Mrs Danella Hackett1, Ms Liza Loobeek1, Ms Catherine Kostovski1, Ms Belinda Cashman2, Ms Ro Stirling-Kelly1
1Agency For Clinical Innovation, St Leonards, Australia, 2Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, Australia
Biography:
Danella is a healthcare leader at the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) in New South Wales, where she has spent the past three years leading clinical engagement and collaboration to design and implement a new model of care for complex menopause management.
With over 15 years of experience as a Physiotherapist in South Western Sydney, Danella brings deep clinical expertise in chronic disease management, orthopaedics, musculoskeletal care, and women’s health. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.
Abstract:
Aims:
Increase access to care for Aboriginal women who transition through menopause to improve midlife health and close the gap in chronic disease burden.
Methods:
Sistapause (Statewide Aboriginal Working Group) was established to guide culturally respectful engagement. Yarning was used for storytelling, supported by the 8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning and the SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) frameworks to identify community-driven priorities and actions.
Results:
Three key themes were identified to guide implementation:
-Partnerships and connection – strengthening relationships across NSW Health and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
-Educational resources and training – developing culturally appropriate materials to support health literacy and staff training.
-Cultural and holistic approaches – embedding cultural practices and values into menopause care models.
Aboriginal artwork and merchandise supported clinical yarning, engagement and cultural safety. Education was delivered where women already access care. An Aboriginal workforce network was established to foster peer support and shared learnings.
Reflections:
-Engaging with Aboriginal communities takes time and is non-linear.
-Storytelling and Aboriginal leadership builds trust with communities and peer support for non-Aboriginal staff.
Conclusions:
Aboriginal women are accessing care for menopause and midlife health by implementing education and outreach services where women feel comfortable.