Brain tour and health safari at Blacktown NAIDOC party

One of Western Sydney’s biggest NAIDOC celebrations at Blacktown Showground has provided Aboriginal community members a fun way to learn about their health.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Aboriginal health unit gave event-goers the opportunity to journey through a marquee filled with health stations, with a reward for visiting all stops.

The stations provided health checks and information about blood pressure, diabetes testing, immunisation and flu vaccinations.

Community members also had the opportunity to enter the ‘brainarium’, which is an oversized brain big enough for people to walk through and take part in brain functionality tours hosted by Blacktown Hospital’s clinical nurse consultant Katie Conciatore.

WSLHD Aboriginal health manager Belinda Cashman said the marquee and brainarium were a great way to explain health information in a fun and entertaining way.

“People who visited the marquee were given a passport to start their journey,” Belinda said.

“At each destination the passport was stamped and on completion of visiting all the destinations, the participants were rewarded with a gift bag containing NAIDOC badges, pens, beanie for kids and pencil cases.

“More than 100 people received a gift bag. It was great to see many of these participants were men who took the time to care about their health and sought information.

“We are taking health services including vaccinations and testing to the people and we know that lots of people attend these celebrations.

“Participants were advised to share their results with their general practitioner during their next visit.”

For further information about the role and services of the WSLHD Aboriginal Health unit call 9881 1670.