Healthcare that respects culture, identity and lived experience 

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, health and wellbeing are closely connected to culture, Country, community and identity. 

Healthcare is not just about treating illness. It is also about feeling safe, respected and understood. 

For First Nations veterans and families of veterans, culturally safe healthcare can support both physical and emotional wellbeing, especially during times of transition or change. 

For some First Nations veterans and families of veterans, health and wellbeing can also be shaped by experiences of racism, trauma, loss, disconnection and the ongoing effects of colonisation. 

Healthcare can work better when services understand both military experience and the importance of culture, family, kin, community and Country. 

Why feeling safe in healthcare matters 

Everyone should feel safe and supported when accessing healthcare. 

For First Nations people, culturally safe care can mean: 

• being listened to and understood 
• having culture, identity and experiences respected 
• feeling comfortable asking questions and making decisions 
• accessing care that reflects individual and community needs 

When healthcare feels safe and respectful, it can make it easier to seek support early and stay connected to care. 

What culturally safe care may look like for you 

Culturally safe care may include: 

• Choice and control 
  Being able to choose where you go and who provides your care 
• Respect for culture and identity 
  Care that recognises the importance of culture, family, community and Country 
• Understanding your experiences 
  Including the impacts of service, transition and life changes 
• Supportive environments 
  Spaces where you feel comfortable and safe to speak openly 

There is no single way this looks. It depends on what feels right for you. 

You may want care that includes family, kin or a trusted support person. 

You may also want to ask if a service has Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, liaison officers, or experience supporting First Nations veterans and families of veterans. 

If a service does not feel safe, respectful or right for you, it is okay to look for another option. 

How to find healthcare that feels right for you 

You have options when it comes to finding healthcare that feels safe, respectful and right for you. 

Some services may feel like a better fit for you than others. 

Options that may support First Nations veterans include: 

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, which can provide culturally safe and holistic care close to community 
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs health care and support services, which may be available based on service eligibility 
• Open Arms Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support including counselling, care coordination, peer support, group programs and digital health initiatives for veterans and the families of veterans. 
• local GPs, Aboriginal health workers and mainstream health services that provide culturally safe care and understand veteran and family of veteran experiences 

If you are eligible for DVA support, you may be able to choose from different providers, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, GPs and other services that feel right for you. 

You might choose to: 

• access services in your local community 
• seek providers who understand your background and experiences 
• involve family, kin or trusted people in your care 

It can help to ask questions before your appointment so you can decide whether a service feels culturally safe for you. 

You might ask how the service supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whether family or kin can be involved, and what choices you have about your care. 

What to do if there are barriers to care 

Sometimes it can be harder to access healthcare. 

Barriers to care can include: 

• location or distance 
• cost 
• previous experiences with services 
• navigating a complex system 
• not feeling culturally safe 
• worry about being judged, misunderstood or not listened to 
• difficulty finding services that understand both First Nations perspectives and veteran and family of veteran experiences 

Support may be available to help you find the right services and options for your situation. 

Support from a trusted person, local service or community organisation may make it easier to take the next step. 

Ways to support your wellbeing 

Looking after your health is personal. 

Looking after your wellbeing might include: 

• regular check-ups with a GP or health service 
• seeking support early if something doesn’t feel right 
• combining clinical care with cultural connection and community support 

For many First Nations people, wellbeing includes both medical care and connection to culture and community. 

Strength, resilience, cultural knowledge and connection can all play an important role in wellbeing. 

Where to get support 

If you’re not sure where to start, you do not have to do it on your own. 

You might choose to begin with a GP, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, or another provider that feels right for you. 

If it would help, you can ask a family member, Elder, friend, kin or another trusted person to support you to make contact or go with you to an appointment. 

You can connect with organisations that understand First Nations health and wellbeing and ask for help to find your way through the system if it feels overwhelming.