ACCHO: Complete Guide to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations 2025
Key Points
- 148 ACCHOs operate across Australia through 550+ clinic sites
- Over 3.1 million episodes of care delivered annually to 410,000 people
- Services include primary health care, chronic disease management, mental health, dental, NDIS support, and social services
- First ACCHO established in Redfern in 1971 by Aboriginal community activists
- 50+ Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officers help First Nations people access NDIS
- All services are culturally safe and community-controlled
- Most services are bulk-billed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
What is an ACCHO?
An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) is a primary health care service initiated and operated by the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. These organisations deliver holistic, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate health care to the communities they serve.
Key Definition: ACCHOs are controlled through a locally elected Board of Management, ensuring that health services reflect the needs, values, and cultural practices of the community.
ACCHOs are fundamentally different from mainstream health services because they are:
| Feature | ACCHO | Mainstream Health Service |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Community-controlled board | Government or corporate |
| Staff | Majority Aboriginal workforce | Variable |
| Cultural approach | Embedded in all services | Often an add-on |
| Service model | Holistic, whole-person care | Often single-issue focused |
| Social determinants | Actively addressed | Typically not in scope |
The ACCHO model recognises that health extends beyond physical wellbeing to include social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. This aligns with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of health that emphasise connection to community, Country, and culture.
History of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
The Birth of the First ACCHO (1971)
The Aboriginal Community Controlled Health movement began in Redfern, Sydney, in 1971 when Aboriginal community activists established the first Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS).
Key founders included:
- Gordon Briscoe
- Mum Shirl (Shirley Smith)
- Dulcie Flower
- Dr Fred Hollows
- Paul Coe
- Ken Brindle
- Chicka and Elsa Dixon
The service was established without government funding to address blatant discrimination experienced in mainstream services and the ill health and premature deaths of Aboriginal people.
The Redfern AMS was inspired by the success of the Aboriginal Legal Service and opened in a shopfront on Regent Street. It provided a model for Aboriginal communities across Australia to establish their own community-controlled health services.
Growth of the Movement
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1971 | First AMS established in Redfern |
| 1976 | National Aboriginal and Islander Health Organisation formed |
| 1992 | Organisation renamed NACCHO |
| 2008 | Over 60 ACCHOs in NSW alone |
| 2012 | 150 ACCHOs operating nationally |
| 2025 | 148 ACCHOs across 550+ sites serving 410,000 people |
The movement demonstrated that community-controlled services could deliver better health outcomes for Aboriginal people. Today, NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) is a major employer with over 6,000 staff, more than 3,500 of whom are First Nations people.
ACCHO Services and Programs
ACCHOs provide comprehensive primary health care services tailored to community needs. Services typically include:
Clinical Services
- General practice and GP consultations
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, heart disease, kidney health)
- Maternal and child health
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Immunisation programs
- Health assessments (including Medicare 715 health checks)
Allied Health
- Dental care
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Podiatry
- Dietetics
- Speech pathology
- Psychology and counselling
Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing
- Mental health counselling
- Social and emotional wellbeing programs
- Drug and alcohol services
- Suicide prevention programs
- Grief and loss support
- Trauma-informed care
Social Services
- Housing support
- Employment assistance
- Education and training programs
- Youth programs
- Elder care services
- Family support services
- Transport assistance
NDIS and Disability Support
- NDIS plan development assistance
- Disability support services
- Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officers
- Culturally safe therapy services
- Assistive technology support
- Community participation programs
Find Your Nearest ACCHO by State
Below is a comprehensive directory of ACCHOs across Australia, organised by state and territory. This represents the most complete publicly available listing of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
New South Wales (NSW) - 72 Member Services
Peak Body: Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) Website: ahmrc.org.au
The AH&MRC represents 52 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across 12 membership regions in NSW.
| Organisation | Region | Key Services |
|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Medical Service Co-operative Ltd Redfern | Metropolitan | Primary health, dental, social services |
| Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service | Southern | Multiple locations including Glenroy and Wodonga |
| Armajun Health Service Aboriginal Corporation | Northern | Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield, Tingha |
| Awabakal Newcastle Aboriginal Co-operative | Metropolitan | Cardiff, Hamilton, Raymond Terrace |
| Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation | North Coast | Grafton, Casino, Baryulgil, Yamba, Maclean |
| Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service | Mid North Coast | Established 1976, comprehensive services |
| Galambila Aboriginal Health Service | Mid North Coast | Primary health care |
| Werin Aboriginal Corporation Medical Clinic | Mid North Coast | Community health services |
How to Find NSW Services: Visit ahmrc.org.au/locate-a-member-list for the complete directory with contact details.
