Funds boost for Healthy Lifestyle Program

The Western Desert Healthy Lifestyle Program has taken a major step forward, with the Office of Aboriginal Health granting funds to establish a specific program for the Martu People in Punmu, Parnngurr, Kunawarritji and Jigalong.

The grant is a long-awaited outcome of an extended partnership between Telfer’s Community Relations, Punmu’s RAWA School, and the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health at the University of WA. Closely linked to the proposed Jigalong dialysis program, the Western Desert Healthy Lifestyle Program will place coordinators into Jigalong and Punmu to service the four communities.

The coordinators will work closely with the communities’ Councils and members and the Puntukurna Aboriginal Medical Service’s staff to coordinate health promotion, physical activity and health services delivery within the communities. Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator Michael Plumb is undertaking a study to determine each community’s specific health priorities through consultation with community Councils and members and to gather community demographics.

The UWA’s School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health team has applied for a research grant to enable a vigorous evaluation process of the program to be undertaken and the results published, to enable other communities to undertake similar programs specifically tailored to their own communities. Telfer’s Community Relations Superintendent Leon van Erp, RAWA School Principal James Back, SSEH’s Interim Project Manager Kerry Smith, Office of Aboriginal Health’s Linda Waters, and BHP Billiton’s Pilbara Health Project Officer Peter Browne formed part of the development group, which included the Chief Executives of the four communities, and representatives from the Puntukurna Aboriginal Medical Service, Pilbara Population Health, Office of Aboriginal Health and the Department of Sport and Recreation. From this group, a steering committee of five members was formed and, once the scoping exercise is completed, the program will begin. The ongoing support of Telfer’s Community Relations staff has been integral to the initiation and success of this program. Wish us luck!