Census data and local partnerships promote wellbeing at the new Walu-win Centre

Jamie Newman, a proud Wiradjuri man, is Chief Executive Officer of Orange Aboriginal Medical Services (OAMS) in NSW.

He said they use Census data and other local data to understand the needs of the local community and help secure further investment from partners.

Last year, OAMS, a community-controlled organisation, opened a purpose-built wellbeing and rehabilitation centre in Orange. The name of the centre - Walu-win - comes from the Wiradjuri word for ‘healthy’.

Walu-win’s services include health, housing and employment, which are vital for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to thrive.

Despite an uncertain year due to COVID-19, the Walu-Win opened in August 2020. The centre combines holistic and traditional medical practices to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Improving access to health services through Walu-Win, and a more holistic and wellbeing focus is vital to closing the gap,’ Jamie said.

We can’t close the gap without focusing on wellbeing for our people.”

Walu-win’s Manager, Zara Crawford, describes Walu-Win as a hub for a variety of health outcomes.

“We often see clients more than a GP would, which could be about something that is stressing them out socially or emotionally, through to developing exercise and nutritional programs. That’s our day-to-day service and that’s what we mean about being holistic.”

Jamie and Zara believe participation in the Census is an important conversation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities ahead of this year’s count.

“Accurate census data enables community-controlled organisations to know where our people are situated and what their needs are. This ultimately goes back into generating positive health outcomes for our people,” Jamie said.

“In terms of participating in the Census, if our voices aren’t heard and if we are not recognised, then how do we make change?” Zara said.