Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc

Project title: The Nunyara cardiometabolic screening and complication model: a three-pronged community-led strategy to achieving comprehensive Aboriginal primary preventative care

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic health condition that impacts Aboriginal Australians disproportionately, with a younger age of onset and early, aggressive development of both micro-vascular (e.g., blindness, renal disease and leg amputations) and macro-vascular (e.g., cardiovascular disease and stroke) complications.

‍Although it has been recognised that preventable chronic disease is the largest contributor to the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, best-practice preventive care is not usually delivered to Aboriginal Australians. Innovative, culturally appropriate primary prevention models are urgently required.

‍We propose a focused cardiometabolic screening and complication prevention model led by, and conducted at, the Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service located in Whyalla, South Australia. This model will comprise increased preventative screening, a dedicated mobile clinic van, and tele-mentoring for Aboriginal health practitioners and workers. It is anticipated that the model will be adopted by other Aboriginal health services in Australia.

Dr Chinmay Marathe, Project Lead:

“Diabetes and cardiometabolic disease are the major contributor to the reduced life expectancy in Indigenous Australians and implementation of targeted preventative strategies are urgently warranted.The funding from TTRA is critical to the establishment and the success of this project run by the Nunyara ACCHO which involves community outreach, enhanced multi-disciplinary services and training and mentoring of Aboriginal practitioners for the prevention, screening and detection of diabetes and heart disease to optimise equity in access to healthcare throughout the Aboriginal community." 

Cindy Zbierski, CEO, Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc:

“This project funding provides a unique opportunity for Aboriginal clients of Nunyara, whether they have pre existing conditions or not, to have a super comprehensive health assessment focusing on prevention, early detection and practical support, all delivered by a team of health professionals in a local and culturally trusted environment. Additionally, and in conjunction with improved client outcomes, our Aboriginal Health Practitioners and Workers will receive hands on support to upskill their clinical knowledge and practice. Sharing any challenges and successes of this project with our Sister ACCHO’s will be an important element of improving healthcare in Aboriginal Communities.”

TTRA Project Round:  Three

Project Lead:  Dr Chinmay Marathe

State:  South Australia

Project Partners:

• Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health
• The University of Adelaide
• SA Health

Funding:

• TTRA: $999,600
• Co-contribution: $264,116 in-kind

Duration:  September 2023 – August 2025

Website: www.nunyara.org.au  |  Facebook: Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc