The evolving face of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in rural Victoria

Despite Australia's overall health achievements, persistent health disparities exist among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in rural Victoria, Australia.

This paper explores the importance of respectful community engagement and local co-design in addressing the challenges faced by rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in accessing healthcare, encompassing historical factors and systemic challenges.

The impact of community empowerment and collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in accessing healthcare, including geographical barriers in rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, are explored. A community-led approach to overcome barriers and promote culturally sensitive healthcare, emphasising the importance of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in program design and evaluation, is proposed. An excellent example of local co-design in action are Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), as showcased by their effective response to the COVID‑19 pandemic. Examples of effective, yet simple, strategies for the mainstream general practitioner in providing culturally safe primary care for Indigenous patients are also discussed.