Statement
The Northern Sydney PHN operated by the Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our region in their efforts to engage in social change that leads to equality and greater health and wellbeing. We recognise the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have more influence in decisions that affect their lives. As a result, the SNHN Board and Executive supports a “YES” vote in the referendum, which will enable creation of a “Voice to Parliament.”
Sydney North Health Network is guided by our vision to achieve together better health and better care for the community we serve. We pledge to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to continue to support them in achieving equality and eliminating health disparities that they confront throughout their lives. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ enduring rich culture and perseverance in the face of colonisation, dispossession, and prejudice.
Sydney North Health Network commits to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and will provide access to credible information that will enable community members to make their own, educated choice on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament referendum.
Further information and support
We encourage you to visit the voice.gov.au to find comprehensive information including a Voice Information Booklet and a Community Toolkit
We know that debate about the referendum may cause distress and we recommend contacting the following services for support:
- Head to Health phone line for free mental health advice and support: 1800 595 212
- Social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are available at: wellmob.org.au
- For local service providers and health professionals based on your eligibility: https://headstart.org.au/
Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Aged Cared commissioned the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research (NCATSIWR) at the Australian National University to conduct Aboriginal-led research on the mental health impact of the Voice to Parliament Referendum. More information about the project can be found on the NCATSIWR website.
The research indicates First Nations peoples may be experiencing stress, uncertainty, increased racism, re-traumatisation, as well as pressure to educate others, especially non-Indigenous Australians, about the Referendum.
To support the health sector to respond to the mental health needs of First Nations peoples, the ANU has published evidence-based factsheets that summarise the research findings and provide links to relevant information and supports. These factsheets have been tailored to the following audiences: