MPHN seeks to understand health needs from Aboriginal people in Tumut

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is seeking feedback on the specific health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Murrumbidgee region to incorporate into its updated Health Needs Assessment (HNA) for the Murrumbidgee region.

MPHN will be gathering community feedback through two online surveys – one two-question and one in-depth community surveys and a Yarns on the Couch event to be held on 7 April at the Cooee Cottage in Tumut from 10.30am to 12.20pm.

MPHN’s Aboriginal Health Manager Melinda Green, a proud Yorta Yorta woman, said it is exciting to continue the work of gathering the local needs and experiences of Aboriginal people in the Murrumbidgee. 

“This data will assist with addressing the poorer health outcomes experienced by Aboriginal people when compared to national data and it is vital we hear from as many people as possible,” Ms Green said.

“The HNA Community Feedback program is a great way for Aboriginal people to share their views on what is important to them. The surveys are easy to follow, confidential and will help in the development of better health services for all First Nation’s people across the Murrumbidgee region.”

Aboriginal Men’s Family Support Worker Stan Russell said the Yarns on the Couch event was an exciting opportunity for the Tumut community to share their health stories.

“Yarns on the Couch is a great initiative that will provide an opportunity for community members to come together and share their views and experiences. The yarns event is a great way for people to help guide positive improvements for health and wellbeing in the Tumut region,” Mr Russell said.

People are encouraged to visit the Cooee Cottage on 7 April and head to www.mphn.org.au/aboriginal-health-community to submit their feedback via the online surveys.

Yarns on the Couch is part of the MPHN Conversations on the Couch initiative and focuses on understanding Aboriginal Health. Conversations on the Couch will also be taking place in Batlow on 28 April and Tumbarumba on 29 April 2022.