The team at Nidjalla Waangan Mia are, once again, punching well above their weight and providing innovative solutions for improving health and wellbeing for the community.  The following article is taken from the WAPHA Practice Connect newsletter, published on 22 February. 

​In Western Australia, the immunisation rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the one, two and five-year old cohorts are below the national benchmark of 95%. As of September 2023, the coverage rates* were as follows:

• One-year olds fully immunised: 84.85%.
• Two-year olds fully immunised: 81.06%.
• Five-year olds fully immunised: 93.67%.

To help improve the coverage rates, Nidjalla Waangan Mia Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Centre, located in the Community Health Building in Mandurah, is using the nurse-led model to provide a range of culturally appropriate services including immunisation.
 
Practice Manager, Kerry Cabassi, explained that when patients and their families attend the clinic, the practice nurse opportunistically checks their Australian immunisation records to prompt any due or overdue vaccinations.
 
“The nurse-led model allows time for discussion with the patients and their families to alleviate any fears and answer any questions or concerns they may have. We play music at the clinic, use a buzzy bee (a small vibrating device to help block pain and provide distraction during immunisation) and give a lollipop following the vaccination,” Ms Cabassi said.
 
Practice Nurse, Bernie Garnier, said the team at Nidjalla Waangan Mia works closely with the community health clinic located next door to vaccinate Aboriginal patients and their children while they are on the premises, rather than booking them in for another appointment at a later date.
 
“This team-based model of care has proved to be a successful way to ensure that our patients have a culturally safe environment with opportunistic access to care,” Ms Garnier said.

*Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, current coverage data tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

We are thrilled to announce our re- accreditation to the National Standards for Mental Health Services 2010. This significant milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch mental health services, chronic disease care, aboriginal health services and youth health services to our community.

At GP down south our mission has always been grounded in fostering holistic well-being and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. This accreditation not only validates our dedication but also reinforces our position as a trusted provider of mental health support and care in the community.

What this accreditation means is, that when you walk through our doors seeking support or guidance, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive services of the highest standard. Our adherence to the National Standards for Mental Health Services ensures that every aspect of our operations, from clinical care to administrative processes, meets rigorous criteria set by industry experts.

For those experiencing mental health challenges, this accreditation signifies a safe haven where individuals can access evidence-based interventions, compassionate support, and a network of professionals dedicated to their well-being. It reflects our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, as we strive to innovate and enhance our services to better meet the evolving needs of our community.

We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team of professionals whose unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have made this achievement possible. Their passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others is truly commendable, and we are immensely proud to have such a compassionate and skilled team driving our mission forward.

To our community members, we extend our deepest appreciation for your trust and support. Your belief in our organization motivates us to continually raise the bar and deliver excellence in everything we do. Together, we are creating a healthier, happier community where individuals are empowered to thrive and flourish.

The accreditation assessor had the following to say, “Service delivery at the organisation has a strong values base on the human rights, dignity and empowerment of clients. There is also a strong emphasis on the development of practices which support continuous improvement in service quality.”

GP down south has recently secured a LotteryWest grant to renovate new premises which will see all of their primary health programs co-located within a central Hub at their main Warren Blackwood office in Manjimup. The Hub will have enhanced capacity for telehealth services, fit for purpose consultation rooms, areas for visiting specialists and a group room to provide training opportunities for local health professionals and community education workshops. 
 
GP down south provides community health services in areas of Mental Health, Integrated Chronic Disease Care, Aboriginal Health, and Care Coordination through the My Health Partnerships pilot program. Outreach services are provided to smaller townships across the region, and collaborations with WACHS through Diabetes Education and the Healthy Eating Active Living program further support service delivery to the community. Additionally, the Mental Health team are commencing the Life Launch Pad self-empowerment program in collaboration with Consumers of Mental Health WA in February 2024.
 
The health system is complex to navigate and for people with chronic health and social issues it is often difficult to maintain the momentum required to address their various needs effectively. People with chronic conditions often have multiple health needs, and therefore have several health professionals and services involved in providing care and assistance. This requires effective communication across all sectors and geographic locations within the Warren Blackwood.
 
The Innovative Models of Care is a Federally funded pilot program from the Department of Health and Ageing, through which GP down south has developed the My Health Partnerships program. This pilot program aims to address health access through enhanced connections between local health and community services, and the populations they serve. Care Coordinators work alongside individuals and their families / caregivers to provide a personalized approach to the management of their health and wellbeing needs through advocacy, education, and partnership.
 
