There was a need identified in the Aboriginal community for an Aboriginal medical service. Aboriginal people from throughout the local area were asked to meet to discuss arrangements for developing such a place. The township of Casino was chosen because of its central location and was a ‘meeting place’ for Aboriginal people. One of our Elders, Uncle Mick Walker, bestowed the name “Dharah Gibinj” and a plaque commemorating him is located in stone at the front of the building. Dharah Gibinj means ‘rubbing and healing’ in Bundjalung language.
The Dharah Gibinj Aboriginal Health Service Aboriginal Corporation began operation in February 1999 after being opened by the Hon. Minister for Health Dr. Andrew Refshauge. The Service became incorporated on 24th November 2000 under the Aboriginal Councils and Association Act 1976.
Employing upwards of thirty people it provides a range of services including: General Practice, Drug & Alcohol, Post Natal, Sexual Health, Diabetes, Counselling, General Primary Health, Ante Natal/maternal, Women’s health, Vascular health, Men’s health, Early Intervention, Audiometry, ENT, Paediatrics, Oral health, Advocacy, Health and Fitness
The service provides Primary Health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a region, which includes the following towns and surrounding areas: Casino, Coraki/Box Ridge, Tabulam - Jubullum Village, Muli Muli - Woodenbong, Lismore
The Service is based in Casino with Outreach programs to Coraki, Box Ridge, Jubullum Village and Muli Muli.
The Casino Practice has one full-time medical practitioner, Dr. Philip Patchett and 4 casual medical practitioners Dr Anthony Solomon, Dr Senthil Krishnamoorthy, Dr Therese Engeler, and Dr Bettie Honey. Dr Patchett has been with the practice from April 2005 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr Patchett and Dr Solomon provide Outreach services to the outlying areas.
Visiting Specialists include a Paediatrician, Ophthalmologist, Social and Emotional Well-Being and ENT.
In 2007, we installed and updated computer equipment to enable us to provide a better service to our clients. We now host our own website, email server, provide remote access for our Doctors when they are working in the Outreach Clinics.
We also installed fitness training equipment, and Wayne Ritchie joined us as the Health and Fitness educator, he is also part of the Chronic Conditions Care team headed by Susan Wilson
site last updated
11/27/2008
