Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men have a life expectancy of 71.9 years, 8.8 years less than non-Indigenous men. Researchers say barriers include long waits, few male health workers, confidentiality concerns and culturally unsafe settings. They argue men engage with care when services are accessible, relevant and culturally safe. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and a men's health program in the Daly River community of Nauiyu are cited as examples of approaches that work. The authors recommend that clinics consult local men, employ male health workers and offer flexible appointments.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men have a life expectancy 8.8 years lower than non-Indigenous men. Researchers say they engage with health care when it is accessible, relevant and culturally safe. Barriers include long waiting times, a lack of male health professionals, confidentiality concerns and past negative experiences. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and a men's group program in the Daly River community show what works. The authors recommend longer funding for male health programs, male health workers and clinics that ask men what they need.
A new $35.4 million Primary Health Care Centre has opened in Pormpuraaw, Queensland, with staff and the first patients now using the facility. A community Open Day marked the completion of construction work. The centre, on Yalu Street, was built beside the existing clinic so services could continue during construction. It includes treatment and imaging rooms, dental facilities and a culturally appropriate morgue. Stage 2 works, including landscaping and demolition of the former facility, are expected to finish in early 2027.
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Bunjilwarra, a residential rehabilitation centre on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, is run by Aboriginal people for people recovering from addiction. Residents say cultural connection has helped them recover. Staff at the centre report a huge increase in young people who have used methamphetamine. Researchers say Indigenous-led programs can improve health and reduce returns to jail. Demand for places at The Glen, an Aboriginal-run centre on the New South Wales Central Coast, far outstrips its capacity.
Women and girls in Cherbourg now have a women-only fitness space called the Jundah Gym. Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council received $426,859 from the federal government's Play Our Way program to open the gym at the Les Stewart Memorial Sports Complex. The funding will also employ two community-based fitness officers to run outdoor group activities such as walking, hiking, running and water sports. Sport Minister Anika Wells said the program gives women and girls better access to sport and physical activity.
