First Nations health
Health information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
At Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, we honour the strength, leadership and wisdom of First Nations women, who play a vital role in keeping communities strong and healthy.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and recognise the continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
On this page, you’ll find health information for First Nations women and girls. First Nations communities helped us develop the information so it’s culturally appropriate and relevant for you. First Nations artists also designed the artwork and illustrations included on these webpages and resources.
The information covers a range of topics, including periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause and health checks.
Your health care
When it comes to health, you have the right to be treated with respect, to understand your health care and to be supported in making decisions that are right for you. This includes:
- being able to ask for culturally safe care
- bringing a trusted person to your appointments
- speaking up if something doesn’t feel right.
This health information has been created in partnership with First Nations communities, specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across Australia.
Health information for First Nations women and girls
These resources have been developed in partnership between Jean Hailes, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations including Alukura Women’s Health service (part of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress), Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service Penrith (NSW), Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd (Qld), Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (WA), Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation (NT), Nepean Blue Mountains LHD (NSW), and Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation (Vic.), Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff from LUMA for Her Health and Wellbeing (WA), and the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (WA).
We acknowledge and thank the Aboriginal women from across Aboriginal lands in Australia who generously shared their knowledge, experiences, and guidance to inform the development of these resources.
First Nations health information and resources for health professionals
An act of courage – Natasha’s story
Proud First Nations woman Natasha Smith reveals how self-care, medicine and community helped her navigate breast cancer.
A beautiful mind – Taylah’s story
As a proud Wiradjuri woman and lawyer, Taylah Gray has faced many challenges in her young life. Here she writes about how she’s learning to love and to honour her mind.
