The South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) brings the skills and knowledge of five Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations together to improve the lives of our people.
SAWCAN was established in 2020 as a partnership consisting of five Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) on the Eyre Peninsula and Far West Coast of South Australia.
The ACCHOs include:
- Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service in Whyalla
- Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service in Port Lincoln
- Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation in Ceduna
- Tullawon Health Service in Yalata
- Oak Valley Health Service in Oak Valley
Together, the five partner ACCHOs provide comprehensive primary health care to approximately 5,500 Aboriginal people in a region spanning 1,300 kilometres from Whyalla to the border of Western Australia.
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Tackling Indigenous Smoking
Program of the month
Australia’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program is a community-led program that aims to improve the health of our people by inspiring all of us to quit or cut down on smokes and vapes. Smoking is a significant health issue within these communities, contributing to various chronic diseases and a reduced life expectancy.
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🔴 Red Nose Day - Thursday, August 28th
Honouring every little life. Cherishing every precious breath.
Today, the SAWCAN Strong Babies, Strong Families Program stands together for Red Nose Day – raising awareness, funding research and supporting programs that help save Aboriginal babies’ lives.
Let’s yarn, support and take action.
Together, we can ensure every Aboriginal child has the strongest and healthiest start in life.
Wear your red nose ❤️
#RedNoseDayAustralia #SafeSleeping #StrongBubsStrongFamilies #HealthyMob #AboriginalHealth #SAWCAN #SupportingOurMob #StrongerTogether ... See MoreSee Less
In June, Tinarra was proud to co-present with Katrina DeMasi (Project Manager from The Kids) at the Lowitja Institute’s International Indigenous Health & Wellbeing Conference, speaking on Leadership and Workforce: Strengthening the healthcare system for Aboriginal women with cardiometabolic conditions across the maternal health journey.
This work is part of Powerful Nunga mums, strong healthy bibi and families – improving care, coordination, support and knowledge for women who experience cardiometabolic complications in pregnancy.
Tinarra brought both lived and professional experience to the presentation, echoing the voices of other women who contributed through the co-design process.
The conference was a great few days of sharing knowledge, hearing from mob doing deadly work and connecting with others passionate in this space.
#TheKids #NungaMums #HealthyBibi #StrongerMob #Lowitja2025 #AboriginalMaternalHealth #SAWCAN #SupportingOurMob #StrongerTogether ... See MoreSee Less
🗣️ Speech Pathology Week, 24th – 30th August 2025
This Speech Pathology Week, SAWCAN’s Strong Bubs, Strong Families program celebrates the importance of communication for everyone, while recognising the unique strengths, stories and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
✨ Communication is a human right.
✨ Everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and respected.
✨ Speech pathologists play a vital role in supporting children and adults with speech, language and swallowing needs— especially in culturally safe and meaningful ways.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech or communication, contact your local ACCHO to enquire about booking an ASQ-TRAK developmental screening check for your child.
Let’s work together to support strong voices, strong cultures and strong communities.
#SpeechPathologyWeek #AboriginalHealth #YarningStrong #DeadlySupport #StrongBubsStrongFamilies #StrongerTogether #SAWCAN #SupportingOurMob ... See MoreSee Less