Austin Health

Ngarra Jarra translates as ‘Healing’ in Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People.

At Austin Health, we are committed to improving the health and well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People through ensuring equity in access to high quality, culturally sensitive health services.

Our Ngarra Jarra Aboriginal Health Program is here to provide you and your family with culturally appropriate support.

We also provide cultural advice and support to our staff.

Contact our team at ngarra.jarra@austin.org.au or call 9496 5699

National Reconciliation Week - "In this together"- 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for us to embrace, celebrate and learn about Aboriginal culture, history and achievements.

National Reconciliation Week also commemorates two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey, the 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision in 1992.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2020-  “In this Together” -  was chosen by Reconciliation Australia before the coronavirus pandemic and resonates in ways we could not have predicted.

Although National Reconciliation Week will look a little different this year due to COVID-19, there are a number of virtual ways you can participate in the week. Visit: National Reconciliation Australia's 20 ways to be in this together. 

Caring for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community during COVID-19

Worried you may have coronavirus? Please use our COVID-19 Online Screening Tool or call our coronavirus hotline on 9496 6606 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week) before coming into hospital. 

Only come straight to hospital if it is a medical emergency. In a medical emergency, call 000 for an ambulance.

Please let our staff know if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. 

In recognition of the health gap experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, we strongly encourage Aboriginal People to seek COVID-19 testing if they have any concerns or symptoms.

For further assistance and support call our Aboriginal Heath team, Ngarra Jarra on 9496 5699, 9am- 4pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information visit: Austin.org.au/coronavirus or DHHS COVID-19 information for Aboriginal communities webpage. 

We can help with:

• Cultural, social and emotional support
• Advocacy for you and your family with health care teams
• Ensuring you and your family have the appropriate information about services and medical care
• Connecting you and your family to culturally appropriate community services