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Coordinator: 

TBA

Synopsis:

This course is prepared and run in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the peak body representing the Aboriginal Organisations that deliver health care to communities in Victoria. 

The aim of the course is to provide a broad overview of Aboriginal health, especially in Victoria. In particular, it will aim to provide an understanding of the historical, socio-economic and cultural contexts of ill-health in the Aboriginal community. The course will also introduce participants to the major health issues in the Aboriginal community and provide practical information about the delivery of appropriate health care and the role of community controlled health services. The participants will be provided with sources of further information and expertise about Aboriginal health in Melbourne and elsewhere in Australia.

Aboriginal presenters will lead all sessions. The way this course is delivered differs from other courses.  The process is as important as the content and students will have the opportunity to learn a new way of listening.  They will have access to Aboriginal people from the community who will provide unique perspectives. 

Dates:

5 day block from 23 - 29 September 2009 (no classes on weekend)

Venue:

VACCHO
7 Smith St, Fitzroy, 3065

Course Content

The following topics will be covered:

  • Aboriginal health and colonisation: the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal health, traditional health responses
  • Aboriginal peoples' concepts of health and well-being
  • History of government policies and funding
  • Current Aboriginal health status including common problems in children, women and men 
  • Models of health services including community controlled health services and partnerships
  • Health promotion in Aboriginal communities: case studies from urban and rural settings.
  • Aboriginal perspectives in Aboriginal culture
  • Cultural remoteness
  • Aboriginal health research, ethics, community protocols and use of data.

Course Objectives

At the end of the workshop, the participants will:

1.   have an understanding of the social, economic, cultural and political context of health in the Aboriginal community

2.   be introduced to a brief epidemiology of the major health problems in Aboriginal communities

3.   understand the essentials of holistic health care services for Aboriginal communities and the network of community controlled services that facilitate or deliver care

4.   have a good understanding of the principles of appropriate health care and the role of community controlled services

5.   have an introduction to the public health management of major diseases that affect Aboriginal communities

6.   have an understanding of the place of research concerned with Aboriginal health issues.