The Sharks Deadly Choices Program has been recognised as a top 3 finalist in the 2022 Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Awards in the ‘Service delivery that meets community needs’ category.
The Sharks Have Heart program was acknowledged alongside other worthy initiatives creating social impact across several health issues in the region at an awards night held in Riverwood.
In Aboriginal slang, if something is ‘deadly’ it’s great, cool or awesome, therefore a Deadly Choice is a good choice.
Deadly Choices is a health promotion initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, funded in the Sutherland Shire by the Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN).
The Cronulla Sharks have been successfully running the program since 2020. Deadly Choices aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, to be role models and leaders within their communities and to complete their annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health check to prevent and better manage chronic disease.
There are no Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health services in the Sutherland Shire, creating a need for culturally safe and responsive medical care for Indigenous residents.
To address that unmet need, the Sharks Deadly Choices program combines an 8 week schools and community healthy lifestyles program with community outreach delivered in collaboration with the Vitalis Family Medical Practice in Kirrawee.
Vitalis doctors and nurses are supported by an Aboriginal Health Practitioner employed by the Sharks to build rapport and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Annual health checks are essential in the prevention, early detection, and management of chronic disease including diabetes, heart health issues and mental health difficulties.
They also provide access to childhood vaccinations and seasonal immunisations such as flu and shingles. Throughout the COVID19 lockdown and restrictions, Sharks were also able to provide education about the COVID19 vaccination, address hesitancy and administer vaccines as required.
Community Engagement Lead Rachal Allan has overseen the program at the Sharks since its inception and has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of providing a health service that meets the cultural and medical needs of the Aboriginal community.
“Previously, members of the community were sadly missing out on these vital health checks or having to travel to Redfern or Wollongong to access an Aboriginal Medical Service. By providing this essential service locally, we are creating intergenerational change and improving the quality of life of our families”.
To make a fully tax deductible donation to the Sharks Have Heart Foundation and support programs including the Sharks Deadly Choices program click here.
To express interest in having the Sharks Deadly Choices program in your school or to find out more email [email protected]
