Aboriginal community-controlled and governed organisations are most effectively able to articulate the needs on behalf of their communities; around frontline health services, financial support, family support, and basic needs; and be able to ensure the funds are directed to those who need them most.

Funds have been deployed to NACCHO, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation that co-chairs the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group on COVID-19 set up to develop and deliver a National Management Plan to protect communities and save lives.

The funds have been used to provide sanitiser and other personal protective equipment including N-95 masks sourced and distributed by an Aboriginal supplier, to Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisations around the country.

While the pandemic has highlighted particular urgent needs in First Nations communities, access to quality resources such as food, technology, housing, education, and health services are ongoing challenges that require committed, long-term partnerships with Aboriginal owned and controlled organisations.

If you are interested in hearing more, please get in touch with us rather than NACCHO at this time as they are currently overwhelmed responding directly to organisations and communities.