Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?

We need to ask everyone this question to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

The under-identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in health services and national health data sets is a fundamental barrier to achieving health equality for all Australians.

Therefore, it is essential to collect the correct data, to better ensure the best support and services are offered to all patients.

CheckUP have developed some “asking the question” printable resources, to assist clinics in illustrating the importance of capturing this data.

CheckUP recognised as an Inclusive Employer

CheckUP are proud to have achieved Inclusive Employer status with the Diversity Council of Australia. The only award of its kind in Australia, that recognises inclusion across a range of diversity areas.

What is the Inclusive Employer Index?

The Inclusive Employer Index is an insightful survey that takes place each year to measure employee diversity and inclusion experiences in the workplace. Participating organisations administer the survey with their workforce which provides valuable D&I metrics and diversity demographics. This enables organisations to evaluate the current state of inclusion in their workforce, and compare it to the Australian Workforce benchmark and the DCA member benchmark.

DCA’s annual list of Inclusive Employers

Following the Index survey, DCA assesses participating organisations and announces the list of Inclusive Employers who exceeded the National Index Benchmark in at least five out of the six following areas: awareness, engagement, inclusive organisational climate, inclusive leadership, inclusive team, and exclusion.

These organisations have shown that they are actively committed to inclusion, and DCA celebrates this achievement through a range of different media promotions.

While the Inclusive Employer Index is carried out annually, as is the recognition of Inclusive Employers, the designation as an Inclusive Employer extends over a two-year period.

See the full list of DCA Inclusive Employers 2023-2024

Strengthening First Nations Workforce and Business – Breakfast Event

Last Friday CheckUP in collaboration with Everywhen Workforce hosted Strengthening First Nations Workforce and Business – Breakfast Event. Everywhen is an Aboriginal owned and led organisation created to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia for enduring change.

Held during Indigenous Business Month the event was well-attended, providing an opportunity for key leaders and businesses to connect with each other to discuss the key enablers to investment, growth and capacity building.

Indigenous Business Month occurs annually during October, this year’s theme To Gather, Together, called upon First Nations business owners and their non-Indigenous allies, to gather, online and in community, to inspire the next generation of First Nations business leaders.

Workforce development and growth featured as a key theme throughout the day, event hosts Selena King, Executive Director of Everywhen Workforce and Andy Legg, CheckUP’s Industry Workforce Advisor for First Nations Health Care and Social Assistance, discussed current First Nations workforce trends before touching on sustainable ways to grow and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforces.

We then heard from our panel of industry leaders Luke Jeffery, Founder and Managing Director of Everywhen Group, Jesse Green, Owner and Managing Director of Yilay and Andrew Niven, Indigenous Partnerships Manager of Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), resulting in an engaging and insightful discussion around the key issues facing First Nations Businesses.

Nyaree Mewett, CheckUP’s General Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, described the event as being “amazing to see people from various industries come together to hear from industry leaders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who are redefining how we approach workforce and how assisting an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business supports our people’s right to self-determination and community.”

The CheckUP team celebrates Queensland Mental Health Week 2023

This is the sixth year that CheckUP have coordinated Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) on behalf of the Queensland Mental Health Commission and with the support of a strong cross-sector collaboration. Taking place last week from 7-15 October in 2023, Queensland Mental Health Week is an awareness week that aims to shine a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing. The theme, ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’, reflects the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.

We’re thrilled to share that this year there was a record breaking number of events, with over 500 events officially registered on the QMHW website. As the coordinators of QMHW it was incredible to see all the creative and varied events happening across the state. Last week the CheckUP team had the pleasure of attending just a few of the fantastic QMHW events.

Here’s a snapshot of what the CheckUP team got up to during Queensland Mental Health Week 2023.

The first weekend of QMHW was a busy one for us. Some of the team attended the North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health Well Persons Health Check Day, while others kicked off the week with the Walk for Awareness.

During the week the CheckUP and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council teams in Brisbane and Cairns held their own QMHW events, taking some time out for cupcakes, colouring and connection.

