New Adventures for Lesley Ugle and Down South Aboriginal Health

Changes have occurred in health service delivery for Aboriginal people in the Harvey community. A shift of contract responsibility has resulted in South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) taking on delivery of Integrated Team Care (ITC) services in the Harvey region.

GP down south (GPds) is now focusing on delivering ITC services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Collie and Manjimup. This new focus commenced on 1st July 2019.

One of the changes to occur is the employment of Lesley Ugle by SWAMS. Lesley is an elder in the Harvey Aboriginal community and was employed by GPds in her role of Aboriginal Outreach Worker. Joining GPds in March 2016, Lesley’s local networks have been a key factor in the successful delivery of ITC services in Harvey.

Lesley has accepted a role in the new Harvey ITC service being delivered by SWAMS. Moving to the new SWAMS role was both a sad and exciting event for Lesley. For GPds it marked an end of an era in ITC service delivery to Aboriginal people living in Harvey.

Lesley’s farewell from GPds included receiving beautiful flowers from the organization and a black bush hat from Graham Hope, Lesley’s regional manager. Both gifts were warmly received by Lesley with tears all round. GPds wishes Lesley every success in her new role.