Strategic Framework

The Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service (BAHS) was established in March 2008, for Goori People in and around the Ballina, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Evans Head areas of NSW.

BAHS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, which means it is owned and operated by Aboriginal People.

BAHS services are available for all Aboriginal People and their families, to assist in closing the gaps that exist between Aboriginal People and other Australians.

Our Vision

Is for A strong, empowered and healthy Goori Community.
This is an enduring statement of BAHS’ reason for existence.

Our Overarching Purpose

Bullinah, is a leading Aboriginal organisation, working together with our communities and partners to achieve better health and wellbeing by delivering sustainable and holistic outcomes.

Guiding Principles

The Vision will be achieved through the following Guiding Principles that will remain cognisant of the needs, health, wellbeing and development, and aspirations of Aboriginal Peoples.

  • Aboriginal strengths
  • The need for cultural understanding
  • The impact of racism and stigma
  • Recognition of the centrality of kinship
  • The impact of history in trauma and loss
  • Recognition of human rights and social justice
  • Equitable needs based funding
  • Universal access to basic health care, housing and education

Adopted from the National Aboriginal Health Strategy of 1989

Delivering ‘Holistic’ Comprehensive Primary Health Care
to Aboriginal Communities in the Ballina, Byron Bay,
Mullumbimby and Evans Head areas of NSW.

BAHS Recognises and Values

  • Self Determination through Aboriginal Ownership and Control
  • Holistic, comprehensive Primary Health Care approaches
  • Trust, Loyalty, Respect, Courage, Listening, Leadership, Collaboration
  • Accurate History from an Aboriginal Perspective
  • Integrity of Aboriginal People
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Aboriginal strength and Resilience

Our Domains of Work

The key domains of work for BAHS include:

  • Heath and health related services/programs
  • Continuous Quality Improvement
  • Partnerships and Community Participation
  • Health Information and Data
  • Research

Our Ultimate Aim

All Goori Peoples enjoy the same level of health as other Australians’

Our Strategic Priorities

The five strategic priorities for the next three years are:

One | Governance and Culture | By 2020, we will have embedded excellent governance practices within a culturally appropriate environment.

Two | New Building | By 2020, we will be operating in our own ‘fit for purpose’ building which we own on a single site in Ballina.

Three | Staffing | By 2020, we will have developed and implemented comprehensive human resource practices within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Framework and Service.

Four | Services | By 2020, our services will be delivered under a “whole of life” preventative health strategy that is delivering on the Bullinah Vision.

Five | Funding | By 2020, we will be widely acknowledged as a financially strong, sustainable and independently controlled Aboriginal Community health organisation.