With pit stops, mechanics and tyre and exhaust checks, one would have been forgiven for thinking it was a car event, but it was actually a community health event with a twist.
Morwell’s Aboriginal community came out in force to attend the Pit Stop Health Day hosted by the Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice.
The Morwell NAIDOC committee invited the Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice to hold the Pit Stop as part of creating stronger ties between the Aboriginal community and the variety of health care services available.
The Morwell Pit Stop hosted six health stations providing screening, health information and referrals to local services to address:
- Chassis check (hip to waist ratio)
- Exhaust (smoking)
- Fuel additives (alcohol consumption)
- Extractor (colorectal cancer)
- Tyre check (foot health)
- Spark plugs (sexual health)
While the winter winds threatened to blow the marquee away, the Pit Stop proved very popular with more than 50 Aboriginal community members ranging from teens to Elders taking the opportunity to have a yarn with local Aboriginal health professionals.
The ‘mechanics’ manning the Pit Stops were decked out in Pit Stop caps and lanyards as well as Live Longer! t-shirts, so were easily identifiable for those passing through the ‘pits’.
Organisers said that including Aboriginal health professionals who are known in the area was critical in helping the community feel comfortable about their health, and directly contributed to the day’s success.
Where: Castle Park, Morwell, VIC
When: Monday, 4 July 2011
Host Organisation: Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice
Contact: Olivia Scanlon (03) 5126 5904
The Morwell Pit Stop hosted six health stations. Here John O'Donoghue and Marilyn Fenton chat together during the event in Morwell.
Heather Lavell and Kylie Yeomans at the Free Tyre Health Check in Morwell, Victoria.
Community Health Worker Ronald Edwards registers people for the Pit Stop Health Day.
Sharon Kingaby and Gina Boyanton prepare themselves for the Pit Stop Health Day hosted by the Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice.
Morwell Are you roadworthy? flyer
How Pit Stop works.