Victoria (VIC) - 34 Member Services
Peak Body: Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) Website: vaccho.org.au
| Organisation | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Community Elders Services | East Brunswick VIC 3057 | (03) 9383 4244 |
| Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service | Wodonga & Wangaratta | (03) 6051 7111 |
| Ballarat And District Aboriginal Co-operative | North Ballarat VIC 3350 | (03) 5331 5344 |
| Bendigo And District Aboriginal Co-operative | North Bendigo VIC 3550 | (03) 5442 4947 |
| Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service | Lilydale VIC 3140 | (03) 9212 0200 |
| Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre | Thomastown VIC 3074 | (03) 8459 4800 |
| Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative | Halls Gap VIC 3381 | (03) 5356 4751 |
| Cummeragunja Health & Development Aboriginal Corp | Moama NSW 2731 | (03) 5869 3343 |
| Dandenong & Districts Aborigines Co-operative | Dandenong VIC 3175 | (03) 8902 9700 |
| Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service | Portland VIC 3305 | (03) 5521 7535 |
| Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative | Bairnsdale VIC 3875 | (03) 5150 0700 |
| Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative | Horsham VIC 3400 | (03) 5381 6333 |
| Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative | Warrnambool VIC 3280 | (03) 5559 1234 |
| Kirrae Health Service | Purnim VIC 3278 | (03) 5567 1270 |
| Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation | Melton South VIC 3338 | (03) 8088 0764 |
| Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association | Lakes Entrance VIC 3909 | (03) 5155 8465 |
| Lake Tyers Health & Children’s Services | Lake Tyers VIC 3909 | (03) 5155 8500 |
| Mallee District Aboriginal Services | Kerang VIC 3579 | (03) 5450 3019 |
| Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation | Fitzroy VIC 3065 | (03) 9416 4255 |
| Moogji Aboriginal Council East Gippsland | Orbost VIC 3888 | (03) 5154 2133 |
| Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place | Ringwood East VIC 3135 | (03) 9725 2166 |
| Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation | Wodonga VIC 3690 | (03) 6024 7599 |
| Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative | Robinvale VIC 3549 | (03) 5026 3353 |
| Nairm Marr Djambana | Frankston VIC 3199 | (03) 9783 1521 |
| Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation | St Kilda VIC 3182 | (03) 9510 3233 |
| Njernda Aboriginal Corporation | Echuca VIC 3564 | (03) 5480 6252 |
| Oonah Aboriginal Health And Community Services | Healesville VIC 3777 | (03) 5962 2940 |
| Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation | Sale VIC 3850 | (03) 5143 1644 |
| Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative | Mooroopna VIC 3630 | (03) 5820 0000 |
| Victorian Aboriginal Health Service | Fitzroy VIC 3065 | (03) 9419 3000 |
| Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative | North Geelong VIC 3215 | (03) 5277 0044 |
| Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation | Hamilton VIC 3300 | (03) 5527 0090 |
| Yappera Children’s Services | Thornbury VIC 3071 | (03) 9416 8787 |
Queensland (QLD) - 33 Member Services
Peak Body: Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) Website: qaihc.com.au
| Organisation | Region |
|---|---|
| ATSICHS Brisbane | Brisbane Metropolitan |
| Apunipima Cape York Health Council | Cape York |
| Bidgerdii Community Health Service | Central Queensland |
| Carbal Medical Services | Toowoomba/Darling Downs |
| CRAAICHS (Central Regional Aboriginal and Islander Community Health Service) | Central Queensland |
| CWAATSICH (Central West Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health) | Central West |
| Cunnamulla Aboriginal Community Health | South West |
| Galangoor Duwalami | Wide Bay |
| Gidgee Healing | North West |
| Gindaja Treatment & Healing Indigenous Corporation | Yarrabah |
| Girudala Community Co-operative Society | Bowen |
| Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Company | Toowoomba |
| Goondir Health Services | South West |
| Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services | Yarrabah |
| INJILINJI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation | North Queensland |
| Kalwun Health Service | Gold Coast |
| Kambu Health | Ipswich |
| Mamu Health Service | Innisfail |
| Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan | Rockhampton |
| Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation | Torres Strait |
| Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service | Mareeba |
| Nhulundu Wooribah Indigenous Health Organisation | Gladstone |
| NCACCH (North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health) | Sunshine Coast |
| NPA Family and Community Services | Northern Peninsula Area |
| PICC (Palm Island Community Company) | Palm Island |
| TAIHS (Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service) | Townsville |
| Torres Health | Torres Strait |
| Wuchopperen Health Service | Cairns |
| Yoonthalla Aboriginal Corporation | Bundaberg |
| Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation | North Stradbroke Island |
| IUIH (Institute for Urban Indigenous Health) | South East Queensland (Regional) |
| NATSIHA (Northern Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Alliance) | North Queensland (Regional) |
Contact: QAIHC Office - 36 Russell Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101 | Phone: (07) 3328 8500
South Australia (SA) - 12 Member Services
Peak Body: Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA) Website: ahcsa.org.au
| Organisation | Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nunkuwarrin Yunti of SA Inc | Adelaide | 182-190 Wakefield Street | (08) 8406 1600 |
| Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corp | Port Augusta | 40-46 Dartmouth Street | (08) 8642 9991 |
| Nunyara Aboriginal Health Service Inc | Whyalla | 17-27 Tully Street, Whyalla Stuart | (08) 8649 4366 |
| Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation | Ceduna | 1 Eyre Highway | (08) 8626 2600 |
| Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service | Port Lincoln | 19A Oxford Terrace | (08) 8683 0162 |
| Moorundi ACCHS Inc | Murray Bridge | 1 Wharf Road | (08) 8531 0289 |
| Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corp | Mount Gambier | 191 Commercial Street West | (08) 8724 7270 |
| Tullawon Health Service Inc | Yalata | Yalata Community | (08) 8625 6255 |
| Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corp | Coober Pedy | Lot 8, Umoona Road | (08) 8672 5255 |
| Oak Valley (Maralinga) Aboriginal Corp | Ceduna | 43 McKenzie Street | (08) 8670 4207 |
| Nganampa Health Council | APY Lands | Multiple clinics: Iwantja, Mimili, Fregon, Pukatja, Amata, Pipalyatjara | Various |
| Drug and Alcohol Services SA (Aboriginal Services) | Adelaide | Substance misuse services | Various |
Western Australia (WA) - 23 Member Services
Peak Body: Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) Website: ahcwa.org.au
Goldfields Region
| Organisation | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service | 44 Scotia St, Wiluna WA 6646 | Contact via AHCWA |
| Bega Garnbirringu Health Service | 16-18 MacDonald Street, Kalgoorlie WA 6430 | Contact via AHCWA |
| Spinifex Health Service | PMB 88 Kalgoorlie WA 6430 | Contact via AHCWA |
Kimberley Region
| Organisation | Address |
|---|---|
| Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service | 1125 Ironwood Drive, Kununurra WA 6743 |
| Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation | 471 Great Northern Hwy, Wyndham WA 6740 |
| Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corp | 342 Terone Street, Halls Creek WA 6770 |
| Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services | 52 Fallon Road, Fitzroy Crossing WA 6765 |
| Derby Aboriginal Health Service | Derby |
| Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services | 29 Clementson St, Broome WA 6725 |
| Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd | 12 Napier Terrace, Broome WA 6725 |
| Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service | 2 Dora Street, Broome WA 6725 |
| Bidyadanga Health Centre | Lot 86 Wangkaja Road, Bidyadanga WA 6725 |
| Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation | 78 Great Northern Hwy, Broome WA 6725 |
Perth Metropolitan
| Organisation | Locations |
|---|---|
| Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service | 156 Wittenoom St, East Perth; Railway Workshop 1, Midland; Binley Place, Maddington; 22 Chesterfield Rd, Mirrabooka |
South West and Murchison/Gascoyne
| Organisation | Address |
|---|---|
| South West Aboriginal Medical Service | Unit 5/55 Forrest Avenue, Bunbury 6230 |
| Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service | 60 Rifle Range Road, Rangeway; 14-16 Rushton Street, Carnarvon; 56 Attwood Street, Mount Magnet |
