MAARI Ma Health and The Y New South Wales have partnered to launch a new pilot program offering health and fitness support to First Nations people, funded by the Broken Hill City Council.
The program aims to support communities in Broken Hill, Menindee, Dareton, Ivanhoe and Wilcannia to access healthcare and reduce impacts of chronic health conditions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Far West NSW region.
As part of the pilot, 50 free year-long memberships will be provided to those in need, using a prescription-based model to implement tailored wellness programs, with added access to The Y NSW facilities in the region.
“Participants will engage in targeted wellness classes and personalised training programs designed to improve health outcomes, strengthen community connections and empower individuals to take charge of their wellbeing,” The Y NSW said in a statement.
Maari Ma Health’s Lavinia Henderson said collaboration is needed in remote areas to tackle the lack of healthcare.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience higher rates of chronic disease, including diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity, compared to the general population,” Ms Henderson said.
She also said the initiative valued at over $55,000 aims to present a holistic approach to wellness.
“(The partnership) allows us to directly address the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, celebrating their achievements and creating a sense of belonging,” she said.
“We are excited to work with the Y NSW to create pathways for people to lead healthier, more active lives.”
The pilot program will run for 12 months to begin with, with plans to extend if successful.
Broken Hill Recreation Centre manager Justin Hoskins said that chronic disease outcomes aren’t about health.
“It’s about empowering people to lead stronger, healthier futures,” he said.
“I am personally passionate about this initiative, which was born from our team’s dedication to making a real difference in the community.
“When we address preventable health issues in our communities, we give people, no matter their background or circumstance the opportunity to live better and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.”
