Ongoing battle to close the gap

Pre-natal and post-natal care, educational playgroups and chronic disease management programs are a step in the right direction to close the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents in Rockingham, Babbingur Mia Aboriginal Health Service co-ordinator Jodie Ferguson says.

Ms Ferguson said while the Council Avenue centre did not directly receive any Closing the Gap funding, it had about 900 residents on its books - about half of the city's estimated 1.3 per cent Aboriginal population.

She said Babbingur Mia provided a range of culturally appropriate services, including the Strong Kids playgroup and the Journey of Living with Diabetes program, which aimed to support clients and address some of the root causes of health inequality.

"We are moving in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go," she said.

"We launched the Strong Kids playgroup last year and were able to keep in touch with 18 families through that.

"But the Government is always restructuring and there is uncertainty over funding."

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the City was committed to promoting health and wellbeing, education and programs specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

Cr Sammels said the City looked forward to supporting a morning tea at Babbingur Mia next week to mark National Closing the Gap Day.

He said the celebration was one of six Harmony Week events taking place across the city.

"This event also promotes our community development strategies regarding multiculturalism," he said.