Taking vaccine to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Victoria

Not-for-profit community health service, cohealth, and peak body for Aboriginal health and wellbeing, VACCHO, have partnered to roll out a vaccination road show, visiting Aboriginal controlled health services across regional Victoria. 

Having last week taken the mobile vaccination clinic to Aboriginal health centres in Morwell, cohealth will this week be offering vaccinations for the local Aboriginal communities in Swan Hill and Mildura. 

Acting Chief Executive, Christopher Turner, said that the partnership with VACCHO and utilisation of spaces familiar and welcoming for Aboriginal people were critical to success.  

“By taking the vaccine to culturally safe spaces where Aboriginal Victorians are already accessing services, we are removing some of the barriers to vaccination,” said Mr Turner. 

“Rather than relying on people to navigate the mainstream health system and find their way to a vaccination hub, we’re going to them,” he said. 

VACCHO CEO Jill Gallagher is very pleased to be working with cohealth to get the vans back on the road and believes they will be an excellent addition to the great work achieved by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across Victoria.  

“I’ve been so proud of the way the vans have been welcomed with open arms – it has been incredible. We have seen some great outcomes achieved by the ACCO vaccine van. This reflects what trust looks like in the community.” 

“With the high number of cases we are seeing across the state, it is crucial to focus on the important COVID-safe initiatives and pathways that help keep the community protected.” 

cohealth / VACCHO vaccination clinics: 

• Halls Gap – Budja Budja Clinic – 20-22 Grampians Road Halls Gap, 8 February 10AM – 4PM. 
• Stawell- Cato Park, 9 February 10AM -12PM. 
• Ararat – Alexander Gardens, 11AM – 4PM. 

• Orbost – Moogji Co-Op – 52 Stanley Street Orbost, 8-10 February, 10AM – 4PM.
  

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More on cohealth: 

cohealth is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit community health organisation that strives to improve health and wellbeing for all.  cohealth provides universal access to services as well as targeted programs and assertive models to address the health disparities experienced by disadvantaged groups. cohealth offers a broad range of high quality, integrated health and support services, including medical, oral, pharmacy, mental health and drug and alcohol services. 

more information:  Lanie Harris 0418 552 377  lanie.harris@cohealth.org.au