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Indigenous Australians

We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands where we work, learn and live. We also pay respect to the wisdom of the Elders past, present and emerging. We recongnise that First Nations sovereignty was never ceded. This continent always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

This website does not claim to provide answers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues. Our aim is to provide resources that assist Australian healthcare professionals to learn and adapt with flexibility in their clinical practice.

The resources below have been co-developed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people manage their asthma. We acknowledge the expertise of all groups who have developed these resources.

Asthma Handbook

The Asthma Handbook provides some resources relating to cultural considerations, diagnosis and assessment and management of asthma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Lung Health App for Indigenous Families/Children

The Lung Health App was developed by the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin supported by funding from Asthma Australia. The App can be used without or with ‘voice-over’ in English or one of seven local Indigenous languages from the Northern Territory Tiwi, Murrinh Patha, Yolngu Matha, Kriol, Ptijantatjara, Western Arrente and Warlpiri. The app was evaluated with 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers from Darwin and Queensland, and it was found that knowledge of asthma significantly improved after using the asthma app. Carers found the language option novel and were overwhelmingly positive about the content and images used.

How to Use a Puffer and a Spacer

How to use a puffer and spacer: An infographic developed by the the Menzies School of Health Research, Queensland Indigenous Outreach Care Program (2013). Provides step-by-step instructions on how to use a puffer with a spacer to get as much medicine as possible into the lungs.

Remote Indigenous Australian Short Wind Action Plan

This asthma action plan was developed specifically for Indigenous peoples with asthma who live in remote areas of Australia. The Remote Indigenous Australian Asthma Action Plan was developed by the Australian Department of Health based on a plan designed by Professor Anne Chang. The imagery is from the Short Wind educational materials distributed by the Asthma Foundation of the Northern Territory. This asthma action plan was funded by the Australian Government.

Bronchiectasis Toolbox

The Bronchiectasis Toolbox provides an overview of topics related to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders and Maori health in general, and with specific focus on bronchiectasis.

Resources for Children - Breathing and Respiratory Health

The Keeping our Mob Healthy resources were developed as part of a collaborative initiative to improve the relevance of health information and condition self-management resources for Aboriginal families at Perth’s Children’s Hospital and Adolescent Health services. Aboriginal Liason Officers, Social workers, an Aboriginal Health Worker, Aboriginal artist, consumers, clinicians and other WA stakeholders were involved in factsheet design and feedback.

Mental Health Support

13YARN is a 24-hour crisis counselling service available over the telephone or online, specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Resources for Health Professionals

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

To promote a patient-centred approach, effective communication is critical. This may include a translator, consideration of differing health and cultural beliefs and the use of specialised resources.

Asthma Handbook

The Asthma Handbook provides some resources relating to asthma in people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Translated Resources

The National Asthma Council and Asthma Australia each provide a number of translated resources for asthma, including asthma action plans, information brochures.