Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia - AHCWA

21/11/2025

Stay strong, stay connected, stay screened.

Early detection could save your life and keep you healthy for the people you love.

If you haven’t received your kit, yarn with your doctor, nurse, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker. You can also take part through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – search “Free Bowel Test” to find out more: ww.health.gov.au/nbcsp

20/11/2025

The 2026 WA Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector Conference artwork was created by artist Ashley Spratt, a Whadjuk and Yuet Noongar man. His work was inspired by this year’s theme, "Growing in Strength Starts With Us".

"I incorporated into this piece all things that are koorliny (moving). The sky and stars to the rivers and waterways, people and communities, nature, and the earth. The piece invites one’s own interpretation. One could see that the trees, green leaves, river or waterway, and green earth underneath grow and move beyond the structure and formality of the rigid boundaries. Another person could view the artwork as representing the human body with its veins and nerves, arteries, cells, and the muscle like fibres beneath showing strength as one grows with time. One could simply see our communities and song lines connected through the land. No matter what you see or feel, it comes from you. From people, the land, our communities, the sky and space — all of itis powerful, growing and koorliny."

20/11/2025

Congratulations, Dr Daniel Hunt, on winning the Advocate of the Year Award in the 2025 AMA (WA) Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to the medical community.

Daniel was acknowledged as an exceptional General Practitioner, a tireless advocate for health equity, and an influential leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. He has dedicated his career to improving access to culturally safe healthcare, influencing health policy at state and national levels, and mentoring the next generation of clinicians.

Read more here:

View the list of recipients for the prestigious AMA (WA) Awards.

19/11/2025

This International Men’s Day, we shine a light on the incredible Aboriginal men setting an example for the next generation and having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Tag a man you know who is making a difference in Aboriginal health.

19/11/2025

Over three days last week in Kalgoorlie, our Senior Public Health Program Officer – Ageing, Helene Casey, and Public Health Program Officer, May Tia Loo, proudly delivered Elder Care Support training to teams at Bega Garnbirringu Health Service and Spinifex.

This training aims to strengthen workforce understanding of the aged care system and support staff as they navigate the Aged Care Reform changes introduced on 1 November.

We extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated staff who joined us, and for their ongoing commitment to supporting Elders in community.

18/11/2025

It was a privilege for AHCWA to take part in the launch of HEART 7 at the Heart of Australia Gala.

Health and Wellbeing Executive Manager Kim Gates helped unveil the latest mobile clinic, which will shortly be travelling across WA to deliver lung cancer screenings to some of the state's most rural and remote areas. This life-saving initiative is part of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and will make a huge difference in our communities.

18/11/2025

Join our team at AHCWA as a Graphic Designer (50D).

The Graphic Designer (50D) is responsible for designing and developing a range of compelling and culturally relevant digital and print material in collaboration with the wider Communications and Design team, and relevant to the needs of the organisation and our Member Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS).

In this role, you will create promotional, educational and event-based print and published content for a variety of audiences and stakeholder groups to facilitate the company’s education, training, and sector support work. This includes the organisation's annual report, newsletter, e-bulletins and other print and digital materials such as brochures, flyers, booklets, intranet and website material.

For more information, head to: https://applynow.net.au/jobs/AHCWA1331

18/11/2025

“Keisha Calyun is a worthy recipient of the Rising Strong Medical Student Award. This award celebrates an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander medical student who is showing a strong interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and a career in general practice.

Ms Calyun is a driven, passionate student and her commitment to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health began even before she commenced her medical studies. While working at the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia, she developed a scholarship to fund other Aboriginal medical students to attend the Pacific Region Indigenous Doctors Congress."

Read more here: https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2025-media-releases/november-2025/truly-inspiring-racgp-aboriginal-and-torres-strait #:~:text=This%20award%20celebrates%20partnerships%20between,to%20improve%20patient%20health%20outcomes

17/11/2025

A state-of-the-art mobile health clinic that screens for lung cancer is bringing vital care closer to home for First Nations communities, where the rate of lung cancer is high.

“We cannot afford to wait; early detection is critical. That is why this program matters. Our people must have care that is effective and culturally safe, delivered in ways that respect community and Country,” National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation deputy chief executive Dawn Casey said

“By working together to make screening accessible and culturally inclusive, we can support our people to take control of their health and give families more precious time with their loved ones.”

Read more here:

A state-of-the-art mobile clinic is heading to remote WA, including the Pilbara and Kimberley, to deliver life-saving lung cancer screenings.

17/11/2025

Cervical Cancer Awareness Week takes place from 17 to 23 November, promoting proactive prevention.

Check you’ve had your free HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, and get a cervical screening test every five years if you have a cervix and are aged 25 to 74.

16/11/2025

National Skin Cancer Action Week runs from 16 to 22 November this year, raising awareness of the importance of staying sun-safe and protecting your skin from Australia’s high UV levels.

This year, we urge mob to slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide to keep our communities healthy, and yarn with a doctor if you notice any changes to your skin.

15/11/2025

"A new Indigenous Healing Service (IHS) for Aboriginal children and young people aged 5-18 impacted by family and domestic violence in the Great Southern will be delivered by Yorgum Healing Services Aboriginal Corporation."

Read more here:

Yorgum Healing Services Aboriginal Corporation to deliver new Indigenous Healing Service in the Great SouthernThe Albany-based service will support