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First Nations connections

First Nations community members can access any of our services at Latrobe Community Health Service. We want you to feel welcome and safe.

Artwork by Dixon Patten, a Yorta and Gunai artist.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​At Latrobe Community Health Service, we want to have meaningful relationships with First Nations communities. We aim to deliver services that reflect the needs of First Nations people across Victoria and New South Wales. We are committed to cultural safety.

All of our services are available to First Nations community members. And to make sure our organisation is culturally safe and welcoming, we talk to local Elders for their advice and guidance.

At Latrobe Community Health Service, we:

  • Recognise and celebrate significant events
  • Look to improve outcomes for First Nations communities through our First Nations Health and Wellbeing Strategy
  • Train our staff in First Nations cultural safety
  • Seek advice from First Nations community members in the Latrobe Valley who are part of our First Nations Advisory Group.

First Nations Advisory Group

A group of First Nations community members and LCHS staff members stand together, smiling at the camera.
The LCHS First Nations Advisory Group.

The First Nations Advisory Group is a group of First Nations people who live in the Latrobe Valley. The group meets every month at LCHS to provide advice, guidance and insights on First Nations issues, including how LCHS can improve service access for First Nations people in the Latrobe Valley.

The group consists of seven members – Margaret Atkinson, Lucille Atkinson, Shiralee Atkinson, Warren Atkinson, Noel Terrick, Tony Hood and Whitney Atkinson – and is facilitated by LCHS staff members Sharon Kingaby and Jasmine Griffiths.

During the monthly meetings, group members talk about the challenges First Nations people face when accessing services, and provide their thoughts on how LCHS can be a culturally safe and welcoming space for the First Nations community.

 

Advisory group achievements and focus

Our achievements

To date, the First Nations Advisory Group has:

  • Developed an action plan that outlines how LCHS can improve access to services for First Nations people.
  • Provided advice on LCHS brochures, to make them more welcome and accessible to First Nations people.
  • Participated in a photoshoot to expand the image library at LCHS, and to ensure photos on our marketing material appeal to and attract First Nations clients.
  • Introduced a new way for First Nations people in the Latrobe Valley to provide feedback that is culturally appropriate.
  • Advocated for the introduction of more First Nations artwork at LCHS sites.
Our focus for 2025

In 2025, the First Nations Advisory Group is focused on:

  • Increasing the visibility of the group across the organisation.
  • The introduction of the First Nations Liaison Officer, who is available for First Nations clients to help them navigate LCHS services.
  • Visiting the Moe, Morwell, Churchill, and Traralgon LCHS sites to learn more about the services offered and what can be done to make the spaces more welcoming for First Nations people.
  • The expansion of training for staff about First Nations culture and cultural safety in the Latrobe Valley.

First Nations Liaison Officer

A First Nations man waits at the reception counter with a woman, smiling.

The First Nations Liaison Officer at LCHS provides a free service for all First Nations people who live in Gippsland. The Liaison Officer helps you to get safe and welcoming healthcare by:

  • Giving you cultural and social support in your appointments at LCHS and other organisations.
  • Supporting you and your family.
  • Helping you to understand health information.
  • Advocating for you and your needs.
  • Making sure your care is culturally appropriate.
  • Connecting you to other services in the community.

This service is available to any First Nations person who lives in Gippsland.

 

Get in touch with the First Nations Liaison Officer

Refer yourself

The First Nations Liaison Officer is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8.30am to 5pm.

Call or text the First Nations Liaison Officer on 0427 117 211.

Refer a client

If you are referring a client to the First Nations Liaison Officer for support, please download and submit the referral form here.

First Nations communities – Your health services start here
First Nations: Rights and Responsibilities
First Nations Liaison Officer