Bogan Shire Medical Centre (BSMC) has recently appointed a new Aboriginal health worker enabling indigenous community members to receive care for their cultural, physical, social and emotional needs.

Judy Carney was born and raised in the Warren and Nyngan area and with a background in Indigenous family health, she has been able to provide a valuable link between the Aboriginal community and health care providers at the BSMC.

Known for her kind and empathetic nature, since starting her role in September, Judy has been able to connect with many locals assisting them on their health care journey and says she is loving her role so far.

“This new role is so important to our people,” said Ms Carney. “It is such a positive thing, where we can help them in an holistic way by transforming their idea of the medical centre into a health plan reality.

“It is such an amazing facility, and, in my role, I can help patients understand what they can utilise, whether it be a visit to the podiatrist, the physio or family planning, by showing them what is possible, I can provide more help when needed and that is very rewarding to me.

“I gained invaluable work and training at Gosford Hospital and Wyong Medical Centre,” said Ms Carney. “I worked in a mums and bubs program and assisted with child and family health for local people, and I was able to get out into the community where I witnessed problems first hand.”

“Despite Nyngan being a small community we have a lot of Aboriginal people coming to our town from Cobar and Bourke as well, so if we can continue getting more and more services, we can help so many people,” said Ms Carney.

Judy Carney pictured with her mum Betty, Marie Johnson NLALC and Veneta Dutton NLALC - Image supplied

According to Bogan Shire Council – the area has around 17 per cent of the local population identifying as indigenous - thus recognising the need for a dedicated Aboriginal health worker, the council successfully applied for funding to secure the position.

“The BSMC is equipped to deliver clinical services to our local Aboriginal community including specialty areas of drug and alcohol, mental health, diabetes, as well as eye and ear health.

“Australia-wide, the burden of disease for Aboriginal people is 2.3 times that of non-indigenous Australians and statistics show indigenous Australians have significantly higher rates of psychological distress and chronic disease,” said the Council.

“Judy, a proud Aboriginal woman descends from the Wiradjuri/Weilwan nation understands the significance of having an Aboriginal face within the health system,” says Marie Johnson, Chairperson Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

“For our mob, it’s about feeling connected, knowing there’s someone they can trust.

“The presence of an Aboriginal Health Worker ensures that cultural practices and beliefs are respected, enabling patients to feel safe and valued. This is particularly important for a community that has often faced systemic inequities in healthcare,” said Mrs Johnson.

“For many, her appointment signals a step forward in delivering healthcare that truly meets the needs of Aboriginal people. It’s about walking together, not just in health, but in life,” she added.

Marie Johnson, Chairperson Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council - image supplied

"I'm committed to supporting the Close the Gap initiative by providing culture sensitive healthcare and advocating for improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, involving partnerships between governments, indigenous organisations, and communities, highlighting the importance of cultural safety, self determination, and holistic approaches to health and well-being," said Ms Carney.

“I would really love Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to come into the Medical Centre and have a yarn with me. I have seats in my office, and we can sit and talk what about what is available to them.”

“We really welcome everyone and want to make your healthcare journey the best it can be,” Ms Carney added.