming support from the health care sector and the Aboriginal community and are sponsored this year by Baxter Healthcare.

Details of winners and finalists for the 2008 NSW Health Aboriginal Health Awards are available on the NSW Health website at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/ahawards

2008 NSW Health Aboriginal Health Awards

Award Category
Excellence in Program and Service Delivery and Director General's Award
Agency/Organisation
Royal Hospital for Women, South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service
Winning Project/Individual
Malabar Community Midwifery Link Service

Award Category
Innovation in Chronic Care
Agency/Organisation
Hunter New England Area Health Service
Winning Project/Individual
Using knowledge to safeguard our nations - A collaborative approach to vascular and renal health in Aboriginal Communities within the countries of north-eastern NSW

Award Category
Minister's Award for Aboriginal Health
Agency/Organisation
Hunter New England Area Health Service
Winning Project/Individual
Good for Kids, Good for Life Equity-Focused Health Impact Assessment

Award Category
Working Together to Make a Difference - Individual Award
Agency/Organisation
Hunter New England Area Health Service
Winning Project/Individual
Garry Creighton, Tamworth Community Health

Award Category
Strengthening Aboriginal Families and Children
Agency/Organisation
KARI Aboriginal Resources incorporated
Sydney South West Area Health Service
Department of Community Services
Winning Project/Individual
KARI Clinic

Award Category
Working Together to Make a Difference - Team Award
Agency/Organisation
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Co-operative Ltd
Winning Project/Individual
Coinless Condom Machines

Award Category
Innovation in Aboriginal Health
Agency/Organisation
Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW
Winning Project/Individual
Pressing Problems - Gambling Research Project

Award Category
Enterprise and Resourcefulness
Agency/Organisation
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service
Greater Western Area Health Service
Bourke Aboriginal Health Service
Outback Division of General Practice
Winning Project/Individual
'Pit Stop' Men's Health Screening and Referral Program

Award Category
Excellence in Workforce
Agency/Organisation
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service
Winning Project/Individual
Phillip Dowse

Award Category
Gail Mary Award
Winning Project/Individual
Mareese Terare, Bundjalung woman

Award Category
Hall of Fame
Agency/Organisation
Bourke Aboriginal Health Service
Winning Project/Individual
Judy Johnson

Award Category
Hall of Fame
Winning Project/Individual
Pam Greer

 

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au

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