Means the empowering of a community through the adoption of appropriate organisational structures which enable all Aboriginal people in the local Community the opportunity to be represented as members and to be involved in the decision making process and, therefore, the right to participate and contribute to the goals, structure and operation of its health services.
In general, health data currently under-represents the health experience of Aboriginal communities and, unfortunately, health status may be worse than the figures indicate.
The Aboriginal community of Walgett lobbied for an AMS in the late 70’s. Some of the issues they argued for an AMS was that women were giving birth on hospital verandahs, people being turned away because they were Aboriginal, and generally feeling uncomfortable about being treated in a very non-Aboriginal middle-class establishment when they themselves were only recognised as citizens of this nation in 1967.
In 1986 Walgett opened its doors to provide an AMS. The Board of Directors moved a resolution to treat all people in the community and that has been the case ever since. Our statistics show today that 40% of our clients are non-Aboriginal. While people may argue that we should only treat Aboriginal people I think we have shown all members of the community that we are here for everyone to help in any way we can.
Monies for WAMS come from a separate bucket of money for Aboriginal health despite the belief that AMSs take the money away from the mainstream health services. AMSs are an important part in the delivery of Primary Health Care and recognised as equal partners in delivery of Health by both the State and Federal Ministers for Health.
More recently WAMS have been involved in developing our service for Accreditation. Accreditation means that a health service, such as hospitals, community health centres and even AMSs, have met standards of clinical practices, administrative management, working with other agencies and conducts programs according to client and community needs. The past three years saw Directors and staff work together to meet these standards. A formal review was conducted and we have been informed that WAMS are recommended for Accreditation.
This recommendation has gone to a national body for endorsement. In September 2001 WAMS have received Certification. We are the first AMS in NSW to be an Accredited health service. Such status will reinforce the professional level of health care that WAMS provide equal to and above some of the mainstream health services.
Programs
The nine Directors are strong advocates of working together in the community.
Our programs focus not only on health but the youth, our culture, education, housing and all aspects of our lives. WAMS services are available to the communities of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri and other small towns in the area, and has developed over the years to provide a resource centre for;
· health related issues
· medical advice and treatment
· Talks to school students and teachers on health issues
· individual and family counselling
· information and advice about issues relating to substance abuse
· sexually health services
· family violence
· children's health/issues
· adolescent health
· women's and men's health
· healthy lifestyle (including healthy eating)
· Ear health screening
· Eye Health
· Dental services
Affiliated Services include
- Children's Mobile Service which assists in a child's development of a positive self image in relation to physical, social health and cultural activities and services small local remote communities
- Vacation Care Centre which provides out of school activities for young people during the school holidays.
Also refer attached WAMS brochure and list of staff members within our organisation
The WAMS Illness Prevention Program assists the local community to become aware of the impact various illnesses (e.g. AIDS, STD's, diabetes etc) have on the population in general. Staff have presented papers to Australian and international conferences, and have co-ordinated six Aboriginal Medical Services in the region to meet bi-monthly since 1995 (the Bila Muuji project).
Every year WAMS is present at the Walgett show cholesterol testing and providing first aid.
This service is provided free of charge to the community. We also attend other communities for similar activities on request.
We have been involved in many community events over the years, including;
- four Debutante Balls
- Murdi Paaki (ATSIC Regional Council) Ball
- Moorubil Day flag-raising ceremony, park activities and performances, at Walgett 29 May 1998
- community days in 1996 and 1997 providing horizontal bungee jumping, sumo wrestling and other entertainment
- various town activities for World AIDS Day 1995
- a parade and concert for International Year of Indigenous people 1993
- cultural exchange for kids to
- a study tour of
- a visit by local elders to the
- Fifteen years celebrations of WAMS activities
WAMS also conduct Health Promotion activities for State, National and International events, eg World AIDS Day, Heart Health Week, No Cancer Day, and Seniors Week.
These types of activities not only promote a positive image for our town but also bring people together in a relaxed and non-threatening environment.
Working with other agencies
WAMS has active links with many of the local agencies in the Walgett Shire and are often called upon to address meetings, present reports on their activities and participate in their conferences.
For example, WAMS are a member of the local Shires Interagency group and attend their monthly meetings. They are also a member of the local Health Service Advisory Committee, Service Providers, and the Community Working Party and attend the weekly Mens Group meetings.
They work closely with the schools in the delivery of nutritional and health programs, negotiate employment for participants of the CDEP and B EST.
Resources
WAMS have produced the following resources which are available for purchase from their office:
· "Yundiboo Television" video focusing on men’s health
· Goonimoo Women’s Cookbook
· ‘Little Booramas’ a childrens storybook
· A postcard depicting a scarred tree.
Cultural Heritage Revival and Protection
A major WAMS strategy is to develop a local base of cultural identity and knowledge, and in the process, foster a culture of learning and achievement that can assist in many life situations. From the building and maintenance of our cultural identity and the reclaiming of our cultural heritage will come the skills, strength and self-esteem to achieve, and learn further.
WAMS employ over thirty staff - both casuals and permanent, most of the Aboriginal people are from the Walgett Shire. WAMS have 95% of their Aboriginal staff who are from the Walgett Shire. Young people are offered paid work during the school holidays (schools students and those who have left school) at WAMS. This enables them exposure to the workforce and an opportunity to experience working at WAMS should they consider applying for any vacancies in the future.