Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced a grant of more than $1.5 million for the Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation as part of new funding to improve access for Indigenous Australians to better health care services across the Clarence Valley and for the first time into the Richmond Valley and Tweed.
He said the new funding for child and maternal health programs and primary health care will help keep Indigenous children healthy and ready to learn when they start school, and ensure they are properly immunised.
“This funding will have a direct benefit and help improve the health and life expectancy, as well as early childhood health and development, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community,” Mr Hogan said.
“The health providers will be delivering services in culturally appropriate ways and I congratulate Bulgarr Ngaru for securing a grant of more than $1.5 million.
“Closing the Gap on better health outcomes for Indigenous Australians in our community takes a step closer today thanks to this grant.”
The $1.5 million grant is for the Primary Health Care Services and New Directions: Mothers and Babies Services under the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program.
The services include comprehensive primary health care; antenatal and postnatal care; information about baby care; assistance with breastfeeding, nutrition and parenting; monitoring developmental milestones, immunisation status and infections; and health checks and referrals for treatment for Indigenous children before starting school.
