Aboriginal health Archives | South Western Sydney PHN

01 June 2026

Service Announcement

For the first time since care finders were established in our region three years ago, South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) has commissioned an additional provider, Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation (TAC), to deliver the care finder service across our seven local government areas (LGAs).

Care finder is a face-to-face service which connects vulnerable older people with aged care and other support services which are suitable for them, provides guidance in navigating My Aged Care and does regular check-ins with clients to ensure the services are meeting their needs.
Care finder services are for people who need intensive support.

This includes non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over. Those eligible for the services may be isolated or have no other supports available to them to navigate the aged care system, have communication barriers or trouble processing information.

TAC is a not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. It is one of six care finder service providers funded by SWSPHN and will deliver services in Fairfield, Bankstown, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee LGAs.

Other providers in our region include: Catholic Healthcare, Multicultural Care Limited, Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre, EACH and The Benevolent Society.

According to SWSPHN’s 2025-2028 Needs Assessment, there were about 175,890 older people living in South Western Sydney in 2021. It is expected the number of people aged 65 years and older will reach up to 325,073 by 2041, an increase of 85 per cent over 20 years.

SWSPHN Acting Chief Executive Officer, Amy Prince, said the forecast population increases underscored the importance of care finder services now and into the future.

“It is vital older people can not only access care but are connected with services and support which are tailored to their individual needs,” she said.

“These needs might range from physical proximity to services to culturally sensitive services.

“Care finders understand what services are available and how to access those services.”

Ms Prince said SWSPHN had worked with TAC over many years.

“TAC has a long history of delivering high quality programs supporting the health and wellbeing of our region’s First Nations residents,” she said. “We’re pleased TAC has come on board as a care finder service provider.”

Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Wright, said TAC was committed to providing holistic, culturally safe and inclusive support for vulnerable Elders.

“Through the First Nations care finder program, all Elders receive personalised assistance to navigate My Aged Care, access appropriate support services, and maintain their health, wellbeing and independence,” he said.

Anyone can refer to the care finder service.

There are four ways for South Western Sydney residents to access support:
• Call Triple I centralised intake to discuss a referral to a care finder service near you (1800 455 511)
• Call and speak to any of the commissioned care finder service providers directly
• GP referral: A GP may decide care finder services are needed and submit a referral on behalf of the patient through the Triple I hub. Download the care finder central intake form
• My Aged Care: A My Aged Care assessor may decide whether care finder intensive support is needed and apply on the person’s behalf

Visit our website to find out more about how care finder services can help.

21 April 2026

The importance of timely, integrated and community-led care, and the growth of digital approaches to care, were among the key takeaways from the National Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Conference 2026 for our Mental Health and AOD team.

Mental Health and AOD team representatives David Donatini and Kashish Arora attended the annual three-day conference in Adelaide from 24 to 26 March.

The conference brought together sector leaders to share knowledge and strengthen approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and suicide prevention. It had a particular focus on social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), culturally safe care and community-led solutions.

David and Kashish participated in panel discussions, yarning circles and networked with service providers, clinicians, researchers, government representatives, and Indigenous community leaders, Elders and those with lived experience.

Key messages from the conference included:

culture is central to wellbeing and healing
there is a strong push for earlier, community-led support, especially for young people
mental health is closely linked with housing, justice, trauma and other social determinants, which means responses need to be more holistic
community-led approaches consistently show better outcomes because they feel more relevant, trusted and effective
some of the most impactful lessons come from lived experience and yarning approaches
there’s still a gap when it comes to culturally safe services
digital approaches to SEWB are growing. They need to stay grounded in culture and connection, not just replicate mainstream models online

01 April 2026

Protecting our mob means looking after your own health and ensuring you remain immunised against vaccine-preventable diseases. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can be at higher risk of some illnesses, especially diseases which can be prevented through vaccination.

That’s why some immunisations are recommended earlier, or more often, to keep our mob strong.

Why the risk can be higher

There are a few reasons why vaccine-preventable diseases can have a bigger impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across South Western Sydney.

These include:

higher rates of some chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart or lung disease
busy households, where infections can spread more easily
challenges accessing healthcare at the right time
the ongoing impacts of colonisation and inequality

Because of this, illnesses like flu, pneumococcal disease, whooping cough and hepatitis B can lead to more serious sickness, hospital stays, or sorry business.

Vaccination is one way to help protect yourself, your family and your community.

