Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources

The West Moreton Care at the End of Life Collaborative acknowledges the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people, Traditional Custodians of the land, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

The West Moreton region includes Ipswich and Lockyer Valley Local Government Areas (LGAs), as well as parts of the Scenic Rim and Somerset LGAs. In the 2016 census, data from these four LGAs combined, indicate that 4.1% of the total population identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander. This is higher than the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, which is 3% of the total Australian population.

Approaching the end of life is a significant and sensitive time for people with a serious illness and their loved ones. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the time before and after a death are particularly important and can be subject to sacred and meaningful practices. Such practices vary between and within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribal groups; therefore, interactions at this time should be sensitive and respectful.

This page includes various resources to assist health professionals, caregivers and community members to understand more about cultural considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are approaching the end of life.

Resources for Community

Palliative Care Australia (PCA) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Discussion Starter

PCA is the national peak body for palliative care. One of PCA’s programs is ‘Dying to Talk which provides resources to help people think about and have discussions with family about how they wish to be cared for at end of their life. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Discussion Starter is specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It guides people through a discussion and thinking about how they would like to be cared for. It includes a guide and a card game.

Exploratory Analysis of Barriers to palliative Care – Issues Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

This report, commissioned by the Australian Government, describes key barriers and promising approaches for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience of palliative care in Australia. It is included here to help health professionals understand the barriers in order to improve approached to care.

Caring for your mob at the end of their life

This brochure is produced by the Australian Government and is designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people plan end of life care for their loved one.

Taking Control of your Health Journey

This booklet was produced in 2017 by Advance Care Planning Australia for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It provides information about advance care planning (planning ahead) and how to go about making an advance care plan.

Resources for Health Professionals

Sad News: Sorry Business Guidelines

‘Sad News, Sorry Business: Guidelines for caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through death and dying’ was researched and developed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability Team in Queensland Health. These guidelines are intended to be respectful and sensitive to this diversity; hence aiming to provide general guidance and broad information for Health staff.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet:

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is part of Edith Cowan University and provides support to those working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector by making research and other knowledge readily accessible. This page contains information about culturally appropriate palliative care and end of life care, grief and bereavement and planning ahead.

Caresearch Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care

Caresearch is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. Caresearch is a website which aims to provide online access to evidence on palliative care for all Australians. This page brings together a range of resources and information to help the health care workforce and carers in providing palliative care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

PEPA – Cultural Considerations

PEPA is an Australian Government funded program and provides free placements with palliative care services, workshops and other resources that support learning and development in the workplace. PEPA has developed a ‘Cultural Considerations: Providing end of life care for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ document; which outlines practical considerations from providing person-centred care.

Exploratory Analysis of Barriers to palliative Care – Issues Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

This report, commissioned by the Australian Government, describes key barriers and promising approaches for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience of palliative care in Australia. It is included here to help health professionals understand the barriers in order to improve approached to care.

Gwandalan resource information

Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), in partnership with Palliative Care South Australia has secured funding from the Federal Department of Health to co-develop a suite of tailored education and training materials to support cultural safety within palliative care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Please visit the Gwandalan website for more information.