The National Aboriginal Islander Observance Committee will kick off their week-long event which promoted the health care for Aboriginals and the health care workers. The event will consist of events and activities that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The event also recognizes the most common health problems that indigenous communities face. Heroin and alcohol abuse are strong challenges that health services are still faced with. But, Michael Honeysett, who works in the Needle Exchange program at Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Center, states that improvements are being made to tackle alcoholism. Law reforms are also being addressed, which include, programs addressing crime and child health.

The Turning Point program offers users clean equipment. They realize that it’s hard to get people to stop using such a harsh drug and would rather they use clean tools than become severely infected. Honeysett states: “But it’s not just about giving out clean injecting equipment, it’s about looking out for that individual’s health concerns. I asses the person and can recommend they visit their local GP or Aboriginal health service or can refer them to a drug treatment if they really want”.

Honeysett states that NAIDOC week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the progress that Aboriginal health services are making.