New Aboriginal health clinic opens in Goulburn

Mission Australia’s Goulburn office is now hosting a free monthly clinic that aims to meet the health needs of local Aboriginal people.

Operated in conjunction with the Southern General Practice Network’s (SGPN) ‘Closing the Gap’ program, the clinic was officially launched on Tuesday, attracting 68 Aboriginal families.

It is the first health service in the area specifically for Aboriginal people.

At the launch Mission Australia’s Director Community Services NSW/ACT, Leonie Green, welcomed the SGPN teams and local families to our Community Services office on Sloane St

“Mission Australia is thrilled to be part of a fantastic opportunity for the community and we’re very proud to be supporting such a valuable service,” said Ms Green.

After the official launch, a number of local Aboriginal families took the opportunity to have their first check-up with the podiatrist, enjoy lunch and meet Mission Australia staff.

The new podiatry and diabetes clinic will operate every third Tuesday of each month from 9am to 5pm, providing patients with access to diabetes educators, Aboriginal health workers, podiatrists and registered nurses.

Mission Australia’s Service Operations Manager Southern NSW Community Services, Cheryl O’Donnell, said she looked forward to seeing improvements in the general health and wellbeing of Goulburn’s Aboriginal community.

“It will also assist in developing the relationship between Mission Australia and the wider Aboriginal community in the area,” she added.

Referrals are not needed to attend the clinic and transportation can be organised if required.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call Violet Sheridan on (02) 4821 0436.

Mission Australia’s Goulburn office – at 8/142 Sloane St - also operates the EarlyStart Diagnosis Support and Brighter Futures programs.

For more information on Mission Australia’s Goulburn Community Services, please contact Cheryl O’Donnell on (02) 4824 4002.