Friends of COORDINARE

We hope you are staying warm and dry as we enter the second month of winter. A reminder that now is the time to book your flu vaccine, and to consider topping up your COVID booster if it's been 6 months since your last COVID vaccination or infection. Find out more here.

We have a number of exciting events and projects that we would like to share with you.

NAIDOC Week 2023

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are being held this week across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Every year, COORDINARE celebrates and participates in both Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. This year’s theme is For Our Elders. We are proud to share this video featuring Aboriginal Elders from communities across our region sharing their stories and responses to this year's NAIDOC week theme.

You can support this year’s NAIDOC theme by respecting our Elders and getting involved in your community.

Local Aboriginal community members yarning with Beyond Empathy about this year's NAIDOC theme - For Our Elders.

COORDINARE continues to work towards improving the health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities throughout the region, through its commitment to Reconciliation. Hear why our Aboriginal community is making sure they are up to date with their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and how important it is for Aboriginal people to access antivirals if they do test positive to COVID-19.

We have had the joy of working with Beyond Empathy to create a library of local stories from Aboriginal communities. You can watch all of the videos on Reconciliation, COVID, NAIDOC and more at COORDINARE's Vimeo page here.

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You and Your Doctor

As part of our work to make sure that the right medical support is available to the communities in our region, COORDINARE is keen to know your recent experience in accessing a doctor.

This information will help us understand where the gaps are and help plan and prioritise for the future. You can complete this short survey here.

Support for people with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COORDINARE is working with the Wollongong based organisation, Living Connected to help people with COPD improve their digital skills. So, if you have COPD or care for someone with COPD, get free support to understand how to use your own device (mobile phone, iPad, tablet or laptop) to better self-manage COPD.

This program is being offered all across our region, read more here. For more information contact Living Connected on 0409 753 808 or email admin@livingconnected.org.au

A new online look

We have developed a new website and updated our Connect with COORDINARE site. You can view our new website here: https://www.coordinare.org.au/ and our Connect with COORDINARE site created for our Friends of COORDINARE here: https://connect.coordinare.org.au/. Both platforms have updated information that you may find useful.

Smile – you’re on camera

We are looking for a number of Friends of COORDINARE living in Wollongong and surrounding areas who would like to participate in a photo shoot. The purpose of the photo shoot is to promote Friends of COORDINARE on our website, social media channels and in our publications. The photo shoot will be held at COORDINARE's Wollongong Office, located at University of Wollongong Innovation Campus in North Wollongong on Wednesday 12 October between 10:30am – 11.30am. Join us for coffee, cake and a chat afterwards.

There is paid parking available (we will cover this cost) and you will receive a copy of your photo to keep. Friends will need to complete a consent form to have their photo published. If you are interested, please contact Samantha Karmel, COORDINARE’s Consumer Participation Manager at skarmel@coordinare.org.au or 0419 270 730 by 12pm Monday 10 October 2022.

Training opportunity

Want to improve your knowledge, skills and understanding of our health system? Thought about becoming a consumer advisor for COORDINARE?

We are looking for Friends of COORDINARE who are ready to take the next step to become a consumer advisor. As a consumer advisor you might be part of an advisory committee or be involved in a panel to assess the best organisation to deliver a health program or service.

We are offering you the opportunity to do an online training course with Health Consumers NSW for FREE. This course provides education and support for new and experienced people who are interested in working with us to provide the consumer perspective.

Course details: 24 October to 2 December 2022; approximate time commitment is 8-12 hours. Participants will need access to a computer/device with reliable internet connection.

If you are interested email Samantha Karmel at skarmel@coordinare.org.au or by phone on 0419 270 730 by 5pm Friday 14 October 2022.

Tune in this Mental Health Month

In NSW, Mental Health Month is celebrated each October. This month we are encouraging you to think about your mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether you may have a lived experience of mental illness or not. To find out more go to: https://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/