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Darling Downs Health (DDH) is asking the community to have their say on its proposed 2025-2028 Health Equity Strategy to improve health outcomes for the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"Darling Downs Health values and is actively seeking community input to ensure this new strategy reflects the voices, needs, and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities,”
DDH Interim Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Chris Hombsch.
A series of “Yarn Up” events will be held throughout the region in June to gather community feedback on the draft strategy. The draft 2025-2028 Health Equity Strategy builds on plans first published in 2022, which were developed through extensive community and staff engagement via yarning circles, surveys, and one-on-one yarns.
Since the first Health Equity Strategy was implemented, there have been positive outcomes, including a significant increase in the DDH Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce. There have also been healthier birth weights of infants and fewer early hospital departures.
“Challenges remain around timely specialist access, emergency care, mental health follow-up, and preventable hospital visits,” said Mr Hombsch.
“While awareness of this strategy has been limited, Darling Downs Health is committed to strengthening communication and engagement.
“Health equity means ensuring everyone has a fair chance at being healthy, regardless of where they live, their income, or background, by providing culturally respectful care and support.”
Further information on the strategy can be found here or email DDH-ATSIProjects@health.qld.gov.au
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