Bullinah health centre opens in Ballina
ABOVE: Bundjalung Elders Patti Cook, Ponnie Delsignore, Fred Marlowe and Bertha Kapeen cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the Bullinah health centre in Ballina.
After three years of planning and consultation, Bullinah has opened as a full-time health service dedicated to the specific needs of the Ballina, Cabbage Tree Island and Byron Bay Indigenous communities.
“Funded by the Northern Rivers General Practice Network (NRGPN) and the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (OATSI), Bullinah is the beginning of a new era for Indigenous health in Ballina,” a spokeswoman said.
“Initially, the service will comprise two general practitioners working Tuesdays and half a day on Thursdays.
“In the near future, a series of education days will commence, offering information to Aboriginal clients on a range of topics including diabetes. Counselling services will also soon be offered, with plans for outreach services to Byron Bay and Cabbage Tree Island.
“Further down the track, Aboriginal health workers will be included to provide a range of services from pap smears and immunisations, to general health advice.”
BELOW: Special guest performer at the opening was Kev Carmody, second from left, pictured with Dave Kapeen, Brett Williams, Leonie Watson and Digby Moran.
ABOVE: Young dancers expended plenty of energy and pleased the crowd.
