Koolin Balit (meaning “healthy people” in the Boonwurrung language) is the Victorian Government’s strategic directions for Aboriginal health over the next 10 years. Koolin Balit sets out what the Department of Health, together with Aboriginal communities, other parts of government and service providers, will do to achieve the government’s commitment to improve Aboriginal health.
It brings together Victoria’s total effort in Aboriginal health in an integrated, whole of life framework based around a set of key priorities and enablers. We aim to make a significant and measurable impact on improving the length and quality of the lives of Aboriginal Victorians in this decade.
The government’s objectives are to:
- close the gap in life expectancy for Aboriginal people living in Victoria
- reduce the differences in infant mortality rates, morbidity and low birthweights between the general population and Aboriginal people
- improve access to services and outcomes for Aboriginal people.
We will focus our efforts on six key priorities:
- a healthy start to life
- a healthy childhood
- a healthy transition to adulthood
- caring for older people
- addressing risk factors
- managing illness better with effective health services.
Three enablers provide a foundation for the key priorities, and support their achievement:
- improving data and evidence
- strong Aboriginal organisations
- cultural responsiveness.
To access copies of the Koolin Balit: Victorian Government Strategic Directions for Aboriginal Health 2012-2022 visit the Department of Health, Victoria.
Koolin Balit supersedes the former Closing the Gap 2009 – 2013 initiative. To find out more information on Wimmera Primary Care Partnerships involvement in Closing the Gap, click here.
For more information call Felicity Johns – Koolin Balit Project Officer on (03) 5362 3446.
Assess Aboriginal Health Resources here.
