Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Keep our mob safe

To help protect our community, elders, family and friends from COVID-19 it is important to follow health advice.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience a burden of disease much greater than other Australians.

This means you are at a greater risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.

COVID-19 testing

Getting tested for COVID-19 helps keep you and your mob safe.

There are 2 types of tests for COVID-19:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is a nose and throat swab taken at a testing clinic and sent to a laboratory to be tested. PCR tests are the most accurate way to confirm if a person has COVID-19.
  • Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT), which is a quick way to detect COVID-19 using saliva or nasal swabs.

RATS are  widely available for purchase across Canberra, including at pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail stores.

For most people, RATs are the easiest and fastest way to get diagnosed with COVID-19. However, some people may be recommended by their GP or treating health professional to have a PCR test. This might include those who are at risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

You can get a COVID-19 PCR test with a pathology form from a primary care provider. There are pathology collections across Canberra.

Watch this video from Dr Mark Wenitong as he explains how to use the different kinds of RATs.

More information is available on the COVID-19 testing page.

COVID-19 vaccination

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19.

Encourage your family, elders and community to get vaccinated so that they are less likely to get really sick from COVID-19.

Vaccination remains the best protection from serious illness and hospitalisation if you get COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are different for different groups of people.

To have the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, you should get all the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses for your age and individual health needs. Your doctor or immunisation provider can provide with advice based on your individual situation.

Where to get vaccinated

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get a COVID-19 vaccine at:

More information is available on the ACT COVID-19 vaccine website.

Hear from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the video below about why they chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Stay safe from respiratory illness

In the video below, listen to the voice of Selina Walker, proud Ngunnawal woman, as she talks you through the most effective ways to protect yourself and your community from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and flu.

Treatments for respiratory illnesses

Respiratory illnesses have been affecting our community. Viruses like the flu and COVID-19 can also make your mob very sick.

Listen to the voice of Selina Walker, proud Ngunnawal woman, as she explains the benefits of contacting your GP for a telehealth assessment, early in your illness, to see if you’re eligible for special medicines for COVID-19 and flu.

For more information, please see COVID-19 treatments.

Stay strong, stay safe and stay deadly

The ACT Government commissioned Aboriginal artist and proud Wiradjuri woman Kristie Peters to produce an artwork to help communicate with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community about COVID-19.

Hear from Kristie herself, in this video, about the artwork 'Stay Strong, Stay Safe and Stay Deadly', including the themes and the important health messages it conveys.

Support

Business support

BADJI is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Support Program run by local company Coolamon Advisors, under the direction of Katrina Fanning. Coolamon Advisors are an ACT majority-owned and managed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander company and have a wealth of lived and learned experience to share with First Nations businesses.

BADJI delivers:

  • a concierge service to connect businesses with a range of service providers
  • mentoring and coaching services
  • access to accelerator programs for businesses looking to grow

Contact BADJI today to find out how they can support you and your business.

Contact Julie on 02 6189 0770 or email us on julie@coolamonadvisors.com.au.

Visit the BADJI website

Businesses are also encouraged to contact these services for support or advice.

Mental health and wellbeing

It is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing and stay connected with family and friends.

More information is available on the mental health and wellbeing page.

Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm

Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm works with a range of health, social, community, educational, government and non-government services to provide tailored, individual support.

The program aims to:

  • provide a safe environment to help you work towards a healthier lifestyle
  • help you think about the meaning and impact alcohol and/or other drugs have on your life
  • support the achievement of physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing
  • help you develop skills to live a fulfilling life.

For more information email NBHF@act.gov.au or call 02 6237 6700.

Support for young people

Gugan Gulwan provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people including counselling, mental health, drug and alcohol and homelessness services.

You can have a yarn with the team at Gugan Gulwan on 02 6296 8900.

Mental health resources

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

Last Updated: January 31 2024