On the 9th and 10th of April 2025, NATSIHA, in collaboration with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), hosted a highly engaging and collaborative workshop focused on the Integrated Team Care (ITC) program. The event brought together a diverse group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations to reflect on the current delivery of ITC services and co-design innovative solutions to existing challenges.
Participating organisations included:
Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services, NPA Family & Community Services, Wuchopperen Health Services, Apunipima Cape York Health Council, PICC Children & Family Centre, Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Mackay, Girudala Community Co-operative, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan, and Torres Health Indigenous Corporation.
Each organisation presented a comprehensive overview of their ITC program, outlining service areas, client numbers, referral pathways, service delivery models, equipment and supplementary service needs, key challenges, and uplifting success stories.
The workshop also featured several outstanding guest speakers who brought deep insights and inspiration to the conversation:
Dr Jason King shared a powerful personal health journey that resonated deeply with attendees.
Ruth Azzopardi, Executive Director at NQPHN, provided an overview of the December 2024 program review and introduced plans to transition ITC funding to ACCHOs, aiming to increase autonomy and local control.
A Nurse Navigator shared a compelling case study that highlighted the importance of care coordination in fostering empowerment and self-determination.
Karl Briscoe from NAATSIHWP presented key insights into the current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce.
Paul from Indigenous Allied Health Australia spoke on improving cultural competency across mainstream primary care settings.
The workshop fostered a strong sense of collaboration and commitment to improving the ITC program. Key outcomes included:
The establishment of a bi-monthly peer support group for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Suggestions for service improvements, including:
Development of a generic referral form for ITC services.
Support and guidance in creating promotional materials.
Greater involvement of ITC coordinators in Queensland Health discharge planning.
This workshop reaffirmed the power of coming together as a sector to share, listen, and co-create better pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities through the Integrated Team Care program.
NATSIHA acknowledges and pays respect to Elders past, present and future emerging leaders. We identify the Traditional Owners of this land which continues to be under their ongoing custodianship and guidance we acknowledge and pay respect.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed.
