Program praised as a “life-changer” for improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people on the Central Coast

A program on the Central Coast for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with a chronic condition is being praised as a “life-changer”. 

Coast and Country Primary Care’s ‘Aunty Jean’s Program’, which receives funding from a program administered by RDN, offers a weekly meeting that includes health checks, education, culturally appropriate information sharing, goal setting and exercise programs for participants who are interested in improving their health and wellbeing.

In addition to improving participants’ management of their own health condition, the Program also aims to increase understanding of different chronic conditions, and provide a space for social and cultural connection.

According to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, chronic conditions account for 70% of the total health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. 

Participant, Sister Diana Johnston, said she’s proud to be a member of the Aunty Jean’s Program.  

“I have found it’s been a life-changer,” Sister Diana said. “You just get so much out of it: physical wellness, mental wellness, companionship. When I first came here, I couldn’t even get out of the seat without help. This program is keeping me out of hospital and that’s just so important to me."

The Program is funded by the Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP) which aims to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic conditions can access the culturally appropriate health care they need, wherever they live. The program is funded under the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme. 

Learn more about the Aunty Jean’s Program here. This service is proudly provided by Coast & Country Primary Care.