News & Events
Become a member. Be a voice. Build a legacy.
A few dedicated Founding Members started ATSICHS Brisbane in a converted fruit and vegetable shop more than 50 years ago. Uncle Les Collins is one of them. Now, he and the ATSICHS Brisbane Board are appealing to the next generation of leaders to get involved and guide decisions at a governance level by becoming members.
Following invasion and colonisation, the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were massive Uncle Les said.
“There was a desperate need to address the appalling health inequalities our mobs were experiencing. We came together with the shared objective to tackle racial discrimination and the resulting damage and inequalities.”
Their vision formed the seed that has grown into Queensland’s largest community-controlled health and community services organisation with more than 500 staff.
“Not only that, but we became the catalyst for the establishment of the many Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations throughout Queensland today. We led the charge in collaboration which led government and its agencies and the broader health sector to change attitudes and policies for the better.”
ATSICHS Brisbane now offers medical and dental services through several clinics, social and emotional wellbeing programs, disability support, crisis housing, a birthing program, family and children services, kindergartens, youth services and aged care.
What a legacy.
Our Founding Members made the crucial first steps in improving health outcomes for mob but there is still work to be done.
“Will you help ATSICHS Brisbane continue this legacy and keep driving improvement by becoming a member?”
“Let’s work together, and as the great Pamela Mam says ‘the propa way’, to keep growing ATSICHS Brisbane, eliminate health disparities and meet the ongoing and emerging needs of our community.”
Become a member. Be a voice. Build a legacy.
