We the undersigned STRONGLY OPPOSE AND DO NOT SUPPORT the Western NSW Primary Health Network’s decision to cease ITC funding for the Marrabinya Program.

The Marrabinya program was designed by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people with the intention of increasing the number of medical supplementary support services available to Aboriginal people with a diagnosed chronic disease. The Marrabinya program is implemented by 100% Aboriginal staff and the success of this program has been evident year after year with an increase in supplementary support services being brokered and the increase of the number of clients utilising the program each year. 

To cease funding the Marrabinya program will have a devastating impact on the capacity of many Aboriginal people in Western and Far West NSW to attend their Specialist Medical appointments. This in turn will have a snowball effect on not only the clients but their families and communities in which they live. 

Without governments supporting unique programs like the Marrabinya Program the ‘Gap’ for Aboriginal health will never close. To lose the Marrabinya Program will be yet another kick in the guts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Western NSW.