Why some vaccines are recommended earlier or more often

To give stronger protection, the National Immunisation Program includes extra recommendations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For example:

flu vaccine – recommended every year from six months of age
pneumococcal vaccines – an extra dose in the first year of life (totalling four doses)
hepatitis B vaccine – important for protection from birth
whooping cough (pertussis) – especially important during pregnancy to protect bub

These earlier or additional doses help your body build protection before you’re exposed to serious illness.

Learn more about what’s recommended:

National Immunisation Program Schedule

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander immunisation information

Protecting family, Elders and little ones

Getting immunised isn’t just about you. It helps protect:

Elders, who carry knowledge and are more vulnerable to serious illness
babies and young children, who need strong protection early
family members with ongoing health conditions

When more people in the community are immunised, it helps slow the spread of disease and keeps mob strong.

Where to go in South Western Sydney

You can get vaccines at:

your local GP
Aboriginal Medical Services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services
community health clinics
local pharmacies (for some vaccines like flu)

Many vaccines are free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under the National Immunisation Program.

For the best protection, it’s a good idea to visit a GP or Aboriginal health service. They can:

check which vaccines you need under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander schedule
make sure you get them at the right time
keep your records up to date

Pharmacies can be a convenient option for some vaccines, like the flu shot, especially if you need something quick.

To find a service near you:

use the healthdirect Service Finder
free immunisation clinics near you
or connect with your local Aboriginal health service in South Western Sydney

Yarn with someone you trust

If you’re not sure what vaccines you or your family need, have a yarn with:

- your GP
- a practice nurse
- an Aboriginal health worker
- the NSW Health Local Public Health Unit

They can talk it through in a way that feels right for you.

Healthy families. Stronger South Western Sydney.

16 March 2026

Organisations looking to deliver culturally responsive low intensity mental health services across the South Western PHN region are now invited to express their interest.

SWSPHN is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and/or culturally and linguistically diverse populations with locally-relevant low intensity mental health support services that meet the needs of consumers within these cohorts, who are unable to access mainstream services or for whom services do not meet their needs.

Services delivered through this funding opportunity will complement the new national Medicare Mental Health Check In Service (MMHHCI service) being rolled out in 2026.

Interested parties may apply for one or both priority population cohorts. If applying for both, separate responses are requested for each target community, and it should be clear in your response which community you are applying to service.

Procurement overview

Expressions of Interest are now open and can be submitted via the application form at the bottom of this page including all relevant attachments. Applications close 5pm, Thursday, 23 April.

Successful providers will operate within a stepped-care framework to offer brief, structured and evidence-based low intensity mental health interventions. Services will be tailored to meet the specific needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse and/or Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islander backgrounds.

Background

The Medicare Mental Health Check In (MMHCI) service is a national service providing guided and self-guided cognitive behaviour Therapy (CBT) programs.

To prevent duplication, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing mandates SWSPHN must re-prioritise planning and commissioning localised low intensity mental health services to meet the needs of consumers who are unable to access mainstream services or for whom the service does not meet their needs.

Online information session

An information session took place on Wednesday, 25 March, from 10am via Zoom. The information session included an overview of the EOI, outline the outcomes sought, the process for submission and to allow potential respondents to ask questions. See below presentation and Q&As.

Information session slideshow (PDF)
Information session questions and answers (PDF | updated 7 April 2026)

Key dates

EOI open	16 March 2026
Information session	25 March 2026 @ 10am
Last queries	20 April 2026 @ 5pm
EOI closes	23 April 2026 @ 5pm
Evaluation period	24 April 2026 – 28 May 2026
Successful applicants notified. Contract negotiations commence	May 2026
Contract execution	June 2026
Unsuccessful applicants notified	June 2026
Full implementation and service delivery commencement	1 July 2026

How to apply

Respondents must submit their EOI through this website by filling in the application form linked on this page and attaching relevant documentation including the completed Activity Work Plan and Budget templates, as well as copies of certificates of currency for relevant insurances.

Other important documentation to note before applying:

EOI Tender Document

Example of Commissioned Services Agreement (CSA)

All Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm, Thursday, 23 April 2026.

Culturally responsive low intensity mental health services EOI

Tip – have this information handy before you begin your application:

details and copies of your certificates of currency for your public liability, professional indemnity, cyber security and workers compensation insurances where applicable
download and complete these documents: Activity Work Plan [Word doc], Budget Template [Excel]
contact details of two professional references
be prepared to answer two free-text questions to describe your relevant skills and experience and readiness to take part in the program view these questions beforehand [txt]

Questions and enquiries

Any questions relating to this EOI can be emailed to tenders@swsphn.com.au. Questions and answers will be published on this webpage at the end of each week.