CheckUP’s Brisbane team members were lucky enough to check out a few of the local exhibitions happening around the city. We visited Out from the Mist, an international photography, music, and short film competition and exhibition. We also visited the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition in King George Square, which featured 270 amazing artworks. Both exhibitions celebrate the work of artists with lived experience of mental ill-health.

The marketing and communications team headed to Parliament House Brisbane for their QMHW event. The event was a hit, with addresses from Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, and Ivan Frkovic, Queensland Mental Health Commissioner. It was fantastic to see the support for Queensland Mental Health Week from Parliament, not to mention the adorable therapy dogs!

We also had the pleasure of celebrating the remarkable achievements of organisations in the sector at this year’s Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards. Congratulations to all the nominees and the finalists!

We would like to thank the Queensland Mental Health Commission and all the members of our Reference Group and Working Group — particularly our lived experience consumer representatives — for their guidance, collaboration, and support to make QMHW what it is. We would also like to acknowledge people living with mental illness or mental health challenges, problematic alcohol and other drugs use, and those affected by suicide, their families, carers and support people. We commend their resilience, courage and generosity of time and spirit in sharing their personal stories, experiences and views.

MEDIA RELEASE: CheckUP Australia appointed to deliver health services to the Central Queensland community in Rural Primary Health Services Program

This media release was published by Country to Coast, QLD (CCQ).

Country to Coast, QLD (CCQ) is an independent not-for-profit organisation who deliver the Primary Health Network Program on behalf of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.

CCQ aim to improve health and wellbeing across the Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast regions and actively coordinate care for communities to ensure access to health services. Collaborating with leading industry associations, such as CheckUP Australia, we aim to ensure care is accessed in the right place, at the right time.

CheckUP Australia is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare access in Central Queensland, specifically in Emerald. CEO Ann Maree Liddy expresses CheckUP Australia’s commitment to the Central Queensland community, “As part of our commitment to maintaining and improving vital healthcare services, we are taking over the operational coordination of the Rural Primary Health Services (RPHS) program, supported by Country to Coast, QLD (CCQ).”

“We’re committed to elevating rural healthcare, collaborating with local providers to manage chronic conditions and ensure equal access.”

Key Transition Highlights:
Continuation of Clinical Services: All current clinical services funded under the RPHS program will continue without interruption. This includes a wide range of essential allied health practices.

CheckUP Australia’s Role:
As an established presence in the region, CheckUP Australia will assume the operational role, supporting clinicians in delivering these crucial services. Our extensive experience and dedication to outreach services make us the ideal partner.

Acknowledgment of LiveBetter:
LiveBetter provided services under the RPHS until September 2023. We extend our gratitude for their dedicated service in coordinating the program.

CCQ Collaboration:
Country to Coast, QLD (CCQ) will facilitate referral pathways, especially within local general practices, ensuring eligible clients receive the care they need.

Service Continuity:
LiveBetter provided services until September 2023, after which CCQ will engage a new provider for seamless service continuity from October 2023 to June 2024.

Transition Plan:
We are actively developing a comprehensive transition plan to smoothly transfer the RPHS program. We commit to transparent communication with health professionals, general practices, and consumers for a seamless transition.

Contract Coverage:
CCQ’s contract with LiveBetter in Emerald covers selected Exercise Physiology and Dietician services for eligible clients referred by their GP.

CheckUP Australia is committed to maintaining and improving vital healthcare services in the Central Queensland region, appointed to deliver the Rural Primary Health Services (RPHS) program supported by Country to Coast, QLD.

*********** ENDS ***********

Media Enquiries:
Ange Baldwin
communications@c2coast.org.au
0455 721 483

As part of CheckUP’s Culturally Safe Patient-Reported Outcomes (CSPRO) project, Outreach providers who delivered services under the Ear and Eye Surgical Support program (EESS), received a summary of patient feedback on services they delivered.  As part of this project, CheckUP then asked these providers what they thought of the patient feedback they received and what impact this feedback had had on the services they delivered.

