Following the success of its inaugural women’s health and wellbeing camp in Oodnadatta last year, the RFDS Primary Health Care Team returned to the Far North once again, this time to Marree, to host a culturally safe camp focused on empowering women’s health.
Held in collaboration with Preventive Health SA, the three-day camp offered a safe space for women to engage in preventive health screenings, including bowel, cervical and breast cancer checks.
“We came together with local women to yarn about personal health experiences – we weren’t just giving information, we were learning too,” RFDS SA/NT Aboriginal Health Practitioner Kristen Besant said.
“The conversations were upfront and heartfelt. By sitting together and talking openly, we helped remove the stigma around screening and encouraged the women to take control of their own health journeys.”
The RFDS Team designed activities to break down barriers in fun and creative ways.
‘Preventive Health Bingo’ was played to prompt conversation, alongside a ‘paint and sip’ session (enjoying tea and coffee while connecting through art), and cooking classes led by RFDS Dietitian Josie Calderwood, which focussed on nutrition and chronic disease management.
To top the camp off, the RFDS Team organised visits from a hairdresser and beautician. This pampering experience helped foster deeper connection and trust, while showing that caring for one’s wellbeing can also feel uplifting.
“These extra touches may seem small, but they go a long way in helping the women feel seen, valued and confident to engage with health services,” Kristen said.
The RFDS encouraged participants to book in for their annual 715 Health Check, and helped each woman register for the BreastScreen SA mobile screening unit scheduled to visit Marree.
Importantly, the team saw multiple self-collect screening kits returned during the camp – an indicator of growing awareness around the importance of early detection.
“Each kit returned is a step closer to closing the health gap,” RFDS SA/NT Chronic Disease Nurse Tessa Bennett said.
“It shows that when we provide the right environment, among trusted faces with genuine respect, women feel safe to take that step.”
Just weeks earlier, a men’s health and wellbeing camp was held by the RFDS in Marree, full of similar awareness-raising and screening activities.
The RFDS looks forward to delivering more health and wellbeing camps across remote communities, strengthening relationships and encouraging health conversations that can save lives.
The camp was funded by a grant from Preventive Health SA.
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