Awabakal
Partner for Health Equity
2021 - 2026
Awabakal's Medical Service is an Aboriginal community-controlled health service providing culturally appropriate primary health care services, advocacy and social and emotional support to Aboriginal people and their families in the Newcastle and Hunter region. Awabakal also run community engagement programs.
About the organisation
Over 40 years, Awabakal has grown to become one of the leading Aboriginal health organisations in New South Wales. Based in Newcastle and the Hunter Region, Awabakal provides medical and various wrap-around services for over 10,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Awabakal has four health clinics in the Hunter and two early education centres, delivering health and educational services in a culturally appropriate setting.
Awabakal's Social and Emotional Wellbeing program 2025 - 2026
The project
Working alongside the Hunter New England & Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN), we’ve continued our partnership with Awabakal to support the delivery of the Wiyala SEWB program.
The program provides culturally safe and accessible support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region through integrated care coordination, peer navigation and culturally grounded group activities.
Through funding a social worker, psychologist and flexible brokerage to cover essential out‑of‑pocket expenses, Awabakal is able to expand the program’s reach whilst achieving lasting health and wellbeing outcomes for their community.
Why it matters
Social and emotional wellbeing is central to improving intergenerational health outcomes for Aboriginal communities. Many Aboriginal people continue to face barriers to culturally safe mental health support, including long wait times, disconnected services, and cost pressures. Enhancing access to trusted care, alongside brokerage that meets immediate needs, improves access to timely intervention and fosters a more coordinated approach to the continuum of care.
Working together with Awabakal and the HNECC PHN, we aim to continue reducing structural barriers to care and promote timely support for First Nations people. These stronger pathways contribute to improved long‑term wellbeing and a reduction in preventable hospitalisations within the Awabakal community.
Awabakal's Social and Emotional Wellbeing program 2023 - 2024
The project
In collaboration with the Hunter New England & Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN), we expanded our partnership with Awabakal to provide flexible funding for their Social and Emotional Wellbeing program.
Our funding will help the program extend its reach and trial new program elements designed to amplify the program’s benefits. The current integrated care coordination, peer navigation and culturally centred group activities will be supported by a new social worker role and a flexible brokerage fund to cover essential out-of-pocket expenses identified by the project team. Covering these costs can be an enabler to accessing further support and achieving positive health outcomes. The funds will also support ten cultural group programs.
The impact
Together with Awabakal and HNECC PHN, we hope to amplify the program, helping more Awabakal clients navigate sustainable and culturally safe care and health service options to enjoy better mental health. The flexible funding aims to increase confidence in the local network of culturally appropriate service providers, and use of existing health plans and services. Ultimately, the funding hopes to reduce incidence of acute and chronic GP/hospital presentations.
The Community Sponsorship Program 2021 - 2025
The project
Since 2021, nib has proudly partnered with Awabakal, supporting programs that foster community and connection with a special focus on young people. The Community Sponsorship Program provides grants between $500-1,000 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members or organisations to assist them with the costs of attending sporting, educational, cultural and/or leadership events.
In 2022, we expanded our partnership with Awabakal to support two new programs which respond directly to requests from the local community.
Our funding has enabled Awabakal to host Baby Welcoming Ceremonies - introducing babies to their First Nations Elders and, at the same time, connecting families with local health services delivered by Awabakal.
Our support has also provided local youth with the opportunity to take part in Awabakal’s Youth Leadership Camps. The camps include participation in educational and culturally-led workshops about health, wellbeing and leadership – learning skills that will help them positively influence their community and identify their pathways after school.
Hear from the participants in the Dhirrabuu Burrulaabaa (Strong Leaders) program.
The impact
The programs play an active role in helping bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities together. By responding to local community requests, we hope our funding will assist Awabakal to continue their important work with the local community.
Looking to learn more about Awabakal?
Check out Awabakal's website to find out more.