The Hub will be central for the delivery of all GP down south programs and work on the new premises will commence at the end of February and will be ready to serve the community as a central Hub for health and wellbeing information from May 2024.

Jane Kelsbie MLA, Member for the Warren Blackwood presented the grant to the GP down south team on the 23rd of January, and said, “GP Down South is a great example of a one-stop-shop organisation offering regional patients general health, mental health and chronic disease management services close to home.
“This Lotterywest grant will help GP Down South deliver an innovative healthcare model, with telehealth capabilities, that focuses on early intervention and prevention in the region.
“I’m pleased that this funding will assist GP Down South continue to provide its health services to our local community and support those most vulnerable.” 

When someone with long term chronic health issues gets the best of care and attributes still being on this planet to a certain GP, how do you thank them?
Sandie Bentley is a Mandurah local and a writer.  She has soldiered through chronic and complex health issues under the care and guidance of Dr Rupert Backhouse.  Whilst undergoing treatment and care Sandie wrote a book.  Franklyn’s Terrible Wonderful Day came out of this period.  It is a story about finding a way when you are vulnerable. 

Yes, it’s a kids book, but it is so much more than that.  It is what stands behind this book, what it took to get to a publisher and then into your hands that is remarkable.

This book and some others (yet to be published) are a result of Rupert Backhouse’s and Amanda Lim’s (both GPs at PYMS) passion for helping the most marginalized and vulnerable in our community.  It is a testament to their care and passion. 

Sandie felt that this book had the potential to change lives, and set about crafting a truly collaborative project that has made a huge difference to the lives of some very creative young people.

She worked closely with Mark Labrow at Mandurah Performing Arts MPAC who secured funding to run some workshops for youth to  develop the design and illustrations for the book.  This, she said was how she could thank Rupert and Amanda for their care and support.  By doing something that would be a legacy and hopefully provide much needed funds for a cause close to their hearts. 

However, just before the workshops were about to commence, Sandie had to undergo another major surgery.  She handed the full reins to Mark at MPAC who ran the workshops in conjunction with artists from Paperbird who helped the youth involved to create the delightful illustrations in the book. It became an inspirational project for the young people who signed up.  Some of whom probably struggled just to be there, consistently show up and expose their vulnerabilities.  One young person morphed from a headphone, beanie and dark glasses recluse to being the polar opposite by the end of the process.

Whilst Sandie was in rehabilitation, she got a call from the workshop team asking if the skunk could be non-binary.  ‘Of course!’ was her enthusiastic response, whatever it took to make the project a success.  This response made one young person feel seen and heard and boosted their confidence   to keep participating.  That is the legacy behind this book and of course it is a parallel to Franklyn’s own journey. 

It seems incredible that someone who has so much going on put so much thought and energy into a project like this.  But that is the way she is.  “I function best when I’m helping people. Lots of people have experienced great challenges in their lives and though I’ve well and truly had my fair share, it makes me feel good when I’m helping others, so it ultimately helps me in the long run”.

We are so fortunate to have people like Sandie in our community and we are extremely grateful that the profits from the sale of “Franklyn’s Terrible Wonderful Day” will be donated to PYMS. 

But hold on to your seats, there are other books to come with more opportunities for our young people to get involved. It’s not yet been determined how this will play out, but Sandie has ideas of puppetry, stage shows and more, all based on the same principal of helping others to achieve their dreams too. All her books are written with the idea of improving mental well-being which in turn improves life itself. ‘Rupert reinforced to me there really is no separation between mental health and physical health – they rely on each other to function as a whole so looking after both is equally important’
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You can purchase the book here:  Franklyn's Terrible Wonderful Day : Bentley, Sandie, Hughes, Samantha, T, Xanthe, K, Lucy, O, Maddie, P, Abi, JVR, Lucinda, S, Florence, B, Matilda, B, Grace: Amazon.com.au: Books

On Tuesday this week, we welcomed Amber Jade Sanderson - the Minister for Health and Mental Health, Lisa Munday – Member for Dawesville and David Templeman -Member for Mandurah to the Peel Health Hub. They met with Paul Reilly and Dr Rupert Backhouse to see first hand the work being done at the Hub under our unique Model of Care and to demonstrate the need for PHH 2.0 and the salaried GPs.

