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Barwon Health / Aboriginal Health Unit

(03) 4215 1955

About the Barwon Health Aboriginal Health Unit

Barwon Health is located on the lands of the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. There are more than 3,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Greater Geelong region, and a further 2,000 Aboriginal people who access services at Barwon Health from the South West region.

Barwon Health is committed to providing culturally appropriate and responsive care for the local Aboriginal community working to make an impact on improving the length and quality of the lives of local Aboriginal people and the broader Aboriginal Community. Accessible health services are critical given the complex health conditions and co-morbidities that continue to exist in our local Aboriginal community.

Historically hospitals were places to fear for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as access to health services was denied until an Aboriginal patient was palliative; and many children were permanently removed from their care during admissions.

Aboriginal people continue to experience this fear of hospitals and they also face racism and cultural insensitivity when accessing health care today. Cultural safety is also a significant factor in accessibility of healthcare for the local Aboriginal community and to address this all Barwon Health Staff are required to complete the 'Aboriginal Cultural Awareness for Staff' online training module.

Aboriginal Health is 'everyone's business' and Barwon Health is committed to providing culturally responsive care for our local Aboriginal community, and to make an impact on improving the length and quality of the lives of local Aboriginal people.
Accessible health services are critical given the complex health conditions that many Aboriginal people face.

Ensuring better access and culturally-sensitive care for Aboriginal people is a whole-of-service responsibility, and one that Barwon Health takes very seriously. Access to health care is well recognised as a key determinant of health, and Barwon Health also recognises this.

Cultural safety is a significant factor in accessibility of health care for our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Barwon Health’s strategic pillar “right care, right time, right place” addresses this effectiveness of care through improved levels of consumer service and cultural awareness.

All Barwon Health staff are encouraged to complete the "Aboriginal Cultural Awareness for Staff" online training module.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 24 May 2022