Welcome to the July edition of 'Let's Talk' for 2020!

‘Let’s Talk’ is published quarterly for Aboriginal health professionals and those working with Aboriginal communities who are proudly leading the way to a cancer free future in WA.

If you have been forwarded this e-bulletin and would like to subscribe, or have any questions or would like any further information about any of the articles included in this newsletter, please contact Melanie Epstein, Research and Projects Manager at melanie.epstein@cancerwa.asn.au.

Meet a Quitline counsellor

A recent review of tobacco use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has shown a decline over the last 15 years. With dedicated Aboriginal Quitline Counsellors like Karl providing people with support to reduce and quit their smoking, the rates will continue to decline.

Palliative care placements and education opportunities

Financial support is available to assist professional development, travel, and accommodation costs for Aboriginal Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Health Workers, and Aboriginal Health Professionals to attend free placements in a specialist palliative care setting (2-3 day duration) or to attend palliative approach workshops across metropolitan and regional WA. Placements are available through the Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA).

Find out more and apply now

Scholarship Opportunity

The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) is offering a scholarship to attend the virtual Australian Public Health Conference in October 2020. The scholarship is open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people with a strong interest in public health, and includes a 12-month membership to the PHAA. Applications close COB Friday 31 July 2020.

Apply Now

Alcohol.Think Again's latest campaign

In light of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on our lives, the latest Alcohol.Think Again campaign provides practical tips for Western Australians to reduce risky alcohol use in the home. Not only can alcohol weaken our immune system, it can also worsen our mental health and increase the risk of developing alcohol-caused disease. To stay healthy and well, it’s important that if people are going to drink, they do so at low‑risk levels.

Download the campaign community toolkit

60 seconds with our new Research and Projects Manager: Melanie Epstein

We would like to introduce Melanie Epstein who is working as the Research and Projects Manager in the Cancer Prevention and Research division.

Meet Melanie

National Reconciliation Week 2020

This year, National Reconciliation Week occurred from 27 May to 3 June. This year's theme, 'In This Together', couldn't have been more fitting with the way communities at large have come together during the COVID-19 crisis. Cancer Council WA is committed to closing the gap of cancer burden between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, and to work towards an equitable cancer free future for everyone including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Upcoming events

Ways of Working with Grief and Loss in Aboriginal Communities - 26 November 2020 (Perth)

Being able to support Aboriginal people dealing with grief, loss, and trauma requires an understanding of these issues as experienced by Aboriginal individuals, families, and communities. This one-day workshop is informed by the latest research and best practice and provides opportunities for participants to consider relevant cases or issues they’ve encountered.

Register now

Cancer and COVID-19

COVID-19 is particularly dangerous for people with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients and survivors. Our website is being updated regularly with information on how cancer survivors and West Australians undergoing cancer treatment can limit their risk of exposure, as well as Cancer Council WA services and programs directly impacted by COVID-19. This page also includes a link to Cancer and COVID-19 – what it means for our Mob information hub by Cancer Australia.

Visit the Cancer and COVID-19 page

Current vacancies at Cancer Council WA

Technology systems officer - No closing date
Support centre coordinator (Southwest) - No closing date

Cancer Council Western Australia acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Western Australia and pays our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.