Healthy Way Forward - Kempsey
ABORIGINAL HEALTH “HEALTHY WAY FORWARD” FORUM
The North Coast Area Health Service, Aboriginal Health and Durri Aboriginal Medical Service in consultation with local aboriginal community representatives held a healthly lifestyle event on Friday 13 February at the Kempsey Showground. The event was the culmination of consultations with the Aboriginal community who put forward the need to hold a health and wellbeing forum for the youth of the area. Indigenous students from Kempsey High schools (Years 7, 8 and 9) attended the event. Organisations involved in community care and health were present to provide information to attendees. In addition guests were entertained by local singer Amos Morris.
Information stalls were set up at the Forum and distributed information and giveaways such as toothbrushes, backpacks, health related stickers and water bottles. Service providers represented on the day included:
Other activities for the school children included visiting the ‘plaque tunnel’ where they could see plaque build-up on their teeth. A ‘Clean Air’ graffiti wall was also set up for children to paint their slogans and ideas about how to keep the air free from cigarette smoke. Due to the adverse weather the school children were unable to participate in the planned ‘traditional games’. However, the Booroonngen Djugen Line Dancers provided entertainment and many guests joined them for some fun and exercise. Organiser will conduct a review of the forum and consider options for further opportunities. Feedback from participants was excellent and stallholders have already expressed interest in being involved in future events.