Enquiries regarding this EOI can be directed to Pritika Desai, Commissioning Manager, on 4632 3000.

14 July 2025

The Australian Government has introduced several changes to the Practice Incentives Program – Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP IHI) to enhance care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases. These changes, implemented progressively since 2023, aim to improve continuity of care and streamline administrative processes for healthcare providers. This article outlines the changes implemented from January and July 2025.

Chronic conditions account for 70% of the total health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

source

Patient lifetime registration

No more annual patient registration – patients aged 15 years and above who provide consent from 1 January 2025 will have a lifetime registration which will continue until they withdraw their consent.

Finalisation of back-ended payment structure

The previously paid registration payment is eliminated, with the shift to a back-ended payment structure.

Outcome payments

Practices will receive outcome payments after a patient has received a threshold level of care, rather than when a patient is registered.

Tier 1 payment: A payment of $100 for meeting certain criteria

A payment to practices that either:

prepare and review a GP chronic condition management plan or GP mental health treatment plan for a registered patient within a 12-month assessment period.
complete two reviews of an existing GP management plan or team care arrangement prior to 1 July 2025, or GP chronic condition management plan (from 1 July 2025), or GP mental health treatment plan for a registered patient or contribute to a review of a multidisciplinary care plan for a patient in a residential aged care home within a 12-month assessment period.

Tier 2 payment: GPs receive an increase in payment to $300 for providing a higher level of care

A payment to practices which provide a target level of care for a registered patient within a 12-month assessment period.

No change to practice PIP IHI sign-on payment

The one-off $1,000 payment for practices registering for PIP IHI remains unchanged.

Training for PIP IHI eligibility

When two staff members, one being a GP, undertake RACGP cultural awareness training, the practice is eligible to apply for the PIP Indigenous Practice Incentive. Training blocks to RACGP CPD-accredited online modules are available at no cost to practices through SWSPHN.

Course outline – RACGP

For comprehensive details on these changes, please refer to the official factsheet, available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website. This factsheet contains a table of the new payments under the PIP Indigenous Health Incentive.

Changes to the Practice Incentives Program – Indigenous Health Incentive

For more information or to coordinate practice visits, contact SWSPHN’s Indigenous Health Project Officer, Georgia Eggert
Phone: 8218 0159
Email: georgia.eggert@swsphn.com.au

26 May 2025

Australian people will come together from 27 May to 3 June to mark National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025, a time to learn about our shared history and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” encourages all Australians to take steps forward, guided by the lessons of the past, to help build a more united and respectful nation.

This year’s artwork, created by Kalkadoon artist Bree Buttenshaw, features native plants which regenerate after fire, symbolising strength, renewal and hope.

It also is a reminder to come together so we can grow through challenges and continue the journey of reconciliation.

Reconciliation is a shared responsibility, and it must live in our hearts, minds and actions. While Australia has made progress, there have also been setbacks. This theme invites us to keep moving forward together.

At SWSPHN, we’re committed to playing our part in reconciliation by learning, listening, and fostering a culture which values and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.

*Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Walk for Reconciliation, Corroboree 2000*

We encourage everyone to take a moment during National Reconciliation Week to reflect, engage in a local event, or explore resources to deepen your understanding of reconciliation. Even small actions can help us move forward together.

This year also marks 25 years since Corroboree 2000, when thousands of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people of Australia, walked together across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to show support for reconciliation. This powerful moment is still remembered as a turning point in our national story.

NRW takes place each year between two key milestones in the reconciliation journey:

the 1967 Referendum, when Australians voted to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Census
the 1992 Mabo decision, which recognised native title and challenged the myth of terra nullius

Today, NRW is celebrated in schools, workplaces, community groups and homes around the country. It’s a time to reflect, learn, and take meaningful action.

Find out more at reconciliation.org.au or by searching #NRW2025.

Find out more about what we do to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

23 April 2025

Families flocked to Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in Airds on Wednesday, 23 April, where furry friends and flu fighters turned out for a successful flu vaccination clinic.

More than 210 locals rolled up their sleeves for their annual flu vaccination, with South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) and Tharawal AMS staff working together to deliver the flu shots.

A pizza truck, petting zoo and raffles helped take the sting out of the vaccination for children – and their parents – with one grateful mum posting on Facebook: “Thank you for today, the boys really enjoyed the petting zoo and pizza. Made the whole flu shot experience much more enjoyable”.

The clinic was also an opportunity for some Tharawal AMS patients to keep their shingles, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines up-to-date. It was one of several SWSLHD flu vaccination clinics being held across the region this month.

