We encourage and welcome all Aboriginal people to utilize the services of Colac Area Health. We can provide assistance in Health, Community, Allied or Family Health services.
Colac Area Health has a strong partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. A General Practice clinic and Aboriginal Health Nurse operates from Colac Area Health’s Youth Health Hub on Mondays. Appointments can be made by calling 03 5277 0044.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you will receive priority access to Colac Area Health’s’ community based services including dental, allied health, counselling support, family and children progams, community nursing, and continence services. The access to these services are provided free of any charge. You will find a list of our services on our website.
You are also eligible to access privately provided allied health and counselling services that are available in our community through Closing the Gap programs that help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have a chronic disease or are at risk of developing a chronic disease. People can sign up for Closing the Gap programs with their general practitioner (GP).There are two programs that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can sign up for:
- Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Co-payment Measure: provides low-cost or free medications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have a chronic disease or are at risk of getting a chronic disease.
- Practice Incentives Program (PIP) – Indigenous Health Incentive: provides help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and older with chronic diseases. Chronic diseases include asthma, cancer, cardiovascular illness, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, stroke and other conditions. To sign up you will need a Medicare card. This program covers:
- health checks (often bulk-billed)
- visits with eligible allied health services and/or visits with a practice nurse or Aboriginal Health Worker (needs a referral from your GP)
- eye checks.
The Gathering Place
The Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place is located at 4 Miller Street, Colac. The building was donated to Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative for a period of 24 months commencing from Nov 2017. It provides a culturally safe gathering place for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
If you are facing issues accessing services due to racism, discrimination or fear please contact the Gathering Place. We may be able to support and advocate for you or provide you with options or advice about other services.
The Gathering Place is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm or by appointment.
Contact Ebony Hickey on 0449 948 475 or by email on [email protected]
You can also follow Caracaramigen – The Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place on Facebook to hear more about events or activities locally.
Artworks
Colac Area Health opened new Consulting Rooms for visiting Specialists in March 2018. Artwork on display are from three Aboriginal Artists – Nathan Patterson, Jayden Hickey and Ebony Hickey.
The Youth Health Hub has a large mural of Bunjil painted by Gunditjmara Artist Fiona Clarke.
Colac Aboriginal Gathering Place: 0449 948 475
Wathaurong Aboriginal Health Service: 03 5277 0044
Colac Area Health acknowledges the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation of which our buildings, offices and services extend, we pay our respects to all Aboriginal people living within our service areas.
