Grampians Health Ballarat acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, their Elders past and present. We recognise them as traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work.
Coronavirus
Hey Mob
This COVID19 virus is pretty scary, but we want you to know that the Aboriginal Health Team is here to support you.
It does not matter your age - if you have symptoms such as signs of a cough, fever, runny nose, or sore throat - you need to stay home and book a test.
The test does not take that long and it could save your life. It could save your family's life, our Elders, and others in the wider community.
We can help you in a culturally safe and confidential manner.
We can assist you to get the test, and support you during and after while waiting for the results or self-isolating.
Please, if you need any help with the COVID19 process contact one of us (scroll down for details).
REMEMBER
To protect our loved ones and our Elders, people must continue to stay home where they can and:
- wear a mask or a face covering
- wash your hands often with soap and water
- stay 1.5 meters away from others
- follow the limits for public gatherings
STAY DEADLY- STAY SAFE!
What we do?
The Aboriginal Health team provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing care at Grampians Health Ballarat.
Our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers and Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer work with patients and their families, staff, volunteers, and local communities to provide culturally appropriate care for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Hours
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 5.00pm
Meet the team
Aboriginal Team Leader
Emma Leehane
0448 046 956
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
Renee Bosworth
0438 108 927
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
Kevin Jameson
0484 939 693
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
Darren Burns
0421 898 906
Who we care for?
This service assists all patients and community members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander who are:
- An inpatient at a Grampians Health Ballarat site or hospital, including the Mental Health units
- Any patient referred to the service by a Grampians Health Ballarat clinic or external provider
- Community members engaged with specialist programs (HARP, Integrated Family Services, and Specialist Clinics)
- Clients of BHS Community Programs (Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Community Rehabilitation Clinic)
What to expect?
Our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers may assist with:
- Ensuring hospital services are culturally appropriate, safe, welcoming and meet the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
- Provide assistance with accessing information and referrals for community services and supports.
- Ensuring Aboriginal people have access to all Grampians Health Ballarat services
- Identify and address barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that may prevent them from using Grampians Health Ballarat
How to access this service?
This service can be accessed across all Grampians Health Ballarat sites and programs.
If you would like to speak with our Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer or the Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer about you or a family member's care, please ask the treating medical team, who can refer you.
Aboriginal Art Competition
In 2020 we ran an Aboriginal Art competition.
We received fantastic entries from talented artists. Thank you to everyone who sent in their work.
The winner was Lowana Clarke for her piece Protector of his mob.
Congratulations Lowana!
Aspects of the artwork will be used on the Aboriginal Health Team's new uniforms, stationery, and signage.
Aboriginal Health
Location
1 Drummond Street North
Ballarat VIC 3350
Phone
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm
Please note - no weekend or on call service available
COVID-19 resources
Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about COVID-19 can be found here
COVID-19 vaccine resources
Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about COVID-19 vaccines can be found here
Have something to tell us? We welcome all feedback from patients, family members or carers. Tell us more.