Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service LTD

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service LTD (AWAHS) is a not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) dedicated to providing primary healthcare services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families residing in the Albury Wodonga region and surrounding areas. Established to meet the unique health needs of Indigenous communities, AWAHS focuses on delivering culturally appropriate care aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes across generations.

History and Background

The Albury Wodonga area has been designated an Aboriginal resettlement region since the late 1960s and early 1970s, intended to provide Aboriginal families with improved access to education, health, employment, and other essential services. Over three decades, the local Aboriginal community, representing over 50 different language groups, advocated for the creation of a community-owned health service.

In 2001, a collaborative partnership formed between Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation, Wandoo Aboriginal Corporation, and Woomera Aboriginal Corporation to assess healthcare gaps faced by the Aboriginal population locally. This effort led to the development of the Koori Cross Border Health Plan, which highlighted urgent health disparities within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and recommended establishing a dedicated Aboriginal Health Service.

Following these findings, a steering committee was established, and with support from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) of New South Wales, AWAHS was formally founded to provide essential, culturally sensitive health services to the community[5][3].

Mission and Services

AWAHS strives to be a welcoming, community-focused organisation that works alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to foster generational health change. The organisation is committed to continuously improving its operations and collaborates with mainstream service providers to enhance healthcare access and outcomes.

Its services encompass primary healthcare, including general practitioner consultations, dental care, allied health services, and health promotion programs tailored specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. AWAHS prioritises culturally appropriate care that respects and integrates Indigenous knowledge and values within healthcare delivery[1][3][4].

Community Engagement and Impact

AWAHS actively involves the community in shaping its services and encourages feedback from patients, families, carers, and community members to identify areas for improvement. The organisation aims to empower the Aboriginal community by addressing health inequities and promoting wellbeing in a culturally safe environment.

By focusing on comprehensive, culturally informed primary healthcare, AWAHS plays a vital role in improving the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Albury Wodonga region and adjacent communities[1][2].

Note: This article summary is based on available information as of April 2025 and reflects AWAHS's commitment to Indigenous health in the Albury Wodonga area.

[1] https://awahs.com.au [2] https://awahs.com.au/contact/ [3] https://www.naccho.org.au/members_affiliates/albury-wodonga-aboriginal-health-service-incorporated/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/986104f2-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [5] https://www.ahmrc.org.au/member-service/albury-wodonga-aboriginal-health-service-ltd/