Library Guides: Indigenous Australian Studies: Health

Medical Health

Australian Indigenous Health Info Net
Access this site for recent overviews of First Nations health issues, research on health topics and determinants of health, and resources on cultural safety in the health professions.
Communicating positively: A guide to appropriate Aboriginal terminology
This guide from NSW Health aims to provide health workers with information and guidance on appropriate word usage when working with First Nations peoples and communities, to support a culturally safe health system for First Nations patients and staff.
Indigenous Health
The CSIRO is partnering with First Nations organisations and communities to co-design and co-develop potential e-Health solutions to complement existing successful models of care for some of the most significant health issues in their communities.
NSW Rural Doctors Network: Aboriginal Health Resources
A curated list of websites, books and newspapers for finding information on all aspects of First Nations health.

Midwifery

Birthing on Country - News
Check out this News page for the latest articles on Birthing on Country from the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre and Charles Darwin University.
Caring for Mum on Country
This research project works in collaboration with Yolŋu women in North East Arnhem Land. Under senior Yolŋu leadership the project is engaging with women, Yolŋu Cultural Knowledge Authorities and other stakeholders to explore reproductive health.
Pregnancy and Birthing
Talks about some of the issues for First Nations mothers birthing in hospitals, and the importance of incorporating traditional birthing practices.
Pregnancy care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
Pregnancy care guidelines from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care that highlight considerations in providing antenatal care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Nursing

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW
The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of New South Wales is the peak representative body and voice of Aboriginal communities on health in NSW. The site provides information on Aboriginal health matters including reports, news and programs.
Culturally appropriate palliative care and end-of-life care
This site describes some of the cultural and spiritual considerations that should be taken into account when providing person-centred palliative care to First Nations peoples, and provides access to resources and further reading.
National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners
NAATSIHWP is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in Australia. This resources page has newsletters, videos, and helpful links to check out.

Dentistry

Dental practitioners: Cultural safety for health professionals
Access quality resources for oral health professionals and students from the Australian Indigenous Health Info Net.
Oral Health - Australian Indigenous Health Info Net
This web page provides information about oral health among First Nations peoples. Here you can find a collection of information including publications, policies and strategies, resources, programs and organisations.

Pharmacy

Guidelines for pharmacists supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with medicines management
This guide from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is valuable for new and experienced pharmacists supporting First Nations peoples with culturally safe and responsive medicine management.
Pharmacy publications: Australian Indigenous Health Info Net
Access publications about pharmacy initiatives and services for First Nations peoples.

Allied Health

Indigenous Allied Health Australia
This resources page has great videos, kits, reports, research, newsletters and education modules to support learning and clinical practice.

Speech pathology

Sounds, Words, Aboriginal Language and Yarning (SWAY) Program
This program, developed by educators and speech pathologists, improves young children's language and literacy through First Nations knowledge, culture, and mentoring.
Speech Pathology Australia professional standards: Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
This short video talks about best practice when working with First Nations peoples and communities, and the importance of lifelong learning in this area for speech pathologists.

Physiotherapy

Australian Physiotherapy Council
Read these stories from physiotherapists about the importance of becoming a culturally safe practitioner.
Physiotherapy: Cultural safety for health professionals
Access quality resources for physiotherapists and students from the Australian Indigenous Health Info Net.

Mental health services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' mental health: The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Information, educational resources, podcasts, useful links and more, from the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council: Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Take a look through these activity guides, tool kits, posters, and reports for culturally appropriate resources that promote good mental health, self care and connection to culture.
Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Clearinghouse: AIHW
This website brings together research, publications and information on different topics relating to First Nations peoples mental health, emotional well-being and suicide prevention.

Audiology/ear health

Ear health success stories: Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW
Read stories from NSW Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services on how Continuous Quality Improvement improves ear health for First Nations peoples.
Hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Audiology Australia
This statement outlines healthcare professionals' roles and recommendations for improving First Nations hearing health through collaboration.
Ear and hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2023
This report highlights ear and hearing issues among First Nations peoples, covering prevalence, programs, services, and insights into the complexity of the hearing health system.

Ophthalmology/eye health

2022 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health conference
This page hosts recordings from the annual First Nations eye health conference, sharing success stories and challenges across Australia.
Indigenous eye health unit: University of Melbourne
The IEHU works to Close the Gap for vision through research, advocacy, and resources, including a roadmap, trachoma book, and "Asking the Question" guides.
Eye health measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2024: AIHW
This annual report updates on eye health measures for First Nations peoples, covering conditions, treatment services, outreach services and workforce.

Health statistics

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): Indigenous Australians
AIHW provides authoritative information and statistics on Indigenous Australians with an aim of promoting better health and well-being.
Indigenous health statistics
From the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The Lowitja Institute, Australia’s national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research
A research organisation that concentrates on research to improve Indigenous health.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
NACCHO is the national peak body representing over 150 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across the country on Aboriginal health and wellbeing issues.

Continuing impacts of colonisation

Historical government policies continue to impact First Nations peoples across Australia. Discover more about how the health of First Nations peoples continues to be affected by past policies:

The continuing impact of colonisation: Future Learn
Watch this video and read the accompanying article to learn how colonisation and government policies impact First Nations health today.
A history of Indigenous psychology: Book chapter by Pat Dudgeon, Debra Rickwood, Darren Garvey and Heather Grindley
This chapter explores psychology's role in fostering institutional racism, and how understanding this history helps address First Nations peoples' reluctance to engage with the profession.
Intergenerational trauma and mental health: A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This report discusses the dispossession of First Nations peoples and the forced removal of children from their families from the 1800s to 1969, highlighting the resulting trauma, loss, and ongoing mental health impacts.
Climate Change and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: Discussion paper from the Lowitja Institute
This paper discusses climate change impacts on First Nations health and well-being, emphasising their leadership in adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Children living in households with members of the Stolen Generations: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This report presents analyses of selected outcomes for First Nations children who live in households with members of the Stolen Generations.

Library

Indigenous Australian Studies

Medical Health

Midwifery

Nursing

Dentistry

Pharmacy

Allied Health

Speech pathology

Physiotherapy

Mental health services

Audiology/ear health

Ophthalmology/eye health

Health statistics

Continuing impacts of colonisation

Cultural sensitivity resources