Our guest speaker this week was Alana Street, the first ever Friend of the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza, on the topic of Health Care for Indigenous People in their own Country.
Alana was the first Friend of the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza when that category was introduced in 2008 - 2009.
At that time, Alana was travelling to Kimbe in the New Britain Area of Papua New Guinea (PNG), training mid-wives at the Kimbe Maternity Hospital.
In conjunction with the local Rotary Club, our Club set up a voucher system as there was no food provided to the nursing mothers. Alana coordinated the scheme with the Rotary Club of Kimbe, with the scheme, from our side, continuing for a few years
Subsequently, Alana went to serve on the Nursing/Midwifery staff at Christmas Island refugee detention camp, and more latterly in remote communities in the Northern Territory.
Alana currently continues to enjoy ongoing volunteer work in Papua New Guinea with the PNG Buddy Leadership Program developed by the Morialta Rotary Club of South Australia/Australian College of Midwives, and Midwifery Society of PNG.
These days Alana is a full time healthcare worker in remote Northern Territory, currently managing the Robinson River Health Centre, 40 kms from Gulf of Carpentaria.
Living and working in this remote part of Australia is a challenge however it is clearly something that Alana is passionate about.
Many of the local indigenous people have chronic disease including heart issues, renal problems and diabetes. Medical staff often fly in when required with an airstrip being just down the road from Alana's centre.
A doctor visits once a week while for emergencies patients have to access doctors in Darwin and Brisbane.
Alana was joined in her presentation by Johnny, a local elder and his daughter Sonia, who is a local ranger.
The local area is alcohol free and Alana and Johnny spoke about educating younger people about healthy living. They showed a chart that is used to teach people about the sugar content of various drinks.
There has been a strong push to encourage people to go back to the ways of eating bush tucker and the benefits of exercise programs.
An underlying theme of the education process is: If you want it you have to work for it.
The centre operates a community kitchen and the older local women "cook up a storm".
Alana has developed a strong connection to the people and community. Teaching how to cook, eg make bread and yoghurt, engages younger people.
Johnny has taken on a role supporting young men in prison and assisting many of them to deal with mental health issues. Having an indigenous worker in the clinic is a great role model.
During this time of COVID-19 the clinic is promoting hand washing and social distancing. At present they are dealing mainly with emergency cases until Coronavirus is overcome.
The clinic is well supported by government and it is clear that Alana loves her job.
Alana concluded her talk commenting upon issues such as Closing the Gap (reports), Deaths in Custody and Black Lives Matter.
We were fortunate in having such a passionate, committed and articulate speaker provide a wonderful presentation.
Alana Street address the RCME via Zoom with Johnny in the background
Thank you to Kay McCauley, Frank Flowers & John Gilbert for information contained in this report (Ed)
