Supporting Aboriginal women in health and connection
 

More than 70 Aboriginal women came together at Redfern Park last month for the annual Aboriginal Women’s Health and Wellbeing Day, a growing partnership focused on improving access to culturally safe health care and screening services. 

Delivered by Sydney Local Health District Population Health in partnership with BreastScreen NSW Sydney and the Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern, the event brought together health services and community organisations to support Aboriginal women’s health, wellbeing and connection. 

Held on Wednesday 29 April, the day offered free breast screening, self-collected cervical screening, bowel screening kits, flu vaccinations and women’s health consultations, alongside activities including weaving, hair styling, refreshments and access to free winter clothing provided by Thread Together. 

The event was established in 2024 through a partnership between BreastScreen NSW Sydney and Sydney Local Health District Population Health, supported by a Cancer Institute NSW grant. Following strong community support, the District’s Population Health team committed to funding the event annually. 

This year’s event was the largest to date and recorded the highest number of women accessing breast screening, with 26 Aboriginal women screened on the day. 

A broad network of organisations contributed to the event, including Mudgin-Gal Women’s Place, Cancer Council NSW, Dress for Success, Eora TAFE and Cancer Institute NSW. 

“These events are an opportunity to access health care but are also about creating a space where Aboriginal women feel connected, supported and empowered to prioritise their health,” said Renee Moreton, General Manager, Population Health. 

“The continued growth of the event reflects the strength of the partnerships between healthcare services and community organisations.” 

The Aboriginal Women’s Health and Wellbeing Day continues to grow each year, strengthening partnerships between health services and community organisations while supporting Aboriginal women to stay connected, informed and healthy.