Development of innovative primary health service managed by Telehealth Technicians for very remote First Nations’ communities.

Project locations: Darwin, Galiwin'ku, Gawa, Nhulunbuy, Cairns

Project partners: Simbani Research Pty Ltd; Emerge IT Solutions Pty Ltd ; Synapse Medical Services Aus Pty Ltd ; SkyMesh Pty Ltd ; VisionFlex Pty Ltd ; Charles Darwin University; Coviu Global Pty Ltd ; Australian College of Nurse Practitioners ; MJ & MB Diamond Pty Ltd

Project summary and impacts

Building on the telehealth infrastructure established in Gawa, this project developed and trialled an innovative community-led primary healthcare model designed for very remote Aboriginal communities.

The project co-designed and implemented the Telehealth Technician (TT) role, enabling trained local community members to facilitate telehealth consultations, conduct structured Wellness Assessments, coordinate referrals, support use of My Health Record and help residents navigate healthcare services. Seventy-eight community members completed health assessments, with many participating in follow-up reviews to support ongoing preventative care.

The model has since evolved into the culturally grounded Djagamirr (“caretaker”) role, integrating translation, health literacy, digital inclusion and early intervention to strengthen local capability and improve continuity of care. The project has demonstrated how community-based health workers, supported by telehealth technologies, can improve access to healthcare, reduce avoidable medical evacuations and support more proactive, person-centred healthcare in very remote communities. The model provides a pathway for broader adoption by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across northern Australia.