{
  "id": 19411296,
  "title": "Culturally safe medical hub stops men 'walking out the door'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/culturally-safe-medical-hub-stops-men-walking-out-the-door",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T23:02:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-11/kununurra-hub-changes-aboriginal-mens-behaviour/107357470"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An Australian Men's Hub in Kununurra is making strides in providing culturally safe care to Indigenous men, encouraging them to seek regular check-ups. Located 3,000km north of Perth, this hub addresses barriers such as location, language, and cultural sensitivities that often prevent men from seeking medical help. The Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS) operates the hub, which offers walk-in GP appointments and support for social, emotional, and addiction issues.\n\nOVAHS chief operating officer Caleb Edelsten observed reduced engagement by male patients and noted that men are more likely to face higher mortality rates from preventable diseases. Since the hub's opening, approximately 180 men have utilized its services, with many returning for follow-ups. Indigenous men are also 2.3 times more likely to experience disease and have significantly higher rates of chronic and acute conditions like kidney diseases, diabetes, and mental and substance use disorders.\n\nDr. Milo Murphy, a local GP, advises men to visit their GP earlier to prevent complications down the road. Dr. Murphy has seen new patients in recent months specifically for men's health check-ups, which include sexually transmitted infection (STI) checks. These are patients who have never visited a health service before, highlighting the hub's role in providing accessible care.\n\nMen's hub manager Shaun Cox, an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment. He explains that the presence of other men in the reception area helps men feel more relaxed and less likely to leave. Cultural barriers, such as the prohibition of Aboriginal men from being near certain female family members, further complicate access to care. However, field officer Michael Merrison, known as Tucker, assists male patients in navigating these challenges and helps them reach appointments. Building trust between patients and the hub is crucial for improving health outcomes, according to Merrison.\n\nPeter Brandy, a Gija man and Men's Hub patient, recalls a time when a bad cold could be ignored for six weeks on a cattle station. He notes that things have improved for Aboriginal men, and the Men's Hub is a significant step forward. Edelsten from OVAHS indicates a desire to increase GP appointments if funding allows, further expanding the hub's impact on Indigenous men's health.",
  "summary": "A new medical hub in Western Australia's far north is focused on getting men to access healthcare.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kununurra Men's Hub provides culturally safe care to Indigenous men.",
    "Hub addresses location, language, and cultural barriers preventing men from seeking medical help.",
    "Approximately 180 men utilized services since the hub's opening."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}