Did you know that Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern, the oldest Aboriginal medical service in Australia, recently celebrated 50 years of service to the aboriginal community?
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When it opened in July 1971, AMS Redfern became the first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in the country, and was instrumental in providing the foundation for many other Aboriginal community organisations that provide a similar health care model for Aboriginal people.
During those years, the Aboriginal community in Sydney was the largest in Australia, but they were deprived of health services, due to the neglect and racism they experienced at the time. A Koori person who needed medical help only had two options, which are to visit a general practitioner or attend the outpatients department in a public hospital.
The lack of appropriate health care for the Koori community led to the opening of the co-operative, staffed by rostered volunteer doctors, nursing sisters, and Shirley Smith as field officer.
AMS Redfern began with a free shop front located at Regent Street in Redfern, but later moved to Turner St, on land donated by the Sisters of Mercy.
The Government offered minimal financial support to the group, providing a mere $13,000 in its first submission and $14,000 in the second submission. This scenario lasted for the next 15 years, but the co-op was eager to continue their mission, and decided to start different kinds of programs.
This includes the fruit and vegetable run, which later turned into a comprehensive nutrition program and a breakfast for kids program, through a caravan borrowed from the Wayside Chapel in Newtown.
Today, in its 51st year in service, AMS Redfern continues their commitment to the community, which is to be the voice for health and wellbeing through patient advocacy and self determination for now and into the future.
Read: National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern Handed Over to NSWALC
Award-winning journalist Karla Grant hosted the anniversary gala and dinner held at the ICC Darling Harbour in November 2022. Performers such as The Donovan Band, Jarrod Hickling, The Brolga Dance Academy, and Kebi Kub Dancers also graced the celebration.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern honoured some of the staff, for their years of service as well as outstanding achievements during their employment.
Around 800 people came to the event, which included over 70 staff from AMS Redfern.