Awabakal

Over 40 years, Awabakal has grown to become one of the leading Aboriginal health organisations in New South Wales. Based in Newcastle and the Hunter Region, Awabakal provides medical and various wrap-around services for over 10,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Awabakal has four health clinics in the Hunter and two early education centres, delivering health and educational services in a culturally appropriate setting.

Since 2021, nib has proudly partnered with Awabakal, supporting programs that foster community and connection with a special focus on young people. The Community Sponsorship Program provides grants between $500-1,000 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members or organisations to assist them with the costs of attending sporting, educational, cultural and/or leadership events.

In 2022, we expanded our partnership with Awabakal to support two new programs which respond directly to requests from the local community.

Our funding has enabled Awabakal to host Baby Welcoming Ceremonies - introducing babies to their First Nations Elders and, at the same time, connecting families with local health services delivered by Awabakal.

Our support has also provided local youth with the opportunity to take part in Awabakal’s Youth Leadership Camps. The camps include participation in educational and culturally-led workshops about health, wellbeing and leadership – learning skills that will help them positively influence their community and identify their pathways after school.

The programs play an active role in helping bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities together. By responding to local community requests, we hope our funding will assist Awabakal to continue their important work with the local community.

In collaboration with the Hunter New England & Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN), we expanded our partnership with Awabakal to provide flexible funding for their Social and Emotional Wellbeing program.

Our funding will help the program extend its reach and trial new program elements designed to amplify the program’s benefits. The current integrated care coordination, peer navigation and culturally centred group activities will be supported by a new social worker role and a flexible brokerage fund to cover essential out-of-pocket expenses identified by the project team. Covering these costs can be an enabler to accessing further support and achieving positive health outcomes. The funds will also support ten cultural group programs.

Together with Awabakal and HNECC PHN, we hope to amplify the program, helping more Awabakal clients navigate sustainable and culturally safe care and health service options to enjoy better mental health. The flexible funding aims to increase confidence in the local network of culturally appropriate service providers, and use of existing health plans and services. Ultimately, the funding hopes to reduce incidence of acute and chronic GP/hospital presentations.