Information and Resources

Kimberley Environmental Attributable Fractions

Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services has been instrumental in leading the national dialogue about environmental determinants of health; and we have proactively strengthened collaboration between all primary health care providers in the Kimberley region and environmental health.
Survey results and an expert group have settled on environmental attributable fractions for the region, known as Kimberley Environmental Attributable Fractions (KEAFs) originally sourced from values published by the World Health Organization (WHO). You can learn more here.

Environmental Health Partnership Commitments

In 2018 we developed a standardised regional pathway for environmental health referrals to strengthen consistency between all primary health care services and five separate Aboriginal environmental health service providers. This led to our key partners signing a Partnership Commitment which prioritises environmental health.

Public Health Association Australia Community Award

In 2017 we were recognised by the Public Health Association Australia with a Community Award for the Getting Your Messages Out to Remote Communities Project. This partnership with the Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA and the WA Department of Health delivered a workshop program for Aboriginal Environmental Health Workers in WA which aimed to transfer a range of skills and strategies needed to deliver environmental and public health messages to community members and organisations. The program was recognised for the collaborative effort that had a wide reach and impact particularly in remote communities.

Environmental health in the Kimberley

Dr Norman Swan interviewed us on the ABC’s Health Report about our study that found that the environment in Aboriginal communities explains a high percentage of hospital admissions and many millions of dollars in costs. These same environmental factors increase the incidence and severity of over 40 diseases and are likely to explain a proportion of the gap in life expectancy and wellness between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

Calls to overhaul Indigenous community rubbish tips as poor decisions exacerbate health issues

ABC Kimberley interviewed us about our concerns that remote community rubbish tips are causing serious health problems. Dust and flies help spread trachoma; a disease usually only found in developing nations.

Endangered cheeky camp dogs

Cheeky camp dogs are becoming endangered in the Kimberley. Dogs in Aboriginal communities are often called camp dogs, and they have a reputation for being diseased and aggressive, or cheeky as many locals say. Our dog health programs are making cheeky camp dogs a disappearing phenomenon.

Trachoma – the silent disease

We collaborated with the Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA to film an advertisement for the #EndingTrachoma campaign. The ad takes on both a negative and positive form and is designed to have some shock value while bringing awareness about trachoma to the community.

Dog Story

A story about dog programs in the Kimberley by PAKAM Productions.

West Australian Indigenous Storybooks

These storybooks are a collection of autobiographical stories and artworks that showcase the achievements of Aboriginal people and communities. You can read more about our work through these Storybooks

• The Dog Box Program
• Building Better Roads
• A journey in dog health

• The Western Australian Indigenous Storybook Spins Special Yarns
• SToP (See, Treat, Prevent) skin sores and scabies trial: study protocol for a cluster randomised, stepped-wedge trial for skin disease control in remote Western Australia
• Squeaky Clean Kids – making a difference
• Developing sustainable E (environmental health) practices in ‘SAFE’
• A partnership approach: utilising environmental health workers to deliver health messages
• Building partnerships builds better health outcomes
• Building environmental health through community partnership
• Case Study – A Holistic Approach: Community Partnership with Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation
• Model for the Delivery of Environmental Health Services on a Regional Basis

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