Features & Stories
- Palm Island forced to go dry
PM,
The relationship between Queensland authorities and the Aboriginal community of Palm Island is under renewed stress. The Island's only licensed venue has lost its licence, and locals are angry. This afternoon the Palm Island Council has voted not to allow public servants into the community unless they provide essential services. - 'Suicide, sexual abuse' leads to WA community alcohol ban
PM,
A total alcohol ban will begin this weekend at an Aboriginal community where there's been a high rate of suicide and alleged sexual abuse. The remote community in Western Australia's Kimberley region has been the focus of a coronial inquest. The Coroner described the suicide rate as horrific and recommended a full alcohol ban. Late yesterday, West Australian police announced that the six members of the community had been charged with more than 150 child-sex offences. They expect to lay more charges. The response from the Kimberley Land Council is that governments need to provide more support to such communities. - Chlamydia can make men infertile too
Science Online,
Chlamydia, one of the world's most common sexually transmitted infections, can lead to infertility in men as well as women, a new study shows. - Communication barriers exacerbating Indigenous health issues
PM,
It's a well known fact that Indigenous Australian's don't live as long as the rest of the population. They have higher levels of diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease. In some cases those conditions are made worse by a lack of treatment, but not always. A new study claims the treatments often aren't effective because there's a lack of communication between the doctor and the patient. The study of the patients with kidney disease in the Northern Territory has shown that many are confused and frustrated because they don't understand their illnesses or the complicated treatments. - Maningrida's aged care centres under strain
AM,
While much of the Federal intervention has focussed on the plight of children, old people are also finding it tough in Arnhem Land. - Indigenous children wait for months for dental care
AM,
The Federal Government's intervention into the Northern Territory's Aboriginal communities must continue. A review of the intervention has found a waiting list of Aboriginal children needing urgent follow-up medical and dental treatment after the initial child health checks.
Latest Recipes
Balmain Bugs with Eucalyptus Butter, Wild Rice and Saltbush
Chef Black Olive, Message Stick
Balmain Bugs cooked in Eucalyptus Butter served on a bed of Wild Rice with Saltbush as seen on ABC Message Stick TV.
Chef Black Olive, Message Stick
Balmain Bugs cooked in Eucalyptus Butter served on a bed of Wild Rice with Saltbush as seen on ABC Message Stick TV.
Indigenous Health News
Fact Files
ABC HealthPetrol Sniffing fact file
Petrol sniffing is a major source of illness, death and social dysfunction in Indigenous communities - fuelled by poverty, boredom unemployment and the ready availability of petrol.
ABC HealthTrachoma fact file
Trachoma is an eye disease caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and is almost entirely a disease of undeveloped countries, with one exception - Australia.
Indigenous Health Links
- Aboriginal and Torres Straig Islander Health - Department of Health and Aging
- Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
- Indigenous communities - Australian Drug Information Network
- NACCHO - National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
- Koori Health in Victoria
- Rural Health Education Foundation