Finalist: Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award
Budjery Manya: New Directions Aboriginal Mothers and Babies Program addresses mother and child health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal families in Western Sydney. Since 2015, the program has provided culturally appropriate services including immunisation clinics, home visits, paediatric assessments, and specialist referrals. In response to community demand, the program updated and expanded in 2023–2024 to include new clinics such as a 1–4 weeks newborn clinic, speech pathology, and out-of-home care assessments. These enhancements were guided by community consultation and data analysis from over 2,800 service occasions.
The program saw a 29% increase in family referrals, with 880 clients served in 2023 to 2024. Immunisation rates rose by 62% and developmental tests rose by 20%. The program's success is underpinned by strong partnerships, targeted recruitment, and alignment with the NSW Aboriginal Health Plan 2024–2034. The program has changed the idea of 'business as usual' care delivery and produced a truly integrated service across the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and the Aboriginal community in Western Sydney.
Meet the other finalist for the Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award.
