Volunteering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

John Maris gets a lot of personal satisfaction from volunteering for CWAATSICH.

John Maris is a volunteer for the Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health (CWAATSICH).

CWAATSICH, a non-government organisation, provides services including GP consultations, podiatry and dental services, massage therapies, outreach services and counselling. It plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

One of the corporation's inaugural foundation members, John has been on the Board of Directors for 13 years. He is currently the chair but in the past has also held the treasurer's position.

John's motivation to volunteer came about because several members of his family have struggled with chronic disease, such as diabetes. "I believe with a strong and competent health service it can only contribute to the wellbeing of the Indigenous community," he says, adding that he knows his work is helping to close the gap in regard to healthy lifestyles and the healing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the service area.

John says he gets a lot of personal satisfaction from his volunteering role, and devotes at least 20 hours a month to working with CWAATSICH. In his work with the corporation, John says he has pushed for skill development and quality training for all staff.

"With the assistance of the chief executive officer we have been able to guarantee that the representatives on the committee are qualified," he says. "Committee members and staff have access to governance training and any other courses they would like to attend."

In October 2008, Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health was awarded the Close the Gap Award for health initiatives in Queensland at Parliament House. John has also been a regular guest at the State Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Education and Training Awards. 

Last reviewed: 21 August 2009

Secondary navigation