Internet Edition Issue 4, June 2004

Editorial: 'Love on another...'  'Do not be afraid...'

Viewpoint: "The Mass, the ultimate Christian Prayer"

Frequent Flyer Mission

Caritas Kimberley - Managing Diabetes at Warmun

From the Office of Justice, Ecology & Peace

KCP Magazine

Caritas Kimberley

By Fr Paul Boyers - Caritas Diocesan Director

Managing Diabetes at Warmun

The Unity of First People of Australia (UFPA) launched a Diabetes Program in the Warmun community on 21st April 2004. Similar programs are already running in Looma and Noonkanbah. The Warmun people welcomed visitors to the community for the launch of the program with traditional water and smoking ceremonies.

Visitors to the launch included former Olympic athlete, Mr Herb Elliott; the Member for Mining and Pastoral in the Upper House of Parliament, Mr Tom Stephens; Mr Ernie Bridge and Professor Michael Gracey as well as representatives from the Argyle Diamond Mine.

Mr Peter Bridge from the Unity of First People of Australia will co-ordinate the program which will involve all members and organisations in the Warmun Community. Those involved in the program include the Community Council, store, school and health clinic. Self-help and encouragement for sufferers to take responsibility for their condition are features of the program. It is hoped that the community groups will work together to manage this serious disease by making people more aware of the condition and means of prevention. This can only happen if all members of the community work together.

UFPA's founder and President Ernie Bridge believes that it is important that the whole community work together to manage this illness. Everyone working together can make for a healthier lifestyle for Aboriginal people.

The program at Warmun is funded by Rio Tinto, Argyle Diamond Mine, Caritas Australia and the State Government for the next two years.

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