The Australian healthcare system can be complex and overwhelming. We help you access all the health services you need, starting with a 715 Health check. This free, annual health assessment is a first step to ensuring you get the specialist care you need, with Medicare covering the costs. We can help you see specialists and allied health professionals, on-site and off-site.

What is a 715 health check?

This is a comprehensive annual health check for any First Nations person of any age. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and is a great way to help your GP identify any potential risks for illnesses or chronic conditions.

If you already have a chronic condition, your GP can see how you’re progressing. If they find any warning signs, GPs can treat the condition early. This can make a big difference to your long-term health.

At the appointment, your GP will

• ask questions about your diet, medications, family medical history, physical activity, mental wellbeing and immunisation
• measure your weight, height, hearing, eyesight and blood pressure
• create a personalised health plan with you.

Your GP may refer you for other tests. After your health check, and with your agreement, your GP can refer you to up to 10 free follow-up services or specialists if you need them.

Specialists and Allied Health

If your GP recommends it, we can help you make an appointment with a specialist who works in mental health, chronic care or other aspects of your health. Some of the specialists we can help you see onsite include:

• Cardiac Clinic
• COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
• Exercise Physiology
• Gastroenterology
• Hearing Australia
• Oral Health Clinic
• Paediatrics
• Podiatry
• Psychology
• Skin Cancer Clinic

We can arrange for you to visit other specialists off-site, including:

• Dermatology
• Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT)
• Gynaecology
• Immunology
• Neurology
• Obstetrics
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Ophthalmology
• Pathology
• Physiotherapy
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Speech Pathology
• Urology

All the specialists we work with receive cultural capability training. They will treat you with respect and understanding and make sure you feel safe.

We can provide transport to your appointments through the Gandangara Transport Service.  Your Aboriginal Health Outreach Worker can come with you to your appointment for support.

We make sure all your GP and specialist appointments are bulk-billed through Medicare. If you are not eligible, we can refer you to services that can help, such as the Aboriginal Chronic Care Program in South Western Sydney. This program helps First Peoples who have or are at risk of developing a chronic condition, including Type 1 and 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, kidney disease or a mental health condition.

At Marumali, we run a range of fun health and wellbeing groups and activities for you and your family members, no matter what your age.

For young people:

• Swimming - children aged 5 - 15 years can learn to swim and be safe in the water at Auburn: Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre and Miller: Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre
• Martial arts - build self-defence skills, confidence and discipline
• Fishing (Magura) - learn cultural skills and meet new people
• Culture - programs in schools and child care centres teach young people about First Nations music, dance and art, also about healthy eating and mental health.

For adults:

• Burrayi Program, Mums and Bubs program - antenatal education and care for pregnant mothers that continues until your children are school-aged
• Bushwalks on Country - build connection to Country and physical fitness
• Art Group healing - a hands-on cultural connection
• Didgeridoo class - young men can learn didge and receive mentoring
• Women’s only group - build confidence in a safe environment and learn about a healthy lifestyle
• Wellbeing yarning circle - share wisdom and life experience.

For all ages:

• Hearing Australia provides hearing assessment and referrals for equipment and preventative ear care
• Health Clinic provides dental care and information about caring for your teeth
• Immunisation clinic promotes the benefits of free immunisations for COVID-19 and flu and the importance of immunising all children against preventable diseases.

Visit our Marumali Program calendar to see what’s on. Come and get involved!

Events

Connect with the broader Gandangara group and local community at one of many events. Marumali organises and attends various events that are important to First People to belong, thrive and connect in our community.

These include community barbecues, sporting events, Elders, men’s, women’s and youth events, as well as:

• NAIDOC week
• Reconciliation Day
• Mabo Day
• Native Title Day
• Harmony Day
• National Apology Day
• International Day of Indigenous Peoples
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
• R U Okay? Day
• White Ribbon Day - prevention of violence against women and girls
• Jeans for Genes Day

Visit our Upcoming Events page to see what’s on. Come and get involved!

Do you want to deliver better services to your First Nations patients? At Marumali, we offer cultural education and training for GPs. You’ll learn :

• First Nations history to understand the complexities and intergenerational trauma that First Peoples face
• How to build rapport and trust with First Nation clients
• How to complete a comprehensive 715 Aboriginal Health Check
• About providing culturally-safe referrals.

Ask us any questions so you feel more confident engaging with and empowering your First Nations clients. Together, we can holistically improve health and wellbeing and contribute to Closing the Gap.