26 August 2009

Health Minister welcomes new Aboriginal Health Service

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has welcomed today’s official opening of Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS).

“The new service, based in Albury, will provide first class health resources for the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal community,” the Minister said.

“I applaud the hard work and dedication of all who have contributed to this centre, from the original steering committee in 2003 to the present board,” he added.

The new centre will include:
• A GP service;
• Counselling services;
• A drug and alcohol program; and
• A scholarship program for Aboriginal students at high school, TAFE and university.

Mr Della Bosca said the NSW Government is committed to working in partnership with the Aboriginal Community Controlled health services to improve the health of Aboriginal people.

“The NSW Government has contributed more than $1 million towards the project, including $350,000 for the acquisition of the land.

“The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has also provided a significant contribution towards construction costs, while NSW Health will provide recurrent funding for an Aboriginal health worker specialising in mental health.

“The NSW and Commonwealth Governments have established a strong relationship in Aboriginal health as part of the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes.

“Supporting services like AWAHS will help the Government to take effective action towards closing the gap in the health status and life expectancy of Aboriginal people in NSW,” the Minister said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au