Tamworth Close the Gap Day sees health services work together to make change

Many services gathered at Coledale Community Centre during Close the Gap Day on Thursday to bring information and advice to the residents of Coledale.

Tamworth Family Support Service (TFSS) and Walhallow Aboriginal Health Services joined forces to host the day, which saw locals enjoy some traditional activities and even a free sausage sizzle.

TFSS community development worker Rebecca Butler said it was all done to raise awareness of the barriers Indigenous people faced in accessing health care.

"It's about showing people what services are available and how to access those services, breaking down the stigma, and building relationships within community," Ms Butler said.

"It's important for services to get to know the community, get to know why there are barriers and why people don't access services."

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She said the event was an opportunity for locals to visit the centre in a "less formal setting ... to offer that information referral pathway".

Representatives from Hunter New England Health, Tamworth Land Council, the University of Newcastle, and Centrelink were all in attendance ready to offer advice.

Walhallow Health GP Sue Amarasena said everyone in Australia should be involved in making change.

"I think as a nation, we should be aware of what is Close the Gap Day, and I think each and every Australian has a responsibility of closing this gap," she said.

Ms Butler wanted every Indigenous person in Tamworth to know they were more than welcome at the community centre if they needed.

"The centre is a great place to feel safe and access information and be referred to other services so if there are other areas stopping them from accessing help, we can try and assist with that and even get people here to see them," she said.

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