Home visits to new families, health checks on newborn babies, chats about vaccinations and wellness checks with parents is all part of a day in the life for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child health team, also known as the Jabba Jabba team.
The team is comprised of dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, Child and Family Health Nurses and Nurse Immunisers.
“During a home visit, we make time to chat with families about what’s going on for them right now. We try to meet them where they are at in the moment. We love to chat with families and find out what their needs are,” Jabba Jabba Clinical Nurse Joanne Millward said.
The team services the whole of the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions and in 2023 provided care to around 650 clients. The program aims to provide culturally safe health care to enhance the well-being of our communities.
“We understand the importance of respecting and acknowledging the cultural identities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, ensuring they receive comprehensive care that meets their specific needs,” Joanne said.
"Our program focuses on the very early stages of life, from late pregnancy through childhood and beyond."
"By adopting a holistic approach, we not only enhance the quality of care but also foster trust and rapport between healthcare providers and community members."
- Key services provided by the Jabba Jabba program include: baby health checks encompassing weight, feeding concerns, growth, and development.
- Hearing assessments and a vaccination program for children aged 0-18 years, including flu vaccinations for the entire family.
- Home visiting service for families with children aged 0-4 years (subject to criteria).
“The most rewarding part of this role is having the opportunity to offer support to families at what can be their most vulnerable time, walk alongside them and see them ride the rollercoaster that is parenting and flourish. It’s a privilege to be part of this special journey,” Joanne said.
Families and service providers are encouraged to contact us at 1300 591 494 for more information and to schedule appointments.