
The South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) brings the skills and knowledge of five Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations together to improve the lives of our people.
SAWCAN was established in 2020 as a partnership consisting of five Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) on the Eyre Peninsula and Far West Coast of South Australia.
The ACCHOs include:
- Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service in Whyalla
- Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service in Port Lincoln
- Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation in Ceduna
- Tullawon Health Service in Yalata
- Oak Valley Health Service in Oak Valley
Together, the five partner ACCHOs provide comprehensive primary health care to approximately 5,500 Aboriginal people in a region spanning 1,300 kilometres from Whyalla to the border of Western Australia.

Stay connected with SAWCAN
Tackling Indigenous Smoking
Program of the month
Australia’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program is a community-led program that aims to improve the health of our people by inspiring all of us to quit or cut down on smokes and vapes. Smoking is a significant health issue within these communities, contributing to various chronic diseases and a reduced life expectancy.
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March is Melanoma Awareness Month.
Looking after your skin is part of looking after yourself and your family.
In Australia, we get a lot of strong sun. Over time, that can take a toll on our skin. The good thing is, when melanoma is found early, it can be treated.
There are simple ways to protect yourself:
• Wear a wide-brim hat and protective clothing
• Put on SPF 30+ sunscreen each day
• Sit in the shade, especially in the middle of the day
• Get to know your skin and check for changes
If you notice a spot that looks different, changes over time or does not heal, have a yarn with your health team.
Early checks help keep you well and connected to the people who matter most.
Your local ACCHO is there to support you.
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Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid strengthens ACCHO teams to support social and emotional wellbeing in community.
This training builds practical skills and confidence so staff can:
• recognise signs that someone might need support
• respond early in culturally safe and respectful ways
• offer initial support with care
• strengthen understanding of social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal communities
When ACCHO teams feel confident responding early, mob can access support sooner and closer to home.
Building culturally informed, capable workplaces strengthens the support networks around our communities.
To organise Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid training for your team, email us at sawcan@sawcan.org.au
Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Services Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation #Tullawonhealth #oakvalleyhealth NACCHO Aboriginal Health Australia
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Looking after yourself during pregnancy also helps protect your baby.
There are three vaccines recommended during pregnancy to help keep both mum and bub well:
• Whooping cough vaccination helps pass protection to your baby in their first weeks of life
• RSV vaccination helps support your baby’s breathing health early on
• Flu vaccination helps you stay well during pregnancy and care for your growing baby
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy helps you pass early protection to your baby while they are still growing.
For a yarn about staying well during pregnancy, speak with your GP, midwife or your local ACCHO.
Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Services Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation #TullawonHealth #OakValleyHealth
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