Local community organisation Micah Projects, with the Brisbane Homelessness Service Centre (BHSC), is inviting anyone concerned about Indigenous disadvantage to take part in Australia’s largest ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health campaign!
The Close the Gap Day event is at the BHSC Forecourt, 62 Peel Street, South Brisbane on Thursday 21st March between 11am and 2pm.
There’ll be a Welcome to Country by local Elder Uncle Des Sandy, a sausage sizzle, entertainment, lots of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues, and special activities where you can show your commitment to Closing the Gap.
Guest speaker will be Colleen Lavelle, a Project Officer with Greater Metro South Brisbane Medicare Local, who will talk about her organisation’s experience in dealing with the reality of Indigenous Health in our city.
The BSHC recognizes the impact homelessness can have on a person’s health and well being. In the last 12 months, almost 25% of people presenting at BHSC identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island. Micah Projects and the BHSC are committed to closing the gap.
Since 2006, the Close the Gap campaign has gone from strength to strength. This has only happened with community support. In 2012 alone, more than 130,000 Australians joined National Close the Gap Day to show their support, to talk about, to spread the word, and to take action to improve, Indigenous health.
According to Oxfam Australia, organisers of the National Campaign, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People still die 10-17 years younger than other Australians. Closing this health gap cannot be done overnight, but needs a long-term commitment with adequate funding, and investment in real partnerships.
More info: https://www.oxfam.org.au/act/events/national-close-the-gap-day/
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