First Nations communities across the Barwon South West region will soon have better access to culturally safe cancer care.
Barwon Health and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative received a Partnerships for Culturally Safe Cancer Care grant to strengthen cancer support for First Nations communities across the region.
The federal government funded the $24.6 million initiative through Cancer Australia, which will connect cancer services with First Nations-led organisations to improve access to culturally safe cancer care.
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive officer Simon Flagg said the funding would provide better support and comfort to First Nations people.
“Our cancer care model has a strong focus on community engagement, yarning and storytelling to promote the voices of Aboriginal people as advocates for change,” he said.
“Partnering with Barwon Health means we can dedicate more staff and resources to providing culturally safe care and comfort to our communities through these challenging times.”
Barwon Health chief executive Frances Diver said the organisations would continue to work together to deliver care that meets cultural, emotional and clinical needs to reduce the burden of cancer for First Nations people.
“This grant will support our staff in working alongside Wathaurong to ensure cancer care is culturally safe, respectful and responsive to the needs of First Nations communities,” she said.
“We are committed to providing culturally responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing our services throughout each stage of their healthcare journey.”