A summary of the survey responses is provided below.

Culturally Safe Patient-Reported Outcomes (CSPRO) project

A link to an online feedback survey was emailed to outreach providers over a two-week period in late June 2023, to better understand service provider acceptance of a dedicated Eye and Ear Surgery Support (EESS) patient feedback project and the level of value it held in contributing to their continuous improvement practices.

Eighteen responses were received from a range of sectors, roles and cultural backgrounds:

• 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/ Practitioners
• 3 surgeons/ specialists
• 3 Hospital Surgical and Specialist Unit nurse consultants
• 2 Primary Health Care Centres
• 2 private clinic practice managers
• 2 Directors of Nursing
• 2 CheckUP and EESS program managers
• 1 Hospital and Health Service Executive

Of the 18 respondents:

• 94% found the quantitative feedback from their patients useful
• 95% found qualitative feedback from their patients useful
• 94% found the recommendations arising from their patients’ improvement suggestions useful
• 67% made changes to the way they delivered patient services as a result of their patient feedback

Feedback received

“Was very important to hear their words.  Very gratifying that their experience was positive at our clinic after all the work to organise their attendance.  Now that can be used to increase the confidence of others from their communities”

“Always good to hear from the patients in their own words”

“It was really good to see the comments, patients and escorts will often give different answers/comments to total strangers, than what they would give to someone who works for the organisation who is delivering the health care”

“Great feedback so we can improve”

“The report was easy to understand and had valuable feedback from the patients – seeing the comments directly from the patients made the report more meaningful”

Expressions of interest – Patient Feedback Strategy

CheckUP is aiming to enhance its method for collecting feedback from patients who use CheckUP Outreach Services. We also want to find better ways to share this feedback with providers in a meaningful manner while protecting patient confidentiality. To achieve this, CheckUP is seeking Outreach Provider input to create a strategy that is fit for purpose. If you’re interested in providing feedback on the current and future process, please contact Tennille Hutchinson at thutchinson@checkup.org.au

Your involvement will be greatly appreciated.

$130,000 grants promote mental health and wellbeing

Media release
26 September 2023
For immediate distribution

Communities from Stanthorpe to Quilpie and all the way up to Badu Island will benefit from $130,000 grant funding for Queensland Mental Health Week 2023.

A record-breaking 157 events across Queensland will be supported by the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program, with grants ranging from $500 to $3,000.

Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP, the grant program supports Queensland Mental Health Week events that raise awareness of mental health, increase understanding of mental illness, and reduce stigma.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said Queensland Mental Health Week is an important annual event that raises awareness of mental health and provides an opportunity for Queenslanders to consider their wellbeing.

“Over 40 percent of Australians are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life, with one in five people experiencing a mental health disorder in the previous 12 months*,” Mr Frkovic said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, recent natural disasters and the current economic climate make people more susceptible to mental ill-health, so it’s more important than ever to take steps every day to look after our wellbeing.”

“Queensland Mental Health Week reaches into communities across Queensland and gives us all the chance to take stock how we’re going connect with our loved ones, community or colleagues.”

“The theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’ captures some of the elements that help us build our wellbeing and I’m pleased to see so many events throughout the state bringing these ideas to life,” Mr Frkovic said.

“Funded activities this year wellbeing expos, art exhibitions, workshops, festivals, community walks and more, with many events linking with local mental health services.”

CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said the organisation received 261 eligible applications and were pleased to see an increase in event proposals from regions all across the state. “We are excited by the calibre and creativity of events approved for funding that promise to attract community involvement in Queensland Mental Health Week and promote individual and community mental health in ways and settings appropriate and meaningful to each community,” Ms Liddy said.

“The grant funding helps offset event expenses, such as fees for engaging specialists and the purchasing of workshop supplies, so communities can host more informative and effective events.”

