Programs and Strategies

Programs

The nine Directors are strong advocates of working together in the community. Our programs focus not only on health but the youth, our culture, education, housing and all aspects of our lives. WAMS services are available to the communities of Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri and other small towns in the area, and has developed over the years to provide a resource centre for;

  • Health related issues
  • Medical advice and treatment
  • Talks to school students and teachers on health issues
  • Individual and family counselling
  • Information and advice about issues relating to substance abuse
  • Sexual health services
  • Family violence
  • Children's health/issues
  • Adolescent health
  • Women's and men's health
  • Healthy lifestyle (including healthy eating)
  • Ear health screening
  • Eye Health
  • Dental services

Affiliated Services

Children's Mobile Service: assists in a child's development of a positive self image in relation to physical, social health and cultural activities and services small local remote communities.

WAMS Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Management Programs: assists the local community to become aware of the impact various illnesses (Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Renal Disease, Respiratory Disease, Cancer, D & A Dependence) have on the population in general. Staff have presented papers to Australian and international conferences, and have co-ordinated six Aboriginal Medical Services in the region to meet bi-monthly since 1995 (the Bila Muuji Project).

Re-establishment of Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service: WAMS is currently overseeing the re-establishment of Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service aiming at a gradual handover of service to the Brewarrina Aboriginal community.

Working With Other Local Agencies

WAMS has active links with many of the local agencies in the Walgett Shire and are often called upon to address meetings, present reports on their activities and participate in their conferences. For example, WAMS are a member of the local Shires Interagency Group and attend their monthly meetings.

WAMS has a tripartite agreement in place with NSW Health and Department of Communities and Justice (Previously FACs), to work towards an integrated approach to child protection providing support to keep families together.

They are also a member of the local Health Service Advisory Committee, Service Providers, and the Community Working Party and attend the weekly Mens Group meetings.

They work closely with the schools in the delivery of nutritional and health programs, negotiate employment for participants of the CDEP and BEST.

Cultural Heritage Revival and Protection

A major WAMS strategy is to develop a local base of cultural identity and knowledge, and in the process, foster a culture of learning and achievement that can assist in many life situations. From the building and maintenance of our cultural identity and the reclaiming of our cultural heritage will come the skills, strength and self-esteem to achieve, and learn further.

Getting Behind events

WAMS also conduct Health Promotion activities for State, National and International events, eg World AIDS Day, Heart Health Week, No Cancer Day, and Seniors Week.

These types of activities not only promote a positive image for our town but also bring people together in a relaxed and non-threatening environment.

We have been involved in many community events over the years, including;

  • Four Debutante Balls
  • Murdi Paaki (ATSIC Regional Council) Ball
  • Moorubil Day flag-raising ceremony, park activities and performances, at Walgett 29 May 1998
  • Community days in 1996 and 1997 providing horizontal bungee jumping, sumo wrestling and other entertainment
  • Various town activities for World AIDS Day 1995
  • Parade and concert for International Year of Indigenous people 1993
  • Cultural exchange for kids to Darwin 1994
  • Study tour of Hawaii, U.S and New Zealand indigenous communities where four elders discussed the implementation of native language programs 1994
  • Visit by local elders to the South Australian Museum and to the Canberra AIATSIS investigating the location of cultural property 1996
  • Fifteen years celebrations of WAMS activities
  • Twenty years celebrations of WAMS activities

pdf icon WAMS Strategic Plan – 2023-2027

Gilbert Lodge Units Accommodation

Gilbert Street

Namoi Street Accommodation

Namoi Street

Community Garden

Corner of Arthur and Duff Streets

Wellness Service

29 Wee Waa St

Dental

Dundas Street

Community Hall

35 Pitt Street