Pop-up vaccination clinics in South Western Sydney Winter flu vaccinations in 2025

13 November 2024

The Bone Bus rolled into Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Centre (AMS) in Airds on October 31, but it wasn’t there to create Halloween scares.

The mobile service provides an accurate, reliable and precise bone mineral density measurement, negating the need for patients to travel to a major hospital or radiology lab to have their bone density measured.

Tharawal nurse Joanne Ross said the aim of the visit was to promote lifelong bone health through public awareness, education and knowledge of osteoporosis.

“Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and brittle, leading to a higher risk of fractures than in normal bone,” Ms Ross said.

“Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium, more quickly than the body can replace them, leading to a loss of bone thickness so that even a minor bump or accident can cause serious fractures.”

Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis, but the most common sites are bones in the hip, spine, wrist, ribs, pelvis and upper arm.

Although the arrival of the bus on Halloween was coincidental, staff at Tharawal took the opportunity to have some fun with it. They dressed in skeleton costumes and had a face painter on site to help the local children get ready for their night of trick or treating.

“Everyone over 70 who hadn’t had a bone scan within the previous two years, as well as those over 50 with certain medical conditions, was eligible for the scan which was bulk-billed through Medicare,” Ms Ross said.

“Of the 43 that booked for the day we had 35 turn up, which was a good result.”

Find out about the Bone Bus

13 November 2024

First-Nations-Toolkit-South-western-sydney-PHN

SWSPHN Integration and Priority Populations team members Anna Dasler and Georgia Eggert led the development and distribution of the First Nations Toolkit.

SWSPHN has created our first ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Toolkit to support our region’s general practices to provide culturally safe care to First Nations patients in South Western Sydney.

Additionally, the toolkit also supports general practices with practical advice around understanding and accessing billing available within Aboriginal health incentives.

The toolkit offers comprehensive guidance to help practice staff create a welcoming and safe environment for First Nations patients in mainstream primary healthcare settings. It includes information about government initiatives, incentives, services and programs, and a range of health resources to support holistic, patient-centred care.

Download the toolkit

Why did we develop the toolkit?

Many services have been, and continue to be, culturally unsuitable and therefore inaccessible to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

SWSPHN is working to not only increase cultural awareness, but also provide all practice staff with the skills and knowledge to effectively change their behaviour, practises and systems, to be culturally competent and safe.

Our toolkit aims to guide best practice and support cultural responsiveness within general practice settings.

What’s inside the toolkit?

government initiatives and practice incentive payments (CTG, PBS co-payments)
MBS 715 health assessment details
support for chronic conditions through the Integrated Team Care (ITC) program
training opportunities
steps to implement a culturally safe practice
supporting First Nations patients with self-identification
checklists for receptionists, practice managers, nurses and GPs

How do I use the toolkit?

The toolkit has a table of contents which takes practice staff directly to the section of interest. It serves as the first point of reference for practices with enquiries related to First Nation’s health.

SWSPHN’s Indigenous Health Project Officer, Georgia Eggert, is also available to provide support to practices on request. You can contact Georgia by emailing Georgia.Eggert@swsphn.com.au

What further cultural training and information is available?

SWSPHN is providing funding for non-RACGP members to complete RACGP Cultural Awareness Training. This course gives participants the freedom to complete the training at their own pace, with additional background support being provided by the Indigenous Health Project Officer.

Please contact Georgia for more information about the registration process for RACGP Cultural Awareness Training.

Visit MBS Online to find out more about:

MBS item 721 (GP Management Plan, Team Care Arrangements, Multidisciplinary Care Plans)

MBS item 715 (Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People)

03 September 2024

Enhance your practice’s ability to provide culturally safe care and generate extra revenue with the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Toolkit for General Practice.

Created by SWSPHN’s Priority Populations team, this toolkit offers comprehensive guidance to help you create a welcoming environment for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patients.

What’s inside the toolkit:

government initiatives and practice incentive payments (CTG, PBS co-payments)
MBS 715 health assessment details
support for chronic conditions through the Integrated Team Care (ITC) program
training opportunities
steps to implement a culturally safe practice
supporting First Nations patients with self-identification
checklists for receptionists, practice managers, nurses and GPs

Download the toolkit now and start implementing culturally safe practises. We recommend forming a working group within your practice to review and delegate the steps outlined in the guide.

Download toolkit

For more information and support, contact SWSPHN’s Indigenous Health Project Officer, Georgia Eggert:

Phone: 8218 0159

Email: georgia.eggert@swsphn.com.au