Australia’s Next Generation of Indigenous Mental Health Workers
Staff and students of the Dijrruwang Aboriginal Mental Health Program at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga have today been encouraged by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, to join the drive to develop and deliver Indigenous health reform.
Delivering the keynote address at a gathering of students to explore professional issues in Aboriginal mental health, Mr Snowdon said that true partnership with Indigenous people is an essential ingredient in the push towards closing the gap.
“The Djirruwang program prepares graduates to meet Indigenous mental health needs, through both the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and mainstream mental health services,” said Mr Snowdon.
“Just as closing the health gap requires simultaneous effort in housing, education and employment; improving Indigenous wellbeing means tackling more than just physical illness.
“Around 70% of Indigenous deaths occur before the age of 65, compared with 21% among non-Indigenous Australians, and so many early deaths tear at the fabric of a community, and have lasting impacts on the mental, social and cultural health of family.”
Speaking to the conference theme of Journey to the heart, standing together, standing strong, the Minister said he is extremely pleased to learn that the number of students undertaking the Djirruwang program is growing.
“The 26 graduates today, and those that will follow through the Rudd Government’s initiatives to grow and support the Aboriginal health workforce, are vital in any efforts to close the gap of Indigenous disadvantage.”
Australian Government funding for mental health specific programs (including Indigenous programs) will nearly double over the next four years to $923.6 million over four years from 2008-09, compared to $516.5 million from 2004-05 to 2007-08.
“The Rudd Government, along with state and territory governments, has put in place a huge reform agenda for Indigenous health, and I look forward to working with these graduates as they take up their careers improving the health of Aboriginal people,” Mr Snowdon said.
Topics: Aborigianl mental health, Austalia, Economy, education, employment, Governance, Health Care, housing, Indigenous, Indigenous health reform, mental health, mental health workers, society, Wagga Wagga, wellbeing
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
