We encourage and welcome all Aboriginal people to utilise the services of Colac Area Health. We can provide assistance in Health, Community, Allied or Family Health services.
Acknowledgement of Country
We at Colac Area Health acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders of the lands we meet upon today – the Gulidjan People of the Maar Nation. We pay respect to Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Colac Area Health has a strong partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. A General Practice clinic and Aboriginal Health Nurse operates from headspace Colac 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.
Your Healthcare Journey
This booklet has been developed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and carers in navigating our healthcare services with confidence and ease.
It provides clear information about the care and support available, how to access our services, and what to expect throughout your healthcare journey.
We are committed to providing culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive care, and this guide is intended to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered at every stage of your journey with us.
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.