5 years down the track and the Peel Health Hub is bursting at the seams.  Door counters recorded 66, 000 people entering the Hub between July 2022 and June 2023.  No one anticipated demand for services to escalate so quickly.  “Every organisation in the facility has seen exponential growth in need and in the number of clients that we’re servicing”, says Business Development Manager Eleanor Britton.

A solution to this problem is the extension of the Peel Health Hub – or PHH 2.0.  A joint project between Allambee and GP down south, the expansion would also have space for other new providers, allow 40,000 more visits and cater to an additional 3000 clients.

As with the Peel Health Hub, this is an opportunity for all levels of government to step up and step in to show bi-partisan support for a project that will save lives and save taxpayer money.

An issue with GP recruitment is familiar in the Peel region and something that needs to be resolved.  With bulk billing and long appointment times, the Peel Youth Medical Service is not financially attractive prospect.  We have requested State Government funding for two salaried GP positions at the hub, which would “reimburse them for the really difficult and complex work” their patients present.

Rupert Backhouse is one of only two GPs currently at the Hub who as bulk-billing clinicians are paid depending on the number of clients seen and said salaried positions would be an incentive to attract more GPs.

“I actually think we need more than two. My dream, my vision would be that we had say, four salaried GPs,” he said.
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The socioeconomic profile of the Peel region places increased demand on services like the Peel Health Hub, which offers free and confidential consultations.  With 10% fewer GPs than like regions in Australia, there is definitely a need to boost the primary health service delivery which will result in systemic gains and reduced load on tertiary services.

​Dr Rupert Backhouse has been a member of the GP down south Board for over two decades and last week, he stepped down from this mammoth tenure. 
 
Rupert has been a key driver behind many GP down south initiatives, not least the realisation of the Peel Health Hub – but more about that later.  But even before this, he was the driving force behind establishing a youth medical practice in Mandurah. 
 
Rupert’s motivation has always been around addressing the social determinants of health and addressing inequity in accessing quality health care.  He made it his life-long passion to ensure the most marginalised people and those with complex needs were treated with compassion and received the care they needed to live a fulfilling life.
 
The “Haven” was established in 2003 to provide holistic care for young people in the Peel Region.  Promoted as a ‘drop-in’ centre, the medical services started off being offered from an under stairs storage area (Harry Potter style) and later moved to the kitchen bench at the Billy Dower Youth Centre.
 
The clinic was originally provided by the Child and Adolescent Community Health Service and Rupert was one of the GPs who volunteered there. 
 
Rupert is a passionate advocate for the service and was instrumental in securing funding for computers (essential for a medical practice) and administrative support from GP down south, then increasing services.  With each win he led the charge to take the next steps.
 
First the establishment of PYMS and then ultimately, the Peel Health Hub, which now helps thousands of young people and their families every year. “As a GP with an abiding interest in helping people with such complex issues I helped create the Peel Health Hub which addresses so many of the barriers to accessing appropriate, comprehensive, and flexible treatments. We truly provide genuine patient focussed care.”
 
Dr Rupert Backhouse has demonstrated a commitment to youth health in the Peel area by his longevity at PYMS.  He was a founding GP at the Haven and will remain a key GP at PYMS as it celebrates its 20th year.  This despite the challenges faced by such socially focussed medical practice.
 
We have been blessed to have Rupert’s expertise and passion on the Board, guiding the organisation through significant growth and the innovation of the Peel Health Hub. 
 
We asked Rupert what he is most proud of and this was his response, “The way the organisation has morphed from being supportive of GPs to being supportive of the community, especially the marginalised.”
Thankfully we will still see Rupert around the Hub as he continues in his capacity as a GP at PYMS.  Rupert is also a board member of Palmerston – the leading Alcohol and other Drugs specialist addiction service and is doing some work for them to help support community detox and case management.

What a fantastic week it was for Nidjalla Waangan Mia as Mandurah came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week. The events kicked off with a Community Walk and Comedy night at MPAC, followed by  Health and Wellbeing Expo hosted at Nidjalla, the Mandjar Dance Off, and wrapped up with the Gnaala Karla Booja netball carnival.
 
The Health and Wellbeing Expo was truly heartwarming, with community and health agencies coming together to share valuable information. A big thank you to everyone who attended; your support made the day special. The positive energy was palpable throughout the day, and we are grateful to all who contributed to the vibrant atmosphere.
 
The NAIDOC Health & Wellbeing Expo was a magical experience, with the community coming together for song, dance, and a powerful smoking ceremony. Special guests Sean Choolburra and Gary Wilkes added to the atmosphere of the day.  Every age group was catered for with craft activities led by Leanne, a sausage sizzle, a coffee van, and face painting added to the festive vibe.
 
