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Women’s and Children’s Health Network
Ngangkitya ngartu itya kangkawardli
Acknowledgement
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of Country throughout South Australia. We acknowledge and respect their ongoing and deep spiritual connection and relationship to land, air, sea, waters, community and country. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Aboriginal Consumer Working Group

Aboriginal Consumer Working Group feature2

You Speak, We Listen, We Do

"It's good that people listen to us, and we can help our community. I might have to go back to my hometown, but it's reassuring to know the good work here will continue." Kelli, Aboriginal Consumer Advocate

If you are an Aboriginal person who wants to share your thoughts and make a difference at Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN), there are opportunities for you to be part of important talks and activities. WCHN want to make sure your voice is big part of designing, delivering, and evaluating WCHN services.

Aboriginal Consumer Advocates represent the perspective of their lived experiences and community connections, which will be different from staff. You can speak up for the interests of Aboriginal women, children and their families, to make their health care experience better.

You can join our regular Aboriginal Consumer Forums, committees, and working groups where your opinions will be valued. You can also share your thoughts through online forums and surveys and have opportunities to ensure we meet the ever-changing needs of our community, including hiring of staff.

It's important to know that there are limits to what you can change, and it takes time. WCHN is truly listening. Our Aboriginal Consumer Working Group started in August 2021 and is active in making services better. They are making a difference in projects like the WCHN Ngangkita Ngartu (Aboriginal Family Birthing Program), WCHN Disability Outreach Services, Delivery Room re-development, Child Development Unit Research study, and Adolescent Pain Project.

“Being involved with WCHN has helped me feel stronger.” Tanya, Aboriginal Consumer Advocate

Building on insights shared, the Aboriginal Consumer Working Group has developed Aboriginal Healthcare Rights that aim to inform Aboriginal families of their rights when accessing WCHN services.

“We work mainly in the southern and western parts of the city, and our way of doing things, centered around the community, has led to good results.” Liz, Aboriginal Consumer Advocate

You are welcome to attend and see if this is the right group for you.

If you want be a WCHN Consumer Advocate team, sign up on the Consumer Register at:

If you have questions or want support registering:

We value your skills, knowledge and experience. We reimburse you for your time and can support with transport according to SA Health Policy.

  • Sitting fees – $35 / hour
  • Public transport, taxi transport, car parking, child care costs reimbursed upon presentation of receipt
  • Private vehicle transport reimbursement – $1.14 per km in a car.

Getting involved might be challenging, but it can be really fulfilling. It's great to know that you're helping make positive changes and improving healthcare for Aboriginal people across South Australia.

If you have questions or want more info about how we involve consumers, email Health.WCHNConsumerEngagement@sa.gov.au.