Supporting First Nations health through culturally safe care

Gold Coast-based Indigenous Health Project Officer Paul Roberts, a Widjabul Wia-bal man from Bundjalung Country, tells us about the groundbreaking Kalwun Integrated Team Care (ITC) program that provides better access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with chronic conditions.

Partnering for impact: spotlight on the Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program

Cultural safety is not just the work of individual clinicians – it’s something that must be embedded in systems and relationships.

One of the most powerful ways we can drive cultural safety is by partnering – not just consulting, but walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, Elders, communities, and people with lived experience.

When we collaborate meaningfully, we share the responsibility and accountability for better health outcomes. It’s about shifting from ‘doing for’ to ‘doing with’.

And this brings me to a standout example of what effective partnership can look like in practice.

The Integrated Team Care or ITC Program

This program is a real-world demonstration of how shared care, cultural, brokerage, and local leadership can make a difference.

Its purpose is to improve access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with chronic conditions.

It reflects a shift from fragmented care towards an integrated, culturally responsive team approach.

As a Project Officer, Paul acts as a vital bridge between mainstream health care services and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

These roles include:

• Fostering partnership between GPs, ACCHOs, pharmacies, and allied health providers.
• Identifying and helping remove barriers that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face when accessing care – such as racism, cost, fear, or past trauma.
• Building the cultural capability of practices – through training, advise, and supporting self-identification practices.
• Improving MBS uptake, especially for services like the 715 Health Assessment and appropriate follow-ups.

Outreach Workers are the practical, trusted link who walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.

They:

• Provide transport and navigation support for clients with chronic conditions.
• Help clients attend follow-up appointments, including GPs, specialists, and pharmacy visits.
• Assist in registration for Closing the Gap (CTG) prescriptions and Care Coordination programs.
• Ensure people are supported during hospital discharge and aftercare.
• Promote self-identification and Medicare enrolment, so people aren’t missing out on the care they’re entitled to.

These roles are central to improving health equity and outcomes – particularly in chronic disease. By collaborating with us and understanding our scope you can enhance cultural safety in real, practical ways.

Reach out to Paul at Kalwun if you would like to discuss how he can help, or to set up a practice visit by emailing Paul.Roberts@kalwun.com.au or 0429 484 735.

Access the GCPHN First Nationals Toolkit