Shout out to the local services who participated:  Allambee, Choyces, Money Mentors Financial Counselling, Foodbank WA, headspace Mandurah, Moordijt Djena Podiatry Service, Department of Justice, GP down south AOT Team, Palmerston, Foodbank, Avivo,  and City of Mandurah Youth, were showcased alongside engaging activities like the Winjan Aboriginal Corporation Aboriginal Rangers' "fire making" and other activities.
 
GP Down South participated in the Gnaala Karla Booja Mixed Netball Carnival with three teams. The community team, a mix of individuals with diverse skills, reached the B Grade Grand Final and secured the Runner-Up title, with Danny earning MVP honors. Special thanks to Charellett Bennell for coordinating the team.
 
Our second team, consisting of GP Down South staff and their families, not only showed support for the event but also displayed excellent teamwork throughout the competition. A special shoutout to Rebecca Cabassi for coordinating the team. The third team, a junior squad aged 12 to 15, courageously competed in the adult category, showcasing teamwork and determination. Clive secured Junior Runner-Up MVP, and a special mention goes to Danika Lundie for coordinating the junior team. Thanks to all participants; we look forward to next year's event.
 
As the week of celebrations concluded, the sense of unity and wellbeing lingered, creating lasting memories and setting the stage for another year of vibrant NAIDOC festivities in Mandurah. Huge thanks to the Binjareb NAIDOC Community for all their work.

The Assertive Outreach Team took over 20 young Aboriginal youth travelled into the South West region for a week of connecting to country, each other and culture.

Kambarang is one of the six seasons in the Ngoonar calendar.  It occurs from October through to November and is the season of birth.  Colours are exploding and there is lots of new life.  Many things are undergoing transformation with the warm change in the weather.

The aim of the camp is to encourage Aboriginal youth to respect the Aboriginal ‘Country’ in which they live and recreate on. The focus is to understand how critical the connection to the land is to Aboriginal people and to show them that they are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in the world, and at its heart, is a strong affinity with the land they inhabit. Helping to understand this connection, creates pride in who they are and where they have come from. We are then handing them the responsibility to live and create a better future for themselves.

We help build confidence by encouraging participation in making the camp a success.  They assist mentors in preparing Kangaroo meat for a BBQ dinner, those that did not wish to help prepare meat assisted other mentors to make damper, this gave them the opportunity to learn cultural skills in relation to food preparation.

There were many beautiful experiences for everyone.  The Wellington Discovery Forest – Nearer to Nature (Nyoongar Way) guided walk taught them to look for bush tucker and how other plants can be used.  Searching for hidden animals in bush helped embed connection to country and sustainable hunter-gatherer techniques.  They also got to participate in hands-on toolmaking, learning to make a fire and completed an art piece together.
Troy Bennell from Ngalang Wongi (Dreaming Town Tour) joined youth at camp to conduct a welcome to his country and smoking ceremony before going on a guided tour around Bunbury central giving them a historical facts, stories of early settlers and dreaming stories specific to the region to deliver a fascinating insight into the history of the town. He then came back to camp and extended the tour giving then tools to complete basic landscape pieces in the traditional way.

In Collie, they spent multiple days swimming and attempting to catch marron and fish at Honeymoon Pool.  The forest and bushlands through that area hold cultural significance.  The young people also did a tour of the underground mine and the historical museum, which was very informative, and the young people engaged in a scavenger hunt to find different items throughout the museum.

At the mine they did a simulated explosion and a ex miner explained the mining process and the conditions they worked in prior to them being closed in recent years.

Dressed to impress, one of the final nights we all headed to a local pizza restaurant, this being the first time for some of them. We feasted on Large 22” pizza and a variety of flavoured wings.

Camp participants were encouraged through mindfulness and kindness activities, we had an art corner set up throughout the week so the young people could go and chill out and be creative when they wanted to.
Our evenings were filled with a quiz night, multiple nights of spot light  and sitting by the camp fire yarning and cooking smores.

The week went quick and before we knew it, it was time to go home.
 
Many thanks to the other agencies who helped us by supporting this camp and our young Aboriginal people to get a strong connection to culture:  Alcoa & Department of Communities and Child Protection
 

A couple of weeks ago most of the GP down south staff from all regions, made their way to Mandurah for training with the Freedom Centre.  GP down south is made up of a diverse team of people who regularly work with youth, the vulnerable and diverse. 

