Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
At Thorne Harbour Health, we’re committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — including Sistergirls, Brotherboys, and Rainbow Mob.
Our services aim to create safe, inclusive spaces where culture, identity, and community are valued and celebrated.
Our Goals
The project aims to:
- Support and celebrate the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people have made to LGBTIQ+ communities
- Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who identify as LGBTIQ+,
- Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with HIV,
- Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait services to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ+ people,
- Support mainstream LGBTIQ+ services to be more culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ+ people,
- Provide guidance and support around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inclusion in social, clinical and biomedical research,
- Create and/or provide guidance and support on events surrounding National NAIDOC Week, National Reconciliation Week and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week among others, and
- Develop health promotion resources around HIV and sexual health.
Our Partners
The project takes a collaborative approach to the health promotion, cultural safety, LGBTIQ+ inclusion and HIV support, and works with a range of key stakeholders, including:
- Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
- The Koorie Pride Network (KPN)
- North Richmond Community Health (NRCH)
Our Work
A core component of the role is to help facilitate the organisation's commitment to cultural safety through our Reconciliation Action Plan. This includes:
- Referrals and individual client engagement
- Community partnerships and cultural events
- Health promotion and resource development
- Cultural safety and LGBTIQ+ inclusion training
To find out more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project at Thorne Harbour Health, contact: peter.waples-crowe@thorneharbour.org
Yarning Panels
Our online yarning panels are a great opportunity to explore the intersection of First Nations and LGBTIQ+ identity. These conversations bring together Rainbow Mob to share stories, reflect on lived experiences, and celebrate culture and community.
Community Resources
Explore these community-created resources that celebrate culture, connection, and wellbeing. Each offers information and support designed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Feel free to download, print and share with your community.
Better to Know Booklet
A comprehensive sexual health resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, developed by Health Equity Matters and the Anwernekenhe National HIV Alliance (ANA). It covers everything from STI prevention and testing to consent, HIV, and syphilis education, with clear and culturally relevant information for men’s and women’s business.
Strong in Spirit Concertina
Illustrated by Enoki, this beautifully illustrated resource encourages connection, healing, and pride for queer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It offers guidance on mental health support, cultural connection, and navigating discrimination, while celebrating the strength and diversity of Rainbow Mob.
Still Here Still Queer Posters
We're proud to have released two posters developed in partnership with Elizabeth Morgan House and the Zoe Belle Gender Collective celebrating our LGBTIQ+ and queer First Nations communities.
Us Mob and HIV Booklet
Us Mob and HIV has useful information on HIV and is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It contains information that deals with both men’s and women’s business.
Hey, You Mob! Zines
These short guides provide an overview of gender and sexuality within Rainbow Mob communities.
The Bent Spoon - Meet Stone
As part of The Bent Spoon web series, episode three features Stone, an Arrernte drag artist residing on Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri lands aka Melbourne. Stone is the founder of the Motherless House that they started a few years ago so that other black drag artists or people of colour had a community to be a part of. Stone has paved the way as an Arrernte drag artist, showcasing greater diversity in the drag community.