The Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health through the Department of Health and Ageing.

In 1994, the then Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care established the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) to give greater focus to Indigenous health needs in mainstream health programs.

The aim of OATSIH is to raise the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by ensuring access to effective, high quality health care and population health programs. OATSIH also has responsibility for funding a number of Aboriginal community controlled health and substance misuse services across Australia.

OATSIH has three branches with eight sections based at Central Office as well as staff based in the Department of Health and Ageing State/Territory offices in capital cities and some regional centres. Indigenous staff have the benefit of belonging to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network. The Network provides advice to the Department of Health and Ageing on issues affecting Indigenous staff (such as recruitment, retention and development matters) and provides guidance and support to new and existing Indigenous staff.

 The Vibe 3on3® aims through OATSIH funding to provide health information primarily for young people about a range of issues – including drug and alcohol – as well as a forum by where the local community can meet the local Aboriginal Medical Service.
 
Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation

Improved education and health for Aboriginal people is the focus of the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation, an independent body launched in 1996.The Foundation provides financial support for projects which directly assist Aboriginal people. The Foundation focuses on four key areas: Health, Education, Cultural Development and Sport.

If you would like to become a sponsor of the Vibe 3on3, please contact Sylvia Kelly (02) 9361 0140, or email sylvia@vibe.com.au