A program that helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people make Deadly Choices will be celebrated at a Community Day on Tuesday 20 September.
Mackay Hospital Health Service and Mackay Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Services are partnering to stage the smoke and alcohol free event at Queens Park.
Mackay HHS Regional Indigenous Operations Program Manager Trudi Sebasio said former Broncos player Scotty Prince would be attending as the Deadly Choices ambassador to help promote healthy choices.
“Deadly Choices is a campaign which aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families – to stop smoking, to eat good food and exercise daily.
“Deadly Choices also encourages our people to access health services and complete a health check – not just to see the doctor when they are sick but to access support to remain healthy.
“Young people are given access to positive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models, empowering them to improve their decision making skills. This is why it is fantastic to have someone like Scotty Prince here for the community day.”
The eight-part program was completed by about 244 students at seven secondary schools in Mackay, Bowen, Dysart and Moranbah in 2015-16 the year.
Ms Sebasio said programs such as this were a key part to closing the gap in health outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“Focusing on the risk factors for chronic disease – smoking, physical activity and nutrition – is critical if we are going to close the gap.
“Smoking, poor nutrition and not enough physical activity that are the biggest contributors to chronic disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – this is why we see high levels of diabetes, heart disease, lung and kidney disease in our families.
“Governments have committed to ‘closing the gap’ in Indigenous health but it is only our communities that can make this happen. Our aim is to support our community to make a healthy choice – make a Deadly Choice.”
The free Community Day is at Queens Park on Tuesday 20 September 10am – 2pm. There will be the Deadly Choices marquee, traditional indigenous games, health checks, NRL, AFL, tai chi and food.
More Information
Danielle Jesser, Media and Communications Manager
mhhs-comms@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 0417 756 221
