An Aboriginal health service in Wagga Wagga (Wiradjuri Country) has transformed an unused shed into a thriving community wellness centre with the support of a grant from Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (RivMed) used the Community and Place Grant to improve Closing the Gap health outcomes for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The new facility, which opened at the start of 2024, includes a community gym with weights, crossfit equipment and 12 treadmills.
RivMed CEO Peta Larsen said, “It’s more than a gym; the centre offers bathrooms and kitchen and laundry facilities that are readily available and located in a culturally safe environment.
“Clients can access these amenities whilst visiting our clinic for their appointments; they can put a load of washing on, while seeing their GP, and this just makes day-to-day tasks easier for them.”
“RivMed provides practical facilities, as part of our holistic service, as we know that there are external barriers preventing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from accessing health services.”
“In addition to the onsite Wellness Centre, RivMed also provide transport to and from services. Centre also includes a food pantry for families to access in times of hardship.”
Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (RivMed)
RivMed is a community-run Aboriginal health service which offers culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Wagga Wagga area. These include GP, antenatal, early childhood, mental, dental and family health services.
Aboriginal Affairs Community and Place Grants specifically support Aboriginal-led programs to improve Closing the Gap outcomes.
