Accessing medication
Close the Gap PBS Co-payment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The Closing the Gap (CTG) PBS Co-payment Program is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of any age who:
- identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- have registered with Medicare (essential for eligibility)
- would experience setbacks in the prevention or ongoing management of a condition if the person did not take the prescribed medicine, in the opinion of a prescriber or Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP)
- are unlikely to have access to this medication without assistance through the program
If these criteria are met, medications on the PBS are available at concession price
With a healthcare card (in addition), medications on the PBS are free of charge. Many Aboriginal families are not aware or not registered, and paying too much for their medications
Children and families can be registered for CTG at their local Aboriginal Community Control Health Organisation (ACCHO) or through HPOS
Immunisations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are eligible for additional immunisations
- see the Victorian vaccine schedule for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- Immunisation schedules may vary between states
A guide to discussing immunisation with families can be found at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance
Annual Health Checks
Aboriginal people, of any age, are eligible for a free annual age-specific health check
- This is completed by a GP in conjunction with an Aboriginal Health Worker, usually at an ACCHO
For children, this will cover immunisation, growth, behaviour and development, hearing, vision and dental review
- If issues are identified, children can often be linked to internal services within the ACCHO
- It is often valuable to have these issues checked and addressed before a Specialist Paediatric appointment
Medical services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in Victoria
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)
VACCHO is the peak organisation representing Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations. VACCHO supports 33 community-controlled organisations across Victoria, which deliver culturally safe health, community and social services
Search for local community-controlled organisations here
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
VAHS is a Melbourne-based aboriginal health service that provides medical, dental and social services across 4 sites to the local community
Services include:
Wathaurong (Geelong, Bellarine, Colac)
Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative provides culturally appropriate programs, support and services for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Services include:
First People’s Health (Thomastown and Frankston)
First People’s Health is an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation that delivers trauma-informed primary healthcare to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people
Services include:
- General practitioners
- Aboriginal health checks
- Social and emotional wellbeing
- Vaccinations
- Physiotherapy
- Hearing assessment
- Pathology
Mental health and wellbeing support
Bouverie Workin’ with the Mob
Bouverie offers family therapy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre
Resources for emotional wellbeing
13-Yarn
24 hour crisis support line
WellMob
Compilation of online resources, podcasts, videos, helplines and online programs that promote emotional health and wellbeing
Boorndawan William Aboriginal Healing Service
Assists people impacted by family violence
Services include:
- Art Therapy
- Women's Kitchen Table Yarning Circles
- Men's Healing Circle
- Balit Yan Yan
- Children's Holiday Activities
- Education and Awareness Programs
- Family Camp
Strong Brother Strong Sister Foundation
Strong Brother Strong Sister Foundation is a culturally appropriate safe place to guide, mentor and empower Aboriginal young people to achieve excellence
Other support services
Victoria Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
VACCA is a state-wide Aboriginal community-controlled organisation
Services include:
Education Support
Early Start Kindergarten
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children are eligible for 15 hours of free or low cost kindergarten per week if they turn 3 years old by 30 April in the year they start kindergarten (equivalent to Four-Year-Old Kindergarten)
Koorie Education Coordinators (KECs)
- KECs can be assigned to schools to assist in providing culturally safe learning environments
Legal Services
Deadly Lions
Kids First
- Offers support to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are at risk of entering the Youth Justice System
Housing Services
Cultural safety and training
RCH Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Program (RCH Learning HERO access only)
Yarning to make shared decision making (NSW Health)
Last updated March 2024