Northside Aboriginal Health Service in Canberra Appeals for Urgent Government Support
The chair of a Ngunnawal-led organisation has issued a powerful plea for government funding, warning that Aboriginal people on Canberra's northside are missing out on life-saving health check-ups due to limited services. Selina Walker, chair of Yerrabi Yurwang, expressed deep frustration over the ongoing health crisis affecting her community.
'Tired of Burying My Mob': A Community's Heartfelt Cry
"I'm tired of burying my mob, I'm tired of going to funerals," Ms Walker stated emotionally. She emphasised that Ngunnawal people are witnessing their elders "slipping through the gaps" because Aboriginal health services remain scarce in Canberra's northern suburbs. According to Ms Walker, this situation denies First Nations people their fundamental human right to healthcare choice.
Yerrabi Yurwang's clinic in Macquarie has experienced remarkable growth since opening in February 2025, now serving between 400 and 500 patients. Despite this significant demand, the clinic operates without direct government funding, creating substantial operational challenges.
Overwhelming Demand and Systemic Gaps
The service's popularity has led to appointment bookings filling up two to three weeks in advance. "We're taking the pressure off the emergency departments, the walk-in clinics, the other primary healthcare services as well," Ms Walker explained. She highlighted the clinic's provision of quality, culturally appropriate, and culturally safe services as essential to self-determination.
However, this vital work comes at a cost. "We need the funding and the resources to be able to provide that service, and we are being denied that. Despite all of the strong advocacy, we are being denied that," she asserted.
Community Petition and Political Response
More than 500 people have signed Ms Walker's petition to the Legislative Assembly, calling on the ACT government to directly fund Aboriginal community controlled health services. The petition specifically requests ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in Canberra's north can access these services locally.
Greens leader Shane Rattenbury, who sponsored the petition, stressed the government's responsibility to support Yerrabi Yurwang's operations. "The data clearly indicates that First Nations Australians are not doing as well on a range of health indicators as the rest of Australians," Mr Rattenbury noted. He pointed out that while Winnunga provides an Aboriginal controlled health service on the southside, Canberra's north lacks equivalent access.
"Canberra is a spread-out city. If you don't have your own car it can be really hard to get around on public transport. And so making healthcare as accessible as possible is the first step in improving Aboriginal health outcomes," he added.
Statistical Evidence of Healthcare Disparity
Ms Walker cited concerning statistics regarding the uptake of general Aboriginal annual health assessments in Canberra. These voluntary Medicare-covered consultations recorded an access rate of less than 17 percent in the ACT during 2024-25, significantly below the national average of 26 percent. This gap underscores the urgent need for improved health service accessibility.
Government Position and Future Considerations
While the Commonwealth government holds primary responsibility for funding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health services, an ACT government spokesman indicated that future investment is under consideration ahead of the next budget.
The spokesman mentioned that "the ACT government has committed $1.5 million to expand bulk-billing for children and young people under 16" and that Yerrabi Yurwang would be notified when the expression of interest process opens. Additionally, the government continues collaborating with community partners to support culturally informed service development.
Yerrabi Yurwang's Broader Community Role
Formally launched in 2020, Yerrabi Yurwang operates beyond healthcare, running a cultural centre, offering programs for children and families, and providing housing support. This holistic approach addresses multiple aspects of community wellbeing, making their healthcare services even more crucial for comprehensive support.
The growing calls for funding reflect a critical moment for Aboriginal health equity in Canberra, with community leaders urging immediate action to prevent further preventable losses and ensure culturally appropriate care becomes accessible to all First Nations residents across the territory.
