Last Wednesday the Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA) officially marked a historic moment with the
turning of the soil to start construction
of its new Aboriginal Health Clinic.
This important milestone follows a long and meaningful journey that began in 2004, when a group of visionary local Aboriginal Elders first approached former Gippsland Lakes Community Health chief executive officer Bruce Hurley to seek support in developing culturally appropriate health and wellbeing services for the community.
Mr Hurley reflected on the day Aunty Phyllis Andy knocked on his office door and said “we have to do something for my people. Many are not comfortable attending the health clinic, and too often they don’t feel welcome in the town”.
That powerful call to action led to a meeting of local Elders, the formation of the Elders Group and ultimately, the incorporation of the LEAHA Board in 2007.
Since that time many respected members of the local Aboriginal community have served on the board, carrying forward the vision of creating a culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming health service built by community, for community.
Over the past two decades LEAHA has grown to become a trusted provider of holistic Aboriginal health services in East Gippsland, underpinned by the values of culture, community, and self-determination.
Thanks to the dedication of past and present board members, the hard work of LEAHA staff and the unwavering support of the local Aboriginal community, this long-held dream is now becoming a reality.
“The turning of the soil is far more than a construction milestone, it’s a moment of pride and progress for the whole community. It symbolises everything our Elders hoped for and everything we continue to build together,” a LEAHA spokesperson said.
The new LEAHA clinic will provide culturally appropriate, community-led healthcare in a purpose-built facility, supporting improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people in Lakes Entrance and surrounding areas.
