Acknowledging 30 years since the Commonwealth Government officially recognised South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group in 1994, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the unique health challenges faced by Australian South Sea Islanders.
Most Australian South Sea Islanders are direct descendants of approximately 50,000 people brought from the Pacific Islands to Australia to work as indentured labourers between 1863 and 1904.
QAS Chief Operating Officer Steven Zsombok and Central Region Assistant Commissioner Robbie Medlin met with Elders from the South Sea Islander community to discuss the ongoing health inequities experienced by the community and expressed their continued support in addressing these concerns.
The QAS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan was developed to ensure an inclusive and culturally appropriate focus for the organisation. These community partnerships have played a crucial role in providing equitable healthcare in culturally safe environments.
A recent initiative by the QAS to promote culturally safe care involved introducing a South Sea Islander identification question for paramedics when completing a patient’s electronic Ambulance Report Form. The QAS also maintained its focus on Australian South Sea Islanders through the Multiculturalism Project, with Chief Operating Officer Steven Zsombok serving as the Executive Champion.
South Sea Islanders have forged a unique identity from a tumultuous history, contributing significantly to many aspects of Queensland, including the ambulance service.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to formally recognise nearly 100 years of service from the Fatnowna family, including Clacy, Noel and Norman Fatnowna, whose affiliation dates back to the days of the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB).
President of the South Sea Islander United Australia Association Clacy Fatnowna expressed his appreciation to the Queensland Ambulance Service and honoured those who have supported his vision of introducing a dedicated medical check box for the Australian South Sea Islander community, aimed at addressing their specific healthcare needs.
“It’s a start of a journey that I hope I can repeat numerous times across government departments with regards to engaging and challenging their department to get on board to support Australian South Sea Islanders.
“Thank you to the Queensland Ambulance service,” Mr Fatnowna said.
Queensland Ambulance Service met with Clacy Fatnowna, President of the South Sea Islander United Australia Association, and the South Sea Islander community last Friday to reaffirm their commitment to improving health outcomes, marking the 30th anniversary of Commonwealth recognition. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Queensland Ambulance Service
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