National Close the Gap Day - recognising communities changing the health and wellbeing narrative

The Close the Gap Campaign’s 2023 Report will be launched today. This report is based on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ right to be self-determining and highlights the vital role of strong culture and Country in achieving positive long-term health outcomes for First Nations’ peoples and communities.

On National Close the Gap Day Community First Development is celebrating and sharing the work that self-determining communities are doing to change the health and wellbeing narrative.

From Goodnir Health Services in Queensland, Bundjalung Tribal Society and Gulgen Care in Northern NSW, to Nagula Social and Emotional Wellbeing and the Aboriginal Males Healing Centre - Strong Spirit Strong Families Strong Culture in WA, Community First Development acknowledges the work of self-determining communities all around the Country on National Close the Gap Day.

These community organisations are changing the health and wellbeing outcomes for their mob. These Community First Development project partners are leading self-determined decision-making and are grounded in culturally strong and responsive ways of knowing, being and doing, shaping and growing the health and wellbeing visions and Dreams of their communities.

Gulgen Care CEO, Bruce Simpson with donations for the community after the Northern Rivers Floods in March 2022

We have had the privilege of partnering with Gulgen Care over several projects and holding the space with them after the devastating NSW Northern Rivers floods in 2022. Gulgen Care was established in April 2020 and provides culturally responsive aged care and disability support services to the Aboriginal community in Alstonville, NSW.

“Gulgen Care is about helping our Mob. Gulgen Care is the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Disability Support Service within Lismore. Gulgen Care was incorporated to meet the needs of the Indigenous Community.” Bruce Simpson, Gulgen Care CEO.

As the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation providing Indigenous Disability Support services in the Lismore area; their work is crucial in meeting the needs of the Aboriginal community. Gulgen Care was established to address an identified gap in service delivery; providing home care to people with a disability.  The organisation is building a strong community presence and reducing social and cultural isolation for people with disability, their families and extended community. 

Gulgen Care responded to the Northern Rivers Flood disaster by supporting the broader community, brokering relationships with other organisations and providing a culturally safe and welcoming place to coordinate support through their networks and Facebook page. 

On National Close the Gap Day, this is just one story of a culturally grounded, and self-determining community, building culturally strong and connected partnerships and relationships to support their disability health, accessibility and inclusion vision, changing the health narrative and outcome for their community.   

Would you like to support community development activities that support our First Nations communities to continue with their work?