Statistics say the blindness rate in Aboriginal adults is six times more than mainstream Australia. 

An Aboriginal woman from Mudgee with a heartwarming story is leading a campaign to gain early detection and make sure eye health checks are done and to arrest the problem.

Wellington is becoming a showcase for her work and unbeknown to many in the town the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) is a leader in the field with the Brian Holder Vision Institute.

Inspired by WACHS’ work, a campaign by Aboriginal Elder Aunty Mary Hooker, a visually impaired Bundjalung woman from Taree now living in Mudgee is taking part in a video designed to educate Indigenous people. 

Mrs Hooker, who is one of 11 children, wants to ensure other Aboriginals don’t wait like she did to seek assistance from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

Aunty Mary said the campaign’s focus was to present information about Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s services in a simplified manner that was language and culturally accessible for Aboriginal communities. 

All materials would be designed using Aboriginal colours.

“Until I discovered Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, I felt isolated and couldn’t identify with any services that were culturally appropriate and sensitive to Aboriginal people,” Aunty Mary, who is legally blind due to diabetic retinopathy - a condition that causes damage to the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness if left untreated, said.

 “In fact I didn’t approach Guide Dogs NSW/ACT at first because I thought they would give me a guide dog. 

“But I heard an ad on TV saying that they also train people in how to use canes. So I rang them. They came out to me and gave me cane training.

 “I was able to get my cane in Aboriginal colours so people can identify me as Aboriginal. I want Aboriginals and all cultures to know about Guide Dogs NSW/ACT - if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be able to be where I am at the moment at college continuing my studies. 

“They helped me to develop the skills I needed to get out of the house, catch a bus and get around independently in the community. Not only was it a help for me, it was also a help for my family.”

 Local Pauline Wicks, who has written papers which are rated among the best in the nation and has moved throughout the state with a deep passion for our eyes, says the program between WACHS and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council educates through the Brian Holder Institute not just Aboriginal men and women, but everybody.

“There is a high case ratio of diabetic retinopathy in people. We want people to come for regular eye health checks so we can monitor it. This can be detected early,” she said.

 The video, a brochure and a poster, all to be created in and about Wellington, will form the basis of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s first Aboriginal-specific education campaign that will be launched during NAIDOC Week, July 7 to 14.

 “We’re hoping to break new ground with this campaign and Wellington is the perfect location to create our resources as it’s in the heart of central west NSW, which is home to many Aboriginal communities,” Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Community Education co-ordinator Jennifer Moon said.

“Our services are not widely known in Aboriginal communities, so we’re hoping that this new information kit will be very useful for both Aboriginal health workers, people with vision impairment, and families and carers supporting people with vision impairment.”

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is the leading provider of training for people with impaired vision on how to safely move through different environments. 

Training may include teaching people how to use aids such as long canes, guide dogs and electronic devices, like talking GPS, as well as skills such as safe road-crossing techniques and use of public transport.

With 10 offices across NSW and ACT, including in Central West NSW, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is committed to serving all communities and providing local services wherever possible.

 To learn more about Guide Dogs NSW/ACT services visit www.guidedogs.com.au or call 9412 9300.