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.

Media Release: Families to benefit from Mission Australia's EarlyStart diagnosis support program

The availability of Mission Australia’s EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program will no doubt be welcome news for many families in regional NSW townships including: Goulburn, Yass, Young, Queanbeyan, Cooma, Bungendore, Harden, Boorowa, Jindabyne, Bombala, Braidwood, Marulan, and Crookwell.

The program is specifically aimed at parents with children aged zero to six years, who have recently been diagnosed, or are in the process of being diagnosed, with a disability, disorder or developmental delay.

Chris Jordan, Support worker for Mission Australia’s EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program says: “Our EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program provides critical assistance to families trying to navigate their way through the often lengthy and cumbersome process of having a child assessed – and potentially diagnosed with a disability, disorder or developmental delay.

“The innovative program aims to improve the resilience and wellbeing of the family, by providing support during the diagnosis period, until ongoing support is provided.

“This is a difficult and uncertain time for most families – they are effectively in ‘no man’s land’ awaiting results which have the potential for serious, life-changing effects. It is very important that they feel supported during this time.”

The program provides links in to many mainstream local community supports services and activities for families, in addition to facilitating access to specialist services.

Mission Australia’s EarlyStart Diagnosis Support Program team recently helped a family of two children with special needs. At the time of sign up, one of the children had a diagnosis, while the other child was yet to be diagnosed. The parents did not know where to go for help.

Mission Australia’s team assisted the family by coordinating medical appointments for children, providing information on – and referrals to – relevant services, transporting family to various appointments, researching information regarding disability and support groups, advocating on parents’ behalf with other services, helping the parents complete Centrelink paperwork, and providing general support through testing and diagnosis.

Mother of the family, Melinda says: “Early Start is amazing. The support workers are friendly, easy to talk to and have been very helpful – normal everyday people who have a caring heart.”

For more information please click here to visit the EarlyStart webpage on our website.

Media contact: Sally Popplestone, mobile: 0415 547 626