The NSW Government is investing $60,000 in improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal people on the Central Coast, with a culturally safe transport service and more support for pregnant women wanting to quit smoking.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said a culturally safe shuttle service would improve access to cancer screening, prevention and care for Aboriginal people.
“Once diagnosed, Aboriginal Australians are almost 40 per cent more likely to die from cancer than non-Aboriginal Australians. There are unique challenges when it comes to accessing health information, advice, and culturally safe care and support,” Mr Crouch said.
“In addition, $30,000 is being provided for a new initiative to develop culturally appropriate resources to support Aboriginal pregnant women to quit smoking.
“This is a long-term preventative measure aimed at improving cancer outcomes for our local Aboriginal community.”
CEO of Coast Connect Operations Limited Vicki Lennox said the investment will help expand on a service that makes getting to and from important appointments easier.
“Coast Connect Operations Limited has been successfully running the Shirley Shuttle for more than a decade,” Ms Lennox said.
“Very few Aboriginal community members currently access this service and we are hoping that by improving this service and making it more accessible, more Aboriginal people will be provided assistance with getting to and from their cancer treatment.”
Acting CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Sarah McGill, said improving the health of Aboriginal communities requires collaboration from all parts of the cancer control system.
“We know that cancer is an incredibly complicated and emotional topic at the best of times. These grants will improve health outcomes for communities most at risk and will be delivered by trusted organisations with the necessary relationships and expertise,” Ms McGill said.
The NSW Government, through the Cancer Institute NSW, is investing almost $3 million in 2021 on programs targeting Aboriginal communities to prevent cancers, increase early detection and improve cancer treatment and outcomes.
For the full list of grants go to cancer.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-cancer-grants.