Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services (NEHS) began a regional approach delivering environmental health services, with staff based in communities supported by a team in Broome. This allowed for a strong community-led approach where local knowledge and priorities shaped the work. Over time, environmental health moved towards a more prescriptive, top-down way of working, returning to an approach that values community input, leadership and local decision-making.
As a dedicated environmental health ACCO, NEHS has been forefront delivering these services across the Kimberley region. Our experience on-ground helped shape our involvement in the Aboriginal Environmental Health Co-designed Model of Care process, providing the opportunity to share what is needed, reinforcing the importance of holistic, culturally responsive approaches that recognise the strong connection between people, place, culture, and health.
Community-controlled means we are guided by local priorities and have the flexibility to respond to the unique needs, strengths, and circumstances of each community. For example, when health issues emerge such as the diphtheria outbreak, we work closely with local Aboriginal Medical Services, relevant stakeholders and community people to achieve the best health outcomes.
The Model of Care provides a framework for environmental health services, and we are working on how it can be effectively applied in our region identifying what is within our scope. While we continue working closely with local Aboriginal Medical Services, Western Australia Country Health Service and Kimberley Population Health Unit, our next step is to strengthen partnerships with the WA Housing Department. Working together, environmental health teams, medical services and housing, can better identify and address the environmental risk factors contributing to clinic presentations, particularly for families and young children.
Communities have always been integral to our work, and this is evident in the programs we deliver. NEHS has transformed Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) education, using popular community events to engage families, raise awareness, and build trust. This often leads to home visits by the Environmental Health Worker (EHW) RHD team, providing personalised, one-on-one education in their homes.
A key feature of this approach is community-driven and culturally relevant messaging. Tailored Stay Strong posters, personalised merit certificates, and family-focused visual resources celebrate positive health behaviours and achievements across generations, reinforcing holistic wellbeing while reducing stigma and shame.
NEHS has also embraced storytelling as a powerful health promotion tool. Realistic scenarios such as The Broken Fly Screen, The Fishing Trip, and The Sore Throat help communities understand how common infections and untreated skin sores or sore throats can progress to rheumatic fever and ultimately RHD.
The core message remains simple and impactful: early recognition and treatment of Strep A infections can prevent RHD. By involving communities in the design and delivery of health education, NEHS is fostering ownership, strengthening health literacy, and empowering people to take control of their heart health.
Community-led foundations are the heart of our work today, ensuring we remain connected, responsive and accountable to the communities we serve.