Three outstanding organisations have been recognised as finalists in the Excellence in Aboriginal Health category of the 2026 Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards.
The award recognises individuals, teams and organisations that are advancing Aboriginal health through culturally safe, community-led approaches that support health equity, self-determination and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.
This year’s finalists, Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service and Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation, are demonstrating the power of Aboriginal leadership, local decision-making, and culturally responsive care.
Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation: Delivering stronger health outcomes through community control
Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC) is improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people and families across Dareton, Wentworth and surrounding Far West NSW communities through a culturally safe, community-controlled model of care.
Governed by an Aboriginal Board and guided by community priorities, CHAC delivers general practice, nursing, Aboriginal health, allied health, chronic disease management, maternal and child health, and wellbeing programs through one trusted local service.
Over the past year, CHAC continued to strengthen access to GP, nursing, Aboriginal Health Worker and Practitioner, midwifery, allied health, and visiting specialist services. This has helped reduce barriers associated with distance, cost, and culturally unsafe care. The organisation delivers thousands of patient contacts and primary healthcare services each year across general practice, health checks, chronic disease care, nursing, and Aboriginal health programs.
CHAC’s integrated and wraparound approach supports earlier intervention, stronger care coordination, and improved engagement with health services. Community members are connected to care through trusted initiatives including Elders activities, Mums and Bubs programs, women’s and men’s health programs, youth support, and chronic disease programs.
A key strength of CHAC is its commitment to Aboriginal workforce development and self-determination. Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners play a central role in care delivery, health promotion, and community engagement, while traineeships and development pathways are helping create the next generation of Aboriginal health professionals.
Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service: Growing Our Own – Building a stronger Aboriginal Health Workforce
Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service is strengthening health outcomes by investing in local people and building a sustainable Aboriginal health workforce.
Its Growing Our Own workforce strategy was developed to address workforce shortages while increasing Aboriginal representation across all levels of the organisation.
Rather than relying solely on external recruitment, the organisation invested in local talent through traineeships, mentoring, study support, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Career pathways were established across both clinical and non-clinical roles, including administration, Aboriginal Health Worker positions, management, and leadership roles.
The strategy has delivered measurable outcomes, including increased Aboriginal workforce participation, improved staff retention, and reduced reliance on external recruitment. It has also created a pipeline of future health professionals and leaders who remain connected to their communities, families and Country.
Aboriginal staff, Elders, community representatives, and the Board helped shape workforce priorities and initiatives. Their involvement strengthened cultural safety across recruitment, onboarding, workplace policies, and professional development programs.
As Aboriginal representation increased, staff reported stronger feelings of belonging, support, and cultural respect, while community members experienced services that were more culturally responsive and reflective of local needs.
Yoorana Gunya: Community-led care improving Aboriginal Health outcomes
Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation is improving health outcomes through a community-led model that places Aboriginal people at the centre of service design, delivery, and governance.
The organisation has built strong community trust by delivering culturally safe, accessible, and integrated healthcare that supports whole-of-person wellbeing.
A key focus has been the delivery of 715 Aboriginal Health Assessments across all age groups. These assessments support early identification of health concerns, better chronic disease management, and increased participation in preventive healthcare.
Yoorana Gunya complements its clinical services with social and emotional wellbeing programs, including walking groups and men’s and women’s groups. These initiatives create opportunities for connection, support and health promotion while strengthening community wellbeing.
The organisation also provides access to funded allied health and specialist services, helping reduce barriers to care and improve coordination between providers. This integrated approach supports earlier intervention and stronger continuity of care.
Workforce development remains a priority. During the past year, three staff completed their Aboriginal Health Practitioner Certificate IV, increasing the Aboriginal Health Practitioner workforce to five. Additional training in audiology and mental health has further strengthened the organisation’s ability to meet local needs.
Together, the finalists in the Excellence in Aboriginal Health category demonstrate the vital role frontline Aboriginal health organisations play in improving access, strengthening local health services, and delivering quality care in regional, rural, and remote communities across Western and Far West NSW.
We will be celebrating our finalists across all six categories at the Western NSW Primary Health Excellence Awards gala event in Dubbo on 12 November. For more information and tickets, visit our website.
