INDIGENOUS elders were treated to an afternoon tea and concert as Warwick’s Carbal Medical Centre hosted an information session about new services available through the community-based Aboriginal health service.
The event was held at the new office for Care Co-ordination in the State Government Offices at the corner of Guy and Fitzroy streets, Warwick.
Elders were entertained by Roger Knox and the Indigenous choir, and Leroy Brown on the digeridoo.
The venue was brightened with beautiful artworks lent by artists John Weeronga Bartoo and Marlene Golding.
Program manager Michael Veasey and his co-ordinators told elders a chronic disease care co-ordination and supplementary services program is already up and running in Warwick, and covering the Southern Downs Local Government area.
It runs in partnership with Medicare Local, and people who identify as Indigenous and have one of five chronic illnesses – cancer, diabetes, chronic heart, lung or kidney disease – may be referred by their GP, with a care plan for assistance.
This can include five free allied health appointments such as dietician or podiatrist, transport to appointments, accommodation if the appointment is away from home, and some medical equipment.
The Strong Fathers program is designed to promote the important role of dads, pops and uncles to be healthy role models for the kids and to be involved from day one.
This Carbal program has been recognised as the national benchmark. Weekly three-hour sessions for six weeks focus on important topics such as the role of dads, dealing with stress and anger, relationships and children and confidence.
The Tackling Smoking and Healthy Lifestyle programs run a variety of events to help get the word out for healthier living. Healthy cooking, stopping smoking, and school programs tackle those lifestyle choices that impact on everyone’s health.
At the afternoon tea, suggestions were made for future activities to keep culture strong, such as an art group, or music group.
To support such initiatives Carbal can offer free either ground floor meeting rooms in Warwick for gatherings.
