AIMS

• To ensure that Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander women have access to culturally appropriate and relevant Health services.

• To ensure that all Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander women are aware that they have the right to ask for a health service that is tailored to their specific needs.

• To ensure recognition of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Women have the right to participate in decision making about the provision of Health Services to Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander women.

GOALS

• To raise the health status of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Women and their families
in the Shoalhaven area;

• To provide a comprehensive range of quality and culturally appropriate primary health care services in a non-threatening environment;

• To improve access to mainstream services for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Women;

• To provide a safe environment, which encourages communication between clients, team members and appropriate services?

OBJECTIVES

Waminda Exists to:

1. Empower and support Aboriginal women of the Shoalhaven to make decisions about their own health and reduce the high rate of ill health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the Shoalhaven community.

2. Provide a range of services ( including health, domestic violence support, housing support, mental wellness, drug and alcohol, welfare and emergency relief for Aboriginal women and children) , in a flexible and holistic way that respond to the needs of Aboriginal women and children, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

3. Provide a unique, safe, accepting, healing place that is culturally appropriate and takes account of differences in experiences, ways of communicating , values , kinship , families and insights into healing and that recognizes the impact of trans-generational trauma, history and experiences on current life situations of Aboriginal women and their families.

4. Promote pride in Aboriginal identity and culture and encourage self determination, based on the belief that this is central to the health and well being of Aboriginal women. Waminda will reflect the caring and sharing nature of Aboriginal culture and create a sense of belonging and hope for the future, based on the belief that knowing who you are as an Aboriginal person is central to any positive life change.

5. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal women to participate in a range of social, cultural, education and employment programs and activities to assist them to improve their life circumstances.

6. Provide a leadership role in improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal women. This leadership role will be based on respect for Elders, on building strong relationships between Elders and young women and on recognizing the valuable role that Elders can play in mentoring young Aboriginal women.

7. Educate and raise awareness about issues that have an impact on the health and well being of Aboriginal women and their families.

8. Provide a professional, transparent, ethical and accountable service based on co-operation and collaboration and recognizing duty of care responsibilities.