Aboriginal Supportive and Community Care

This service supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) who have life-limiting illnesses. This area is the traditional land of the Dharawal, Gadigal, Wangal, Gweagal and Bidjigal peoples.

Our Team

• You will receive support from an Aboriginal Health Care Worker, who works with the SESLHD Palliative Care team. 

What we do

• We support clients and their families facing life-limiting illnesses

• We offer extra care and support along with regular medical treatment

Who we support

This service is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. 

How to get our support

We accept referrals from:

• South East Aboriginal Health Care (SEAHC) program

• SESLHD Palliative Care teams

• Community Health

Or you can reach out to the Aboriginal Supportive & Community Care Coordinator on:

Email: SESLHD-AboriginalSupportiveCare@health.nsw.gov.au

Mobile: 0434 565 833

Flyers

• Aboriginal Supportive Community Care Flyer
• "Yarning your wishes" booklet - This booklet provides culturally appropriate, respectful and mindful information to encourage Aboriginal people to have open conversations about their rights, wishes and how to plan when circumstances change through their lives

More information

To learn more, contact the Integrated Care Unit on 02 9540 8181.

Some helpful resources include:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Discussion Starter - Working Out What’s Right For You - Palliative Care Australia
• National Palliative Care - Supporting Palliative Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
• Advance Care Planning

 

Aboriginal Supportive & Community Care Artwork

Forever on Country

Caitlin Trindall – Mirii Art

Grandfather Sun is the giver of life, warmth, and positive energy. The sun is in the centre of the artwork to reflect its significance, and to encapsulate the client’s connection with the sun throughout their life.

The dotted lines wrapping around the sun symbolise the different people, teams and services who support and care for the client. The sunrays coming out of the centre reflect the various pathways to care and comfort, and the journey a client takes as they return to country, both physically and spiritually. 

In the background are many symbols of meeting places, which are representative of people and communities who have played a role in the client’s life; sharing joy, love and creating beautiful memories to be cherished forever. 

A beautiful big whale tail is prominent to pay respect to the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District that the program covers, the beautiful lands of the Dharawal speaking people, specifically the salt water people across our coastal regions. 

Adjacent to the whale tail are arched symbols which represent our Elders as our pillars of strength. They serve to remind us of our ancestors who have guided us on our journey, and who we will be reunited with once again.