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COVID-19 support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote communities are at greater risk from COVID-19 than other Australians.

There are services and information available to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities manage COVID-19.

If you have symptoms

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have symptoms, find out more on the COVID-19 website.

Where to get help for COVID-19

If you have access to a doctor or General Practitioner (GP), you can go to their clinic for COVID-19 help or advice.

Aboriginal community controlled primary health care services are available through the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services. Winnunga is in Narrabundah and operated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the ACT.

If you are admitted to hospital or you attend hospital clinics and day therapy units you can also contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service at Canberra Health Services.

Getting vaccinated

Encourage your family, elders and community to get vaccinated so that they are less likely to get really sick from COVID-19.

You’ll need 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 5 years and over, plus a booster dose if you’re aged 16 years and over.

Read more about where to get vaccinated in and around Canberra.

Risks to communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities experience a burden of disease much greater than other Australians.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are highly mobile within their community circles, very engaged with community events, and strongly connected to family, land, and culture.

This means the impacts of social isolation when suffering Covid-19 may be significant.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the ACT and surrounding areas are strong. They have significant cultural knowledge they bring to this country.

ACT Health works alongside community to raise awareness of measures to prevent exposure.