South Australian peak body for Aboriginal health
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Aboriginal Health Council of SA Inc. reached a significant milestone in September, celebrating 10 years as an Aboriginal community controlled organisation. Previously, the organisation came under government control.
At the celebrations on 19 and 20 September, Chairperson Yvonne Buza spoke about what independence has meant for the organisation. “Our people can now be encouraged that our state body can advocate for better health outcomes as well as find stronger positions to highlight our different health needs and demand the same level of health prosperity in our communities as all other South Australians,” Yvonne said.
Chief Executive Officer Mary Buckskin said, “We are celebrating our 10 years independence and also to recognise that AHCSA has been in existence since 1981 when it was established under the South Australian Health Commission as the Aboriginal Health Organisation.”
Ms Buckskin paid respect to community members involved from the early days including Margaret Hampton, Cyril Coaby, Elliot McAdam, Tim Agius, Bronwyn Love, Joan O’Loughlin, Marcia Sansbury, Doreen Lawrie, Barbara Wingard, Peter May, Peter Miller, Gwen Miller, Maureen Williams, and Sister Vicki McCormack.
Over the years, the organisation has played a significant role in the establishment of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services around South Australia. Nunkuwarrin Yunti, Kalparrin, Aboriginal Sobriety Group and the Davenport Medical Service were the only independent health services when the Aboriginal Health Organisation was first established.
Since then, eight new Aboriginal health services have been established:
On 1 July 2011, two of these services, Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation and Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal Health Service Aboriginal Corporation also transitioned to Aboriginal community control.
The Aboriginal Health Council of SA Inc. is now working on the establishment of a new service in the Murray Bridge Region.
Ms Buckskin thanked Board Members over the last 30 years and also current Council Members including Yvonne Buza, Les Kropinyeri, Kathy Chisholm, Charles Jackson, Wayne Oldfield, Polly Sumner-Dodd, Laurie Rankine, Fabian Peel, Lucy Evans, John Singer, Wilhelmine Lieberwirth, Gwen Owen, Vicki Holmes, and John Mungee.
SA Health and the Department of Health and Ageing (Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health) were also acknowledged for their support. Ms Buckskin said, “Being able to work collaboratively is essential. We do that within our families, our communities and our services. We also do that with a range of other partners and stakeholders ... working with others is key to getting the best outcome for our clients and communities.”
The Aboriginal Health Council SA began with a small team of nine in 2001 and has since grown to nearly 50 staff and shifted premises twice to accommodate its ever growing team.
“Aboriginal community control is about improving the health of communities and having Aboriginal people take the lead in this - Our Health, Our Choice, Our Way,” Ms Buckskin said.
The Aboriginal Health Council of SA Inc. (AHCSA) is the peak body representing Aboriginal community controlled health and substance misuse service, and Aboriginal health advisory committees across South Australia. AHCSA is an affiliate of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
ENDS. For further information contact: Mrs Mary Buckskin, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia Inc., 08 8273 7200.
