Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025 35 Funded by: Federal Dept of Social Services – National Indigenous Australians Agency NSW Health – Rural Doctors Network – Western NSW Primary Health Network Celebrating over 39 years of Service since 1986 Walgett’s NAIDOC celebrations were held under the shelter of the local RSL. Being away from the heat, many community people and organisations attended. WAMS were pleased that the General Manager spoke on the positive growth and development of the Freedom Ride Memorial Park. The Park offers a civic identity with Aboriginal culture and social history. In support of the Wee Waa Local Aboriginal Lands Council (WWLALC) planning health outreach, our staff attended the annul NAIDOC Week held in July. This was an opportunity for members of the community to view the programs we have conducted, the agencies who we work with as well as network and reestablish our ongoing connections within the Wee Waa community. WAMS are pleased to establish a professional connection in the planning and designing of a local-based Aboriginal community controlled health clinic. (NSW) Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) As a member of the state affiliate our personnel attend many conferences, forums and workshops held during this time. It is an opportunity to be updated on clinical and medical programs, to network amongst peers, and to share ideas and experiences. Nicki Turner was appointed as CEO of the AHMRC at the beginning of the calendar year. Nicki has worked in the health sector for many years in the Rural Doctors Network and Alliead Health Australia. It is a privilege that I continue to hold the position of second representative to the AHMRC Zone four. Mr Jamie Newman, CEO of Orange AMS has resigned as the first zone representative. The AHMRC secretariat will progress the logistics to fill the vacancy. Meanwhile staff from the secretariat are always available to respond to any queries that the members may have. National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Having a national voice, national representation, ensures our Aboriginal community controlled sector is identified at the many meetings the NACCHO Directors attended. Too often we see several NGO’s who espouse the delivery of comprehensive primary health acre to Aboriginal people, yet are not Aboriginal governed, nor Aboriginal managed. The philosophy of an AMS is identified in the National Aboriginal Health Strategy, circa 1989, and shall never waiver. Staff once again attended the AGM that was held in Canberra. Our personnel endeavour to attend the national forums, assemblies and conference that are led by our national voice. Conclusion WAMS delivers strong economic growth, social expansion and community commitment. Directors are committed, staff are responsive, clients are appreciative. We are humbled, grateful and thankful. I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the year, to the months, weeks and days of caring for clients with true empathy. Moving into the next year, excitement is building as we now turn an historic page of WAMS, to celebrate forty years (ruby anniversary) of service to the community. A time of thanks, of recognition, of celebration. Health is Life is Health. CHRISTINE CORBY. AM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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