Australia Update #3: Tuesday-Wednesday January 9-10

Initial team members meeting in The Brisbane Airport – June from Montana – Shannon my "Roomie" from Minnesota – Ruth from Alabama - Kaz our Australian Leader and Cindy, the Senior from Univ. of SFO. Warren (left) is in the other seated photos as we toured the Emu Farm.

The projects have begun! Yesterday we continued orientation of the area with Warren, the Council CEO taking us on a tour of the community and potential worksites. In the morning we met with The Mayor and some additional council members. The history of Cherbourg was shared along with a clearer understanding of the economic and cultural plight of all the Indigenous Peoples.

The current "self-governing" Council structure was established in 1986 – though most decisions, especially those involving financial concerns, are still "dictated" by the Government. As recent as in the late 70's, when it was "administrated" by the Government, there was even a distinct "White Zone" in town where the officials lived! Sound familiar? Prior to that there were also limitations and permits required for travel into and out of the community. It seems to be an interesting delicate balancing act between Local – State (Queensland) and Federal control, funding and spending. Cherbourg was originally established in 1904 as one of a number of government run "reserves" were Aboriginal peoples were forcibly moved and settled.

The Medical Center where I will be spending time is funded by the Federal Government and run by a separate organization and Board. The present facility, opened in 2002, is modern, light and airy, and quite impressive. It has a number of clinic rooms, admin. offices, with up to date computers, AV equipment, etc. It employs 2 full-time Nigerian doctors – husband and wife (Dr. Alex and Dr. Jane) – who have been here for 3 years – 2 RN's and an additional staff of 16 varied types of healthcare people! They have a whopping caseload of 300 "clients" annually!! Their funding comes from The Cherbourg Council and not the State or Fed. Govt. Intriguing expenditure of monies but they don't seem to be as constrained by bureaucracy. The State funded 30 bed (!) hospital in the town has its own MD's and nurses – rooms must be REALLY small. Additionally, there is a State funded "Community Health Center" that supposedly offers programs for "chronic" issues – diabetes – nutrition, etc. Appears to be much duplication of services but in actuality I'm not certain what substantive services are really provided, except on paper!.


Bruce, the health center manager, seems delighted to have me and we met today to begin planning where I might be utilized. There is interest in assisting with home visits and some basic staff emergency health care training. I have been invited to attend their staff meeting on Wednesday – so we shall see.