Ms Liddy said there are many ways people can participate in Queensland Mental Health Week, including hosting or attending an event, wearing merchandise, and starting conversations on mental health.

“You can get inspired with ideas on how to host an event, download resources to assist with planning, and look up events in your local area on the Queensland Mental Health Week website,” she said.

Queensland Mental Health Week will be held from 7–15 October 2023, encompassing World Mental Health Day on 10 October, with the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.

For more information visit https://www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au/.

For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call 000.

Mental health statistics

*Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023). Prevalence and impact of mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/mental-illness.

Safe media reporting

Visit the Mindframe website at https://mindframe.org.au/ for advice on how to support safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, and problematic alcohol and other drug use.

Media enquiries

David Millichap, General Manager – Engagement & Workforce, CheckUP

P. 07 3105 8300 E. dmillichap@checkup.org.au

Communications and Engagement team, Queensland Mental Health Commission

P. 07 3244 9253 E. media@qmhc.qld.gov.au

Funded events

For a full list of successful grant recipients from the 2023 Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program, please see the full media release PDF here.

Applicants should email info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au if they have any enquiries.

National Reconciliation Week: Register for CheckUP’s QPHCN event

National Reconciliation Week is a time of reflection, celebration, and learning for all Australians. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the shared history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, CheckUP is proud to invite you to attend our Queensland Primary Health Care Network (QPHCN) event on Thursday 1 June, which will provide our stakeholders with an opportunity to learn, engage and contribute to the reconciliation process.

You can join us either online or in-person from 10am at the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council training rooms in South Brisbane.

CheckUP’s QPHCN event

CheckUP is committed to working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. The QPHCN event is an integral part of our ongoing reconciliation journey and efforts to promote equitable health outcomes for all Australians.

To kick off the event, we have arranged a captivating cultural performance from the renowned Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company.

Leading the event will be Kieran Chilcott, CEO at Kalwun Development Corporation Limited and CheckUP Board Director. Kieran will facilitate a Q&A session with Lynette Anderson, our dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead. Together, they will shed light on the meaningful work we are undertaking to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and foster a staff culture that embraces diversity, promotes understanding and supports reconciliation.

Additionally, we are excited to have Edward Mosby, a respected psychologist and founder of Wakai Waian Healing, set to join us. Ed is a CheckUP Outreach provider who will be sharing valuable insights on healing and mental wellbeing within the context of reconciliation.

Further enriching the event will be a panel discussion featuring members of the CheckUP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, Rona Scherer and Rhonda Skibasaki. Kieran, who is the Committee’s Chair, will lead the discussion, providing an opportunity for diverse perspectives to be shared.

Last but not least, we have invited guest speakers representing organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans. They will discuss the important work their organisations are undertaking to foster reconciliation.

Following the event, attendees will have the opportunity to network while enjoying light refreshments.

Why attend our event?

Reconciliation is a journey that requires active participation from individuals, communities and organisations alike. It’s about fostering respectful relationships, acknowledging past injustices, and taking steps towards healing and understanding. National Reconciliation Week offers a platform to engage in meaningful conversations, cultural events, and actions that promote unity, respect, and equality.

Cultural immersion: Immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences, including a didgeridoo performance and delicious food. Among the post-event refreshments will be desserts from Kuppibunda Kitchen that feature Indigenous ingredients.

Knowledge and understanding: Listen to thought-provoking Q&A and panel discussions. There will be an opportunity to ask speakers questions.

Practical strategies: Gain practical strategies and ideas for promoting reconciliation in your organisation by listening to presentations from organisations with Reconciliation Action Plans.

Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and advocates who share a passion for reconciliation. Build meaningful relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Ticket and registration information

CheckUP members and Outreach health service providers can attend for FREE. Non-members can attend face-to-face for $50 or virtually for just $20.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this significant event. Registering is quick and easy! Simply visit the Eventbrite page and follow the registration instructions – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/queensland-primary-health-care-network-qphcn-event-reconciliation-tickets-469690546067.

For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s choose to create a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.