We're here to help
Coronavirus (COVID-19) effects on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
With the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) everybody is at risk of contracting the virus. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living in remote communities are at greater risk from COVID-19. This is because:
- there are higher rates of other health issues in these communities
- it can be harder to access health care
- people in the community are very mobile and travel often
- people often rely more on outreach services in remote places
We all need to work together to keep people safe and stop the spread of the virus. To protect yourself, your mob and stop the spread, we encourage you to follow the guidelines provided by the Department of Health.
If you’re concerned that you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and wish to speak to someone directly, please call heathdirect on 1800 022 222.
Healthdirect are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice.
If you or the person you are caring for needs immediate life-saving medical assistance, please call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
More information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is available here.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support services
GenesisCare provides a culturally sensitive environment. We understand the unique healthcare needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, please let a member of your healthcare team know so they can offer you support during your cancer treatment.
Read more about, why you are being asked this question and why it is important to let your healthcare team know.
Cancer resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may find the following resources helpful when dealing with cancer treatment.
Leonie's battle with brain cancer
Leonie shares her healing process with her community – Patient stories at GenesisCare
Whilst studying for her PhD in education, Leonie found herself unable to complete simple tasks and after investigation, her doctors discovered she had a brain tumour. A renowned indigenous artist and proud Wirajuri woman, Leonie shares how her art helps with her healing process and involves her local community in cancer awareness.
Local Aboriginal Health services
Bugalwena Aboriginal Health Service Tweed Community Health Centre, Florence Street, Tweed Heads NSW
Phone: 07 5506 7767
Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS)
Phone: 1800 421 640
Kalwun Aboriginal Health Service, Bilinga Clinic, Airport Central, 1 Eastern Avenue, Bilinga, QLD
Phone: 07 55 896 500
NCACCH Office Address, 8/8 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD 4575
Website: https://ncacch.org.au/
Phone: 07 5346 9800
Fax: 07 5346 9899
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
Phone: 03 9403 3300
Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative Limited
Phone: 03 9794 5933
South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) Murdoch
Phone: 08 6152 2222
South West Aboriginal Medical Services (SWAMS) Bunbury
Phone: 08 9726 6000
Read next
News room - What's been happening
From new centers and technologies to the latest innovations in care, stay on top of what we are doing.
Who we are
We are 5000 highly trained healthcare professionals and support staff across Australia, the U.K., Spain, and the United States, designing innovative treatments and care for people with cancer and heart disease.
Carer roles and challenges
Caring for a loved one with cancer comes with a lot of responsibilities. We're here to help you with these challenges.
Our centres
Across Australia, the UK, the USA, and Spain we have over 440 oncology, cardiology & sleep medicine centres.
Radiation therapy for cancer
Radiation therapy kills cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread.