THE first State of Origin match was far from ideal for Maroons diehards, but Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Services (ATSICHS) hasn’t let the result deter them.
ATSICHS’ communications manager, Shirley Briscoe, said “you’ve gotta back your own team”.
And that’s exactly what will happen at the organisation’s State of Origin barbecue next Wednesday, 18 June.
ATISICH, a community-run group, has provided medical, nursing, dental, NDIS, children and family, housing and kindergarten services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Brisbane and Logan areas for over 50 years.
They work closely with Deadly Choices, another local health and social services organisation that First Nations Australians can access.
“They’re [Deadly Choices] all about promoting health choices, like giving up smoking and vaping and eating healthily,” Ms Briscoe said.
“They go out to schools and run health information sessions, fun exercise programs, or traditional games.”
Community barbecues like the upcoming State of Origin event are an important part of their community outreach efforts.
“It’s all about getting community involved and being able to hang out with each other and yarn,” Ms Briscoe said.
“We also try to tie it in with something healthy; this particular one, they can get their flu vaccine at the same time.
“Everyone is welcome to come down, not just clients.
“We always get the local community, local organisations, and representatives coming, so it’s a nice community feel.”
The barbecue will run from 11 am at ATSICHS Logan Clinic, 41 Station Rd, Logan Central.
