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The COVID-19 situation continues to unfold in Western NSW, across largely Aboriginal populations. Aboriginal people are identified as a clearly vulnerable community to COVID 19. Such vulnerability stems from chronic health conditions experience by Aboriginal people and under-resourced health services in regional and remote NSW.

Many of us are wondering how we can assist.

As a general rule, Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) are open as they are an essential service. They may be operating differently, providing support remotely, scaling back non-essential parts of their service, but crisis support for people experiencing homelessness is available.

You can make a donation to those local and working on the ground. Some suggestions include:

Orana Support Service

Orana Support Service has been working to ensure people sleeping rough are housed and continuing their support for crisis. They have also been assisting community members in quarantine or unable to leave their homes to access essential supplies, including working with the local community to supply up to 200 meals per day.

Orana Support Service is accepting donation of goods to their warehouse and cash donations. They do have charitable status and give receipts. Please email accounts@oranasupport.com.au for a receipt.

• Goods: including formula and baby items, food, personal hygiene such as deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, pet food, and more. Deliver to:

Unit 2
9- 11 White Street
Dubbo, NSW

• Cash Donations.

Orana Support Service
BSB 932 000
Account 100423121

AHMRC

The AHMRC are accepting donations to assist on the ground.

Donate at https://www.ahmrc.org.au/donate/

Aboriginal Health Services or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service

• Contact your local service and ask them how you can help by either donating money or goods and services, or volunteering in some way (depending on skills required)
• Contact NACCHO by email at accountant@naccho.org.au to enquire about donating money

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation

Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation are on the ground in Wilcannia, coordinating not only the health response but also assisting community members in quarantine or unable to leave their homes to access essential supplies.

For cash donations please use Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation which has charitable status. Their bank details are:

• Name: Maari Ma Other Cash Management

BSB: 062513
Acct: 10150588
Mark it: Donation

Cathy Dyer can arrange a receipt to be posted or emailed to you and she can be contacted on 0419 973 834 or cathy.dyer@maarima.com.au

Physical and in-kind donations can be directed to Central Darling Shire Council Depot at 21 Reid Street Wilcannia 2836 – Central Darling Shire or contact 08 8083 8900.

Dharriwaa Elders Group Incorporated

Dharriwaa Elder Group are on the ground in Walgett, supporting the community to stay safe and healthy and well during the current COVID-19 risk.

• Donate at https://www.givenow.com.au/dharriwaaeldersgroupcovid

Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service

• Brewarrina

BSB – 032 646
Acc – 260 457

Email KatrinaW@brewarrinaams.com.au for receipts

Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service

BSB – 032 559
Acc – 932 366

Email KatrinaW@brewarrinaams.com.au for receipts