Our story

SAWCAN is a young organisation, but the communities which our partners represent have been living and working together for tens of thousands of years.

SAWCAN Directors

SAWCAN is a collaborative partnership of five Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) on the Eyre and Far West Coast of South Australia. Our Partner Organisations include:

  1. Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service in Whyalla
  2. Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service in Port Lincoln
  3. Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation in Ceduna
  4. Tullawon Health Service in Yalata
  5. Oak Valley Health Service in Oak Valley

SAWCAN is not a separate entity but a collaborative effort of five distinct and individual ACCHOs who have set up a regional operational body in which they undertake collective projects, support and advocacy. The idea of such a body has been discussed since the late 1990s and early 2000s, reflecting a longstanding desire for collaboration and collective action among the ACCHOs in our region.

Our Model

SAWCAN operates on a unique model with Partner Organisations, distinct from traditional membership-based structures. Our model is built on the following three foundations:

Collaborative Engagement

Partner Organisations in SAWCAN actively participate in decision-making and activities, working closely with SAWCAN staff and others to address health challenges.

Shared Responsibilities

They share responsibilities with SAWCAN, contributing to strategic planning, resource allocation and program implementation.

Equal Footing

Our Partner Organisations stand on equal footing with SAWCAN, ensuring decisions are made collaboratively, considering all partners’ perspectives.

SAWCAN’s operations are underpinned by three foundational documents:

  1. A legal auspice agreement,
  2. A memorandum of understanding, and
  3. A Strategic Plan.

These documents provide clarity, structure and legal backing to our collaborative efforts.