We were challenged to identify our biases and confront them.  A lot of the time we operate on automatic pilot and assume we are not biased.  However, we often have hidden prejudice that shows up in the way we interpret and interact with certain situations.

Something many of us found useful was to define the distinction between gender, sex and sexuality.
Gender: Thoughts, behaviour, expression.  How you move through the world and want others to see you. It is how we see and feel about ourselves. Gender is not the same as sex.
Sex:  Biological characteristics that align your body with being male, female or intersex.
Sexuality:  Who and what we are attracted to.  Can include romantic / emotional attraction and sexual attraction.
 
“People aren't born with prejudice -the moment we are born we are inundated with messages (spoken and unspoken) about different types of people.
 
Negative biases and stereotypes can impact how we interact with individuals personally and at work. Recognising your bias is an important step in becoming an ally. The more aware we are of our own biases and their impact on our behaviour, the easier it is to ensure that our personal beliefs don't undermine our effort to support LGBTIQA+ people.” (GLSEN, 2016)

When we can understand how power and privilege intersect to create the framework that fosters the rise of stigma and judgement, then we are over halfway to pushing it to the kerb and take on better beliefs and behaviours that lead to a more inclusive and safer world for everyone. 

It is imperative for mental health and well-being that we all try to learn and understand these things.  LGBTIQA+ communities are uniquely affected by social and emotional health problems, from potential social rejection and lack of social support to more severe depression and anxiety symptoms. It is our mission at GP down south to ensure we make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of those experiencing, or at risk of, poor health outcomes in our communities.
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From that safe space with the freedom to ask any questions we wanted, we came away with :

• An understanding of important terminology relating to LGBTIQA+ people
• An awareness of the stigma and disparities in healthcare which impact LGBTIQA+ people
• Foundational knowledge and awareness to inform safe and inclusive practices in the workplace

If you are interested in expanding your knowledge , the Freedom Centre offers the following services:

• Peer mentoring education and training, social support for young LGBTQIA+ people;
• Training, resources and support for sexual health education and capacity building;
• Harm reduction services for people who inject drugs;
• Free condoms and safe sex resources;
• Counselling and integrated support for people living with HIV.

I can safely say we all came away with a fresh toolkit and knowledge to move through our work and personal lives with more consideration and understanding.

RUOK? Day, celebrated on the second Thursday of September each year, is a powerful reminder that sometimes, all it takes to make a difference in someone's life is to ask a simple question: "Are you okay?" This national day of awareness serves as a beacon of hope, promoting mental health and well-being.

At the heart of this annual event lies the belief that a genuine conversation can be a lifeline for those grappling with the storms of life. It's about acknowledging the emotional struggles that may be hidden beneath the surface and offering support to those who may not be feeling okay.

The Aboriginal culture, deeply rooted in the ancient wisdom of connection and community, understands the importance of meaningful conversations and the healing power they hold. Indigenous Australians have long recognized the intricate ties between mental, emotional, and physical well-being, making their perspective invaluable in the context of RUOK? Day.

One example of this commitment to well-being can be found in the Down South Aboriginal Health Service's initiative to host RUOK? Day events in Manjimup and Collie. These events signify the intersection of cultural values and contemporary mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of unity and support within the Aboriginal community.

RUOK? Day's message is simple yet profound: "Are you okay?" These four words have the potential to change lives. By asking this question, we not only open the door to dialogue but also create a safe space for vulnerability and honesty. In a world that often emphasizes self-sufficiency and stoicism, RUOK? Day reminds us that it's okay not to be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The power of this conversation extends beyond the individual, rippling through families and communities. It fosters an environment where mental health is a priority, and where seeking help is encouraged rather than stigmatized. It promotes empathy, compassion, and active listening - qualities that are essential for building stronger, more resilient communities.

In Aboriginal cultures, the concept of "yarning" holds great significance. Yarning involves sharing stories, experiences, and knowledge through conversation, often in a circle. This tradition of storytelling and open communication serves as a valuable tool for addressing mental health challenges within these communities.
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RUOK? Day should be used as a day of healing, hope, and unity. It reminds us that a simple question can have a profound impact on someone's life, and that by fostering open and empathic conversations, we can create a more compassionate and understanding society. We are bombarded with yellow on the second Thursday in September, but we are encouraged to ask this question year round. Together, we can make a difference, one conversation at a time, and ensure that no one feels alone in their struggle to be okay.