The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council (QAIHC) is the state’s peak body representing, advocating and supporting Queensland’s Community Controlled Health Services (CCHS) sector in delivering comprehensive, primary health care solutions to their communities.
The CCHS sector is made up of a number of member organisations all sharing a passion and commitment to address the unique health care needs of their communities through specialised, comprehensive and culturally-appropriate care.
QAIHC’s commitment extends nationally through its close affiliation and board membership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
Our history began in 1990 with the establishment of the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Forum (QAIHF). In 2004, the organisation was reconstituted to its current status as QAIHC.
Our role and primary purpose is to represent our CCHS sector members to collectively promote, develop and expand the provision of health services through:
Advocacy: QAIHC is a vital link between Queensland’s CCHS sector and government, non government, media and community organisations.
Representation: QAIHC is the voice of the CCHS sector, listening, responding to and actioning the needs of its members and their communities.
Support: QAIHC supports its members’ organisations through assistance in the planning, development and provision of comprehensive primary health care services to their communities.
Partnerships: QAIHC identifies, creates and strengthens relationships with government, corporations, community bodies and other health service providers by providing education regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health issues, challenges and solutions.
The health and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples requires a collaborative approach by everyone.
Our objectives are to - Promote, develop and expand the provision of health services, Remain at the forefront of innovative health care solutions through collaborative health research, Reduce the poverty and mortality levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, provide education through institutions and health programs to generate awareness and solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues and to dispel cultural health myths, Deliver holistic, culturally-appropriate health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
OUR VISION
The elimination of disparities in health and wellbeing experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.
OUR MISSION
To advocate for and provide effective and efficient corporate and health service support to Community Controlled Health Services and communities in Queensland to facilitate access to comprehensive primary health care responsive to the needs of local communities and integrated into the health system in Queensland.
OUR VALUES
• Aboriginal & Islander Community Control
• Cultural Respect
• Intersectoral collaboration
• Leadership & integrity
• Quality & learning
• Capacity building
• Comprehensive primary health care
• Holistic approach.
QAIHC functions as a vital link between the Community Controlled Health Sector, Government and non-Government Health Sectors. Administration and coordination is undertaken by QAIHC Secretariat located in Brisbane.
QAIHC is the Queensland Affiliate of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
QAIHC works closely with the Community Controlled Child Protection Sector in Queensland to address over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the Queensland child protection system. QAIHC auspices the operation of the peak body for the Sector, the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Partnership (QATSICPP).
QAIHC also works closely with the Community Controlled Substance Misuse Sector, auspicing the operation of its peak body – the Queensland Indigenous Substance Misuse Council (QISMC).
Our commitment is to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their health and cultural wellbeing.