Northern Territory (NT) - 13 Member Services
Peak Body: Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) Website: amsant.org.au
| Organisation | Region | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation | Tennant Creek | Comprehensive primary health |
| CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation | Darwin | Alcohol and other drugs |
| Central Australian Aboriginal Congress | Alice Springs | Comprehensive primary health |
| Danila Dilba Health Service | Darwin | Urban primary health |
| Katherine West Health Board Aboriginal Corp | Katherine | Remote and regional health |
| Mala’la Health Board Aboriginal Corporation | Maningrida | Remote health services |
| Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation | East Arnhem Land | Remote health services |
| Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council | Central Australia | Women’s health and aged care |
| Purple House | Alice Springs/Remote | Renal dialysis services |
| Red Lily Health Board | West Arnhem Land | Remote health services |
| Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation | Katherine | Regional health services |
| Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service | Katherine | Primary health care |
Contact: AMSANT Darwin Office - 43 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800 | Phone: (08) 8944 6666
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
| Organisation | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health & Community Services | Canberra | Comprehensive primary health, NDIS, mental health |
December 2025 Update: ACT has become the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate its Closing the Gap commitments through the Closing the Gap (ACT) Bill.
Tasmania (TAS)
| Organisation | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Tasmanian Aboriginal Health Service (via Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre) | Multiple locations across Lutruwita | Primary health, aged care, community services |
| Flinders Island Aboriginal Association (FIAAI) | Flinders Island/Launceston | Primary health, aged care, health promotion |
FIAAI operates the Primary Health and Aged Care service with a full-time registered nurse, health assistants, and visiting health professionals including GPs, physiotherapists, dieticians, and diabetes educators.
ACCHOs and NDIS Disability Services
The Connection Between ACCHOs and NDIS
Many ACCHOs are now registered NDIS providers, delivering culturally safe disability supports to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Australian Government has funded NACCHO to increase the capacity of ACCHOs to deliver NDIS services, particularly in remote areas.
Important: Research shows that First Nations NDIS participants are 28% less likely to receive care via the NDIS than non-Indigenous Australians. ACCHOs help bridge this gap by providing culturally safe navigation and support.
Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officers (ADLOs)
There are over 50 Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officers (ADLOs) working across 40+ ACCHOs nationally. These officers:
- Provide culturally safe support throughout the NDIS process
- Assist with NDIS plan development and applications
- Connect clients with local service providers
- Advocate for appropriate culturally safe services
- Help families understand NDIS entitlements
How ACCHOs Make NDIS Culturally Safe
| Aspect | What ACCHOs Provide |
|---|---|
| Community governance | Local Aboriginal boards ensure services reflect community values |
| Aboriginal workforce | Staff understand cultural protocols and communication styles |
| Holistic approach | NDIS goals linked with health, housing, and cultural needs |
| Navigation support | Help understanding complex NDIS bureaucracy |
| Family inclusion | Services incorporate kinship and community support |
| Cultural communication | Use of local languages and yarning-based conversations |
| Co-located services | Disability support delivered alongside primary health |
NDIS Ready Program
NACCHO has delivered over $1.25 million in grants to 57 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations through the NDIS Ready program to support the delivery of culturally safe NDIS services.
How to Access ACCHO Services
Who Can Access ACCHO Services?
ACCHOs primarily serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You do not need to be on an NDIS plan to access general health services at an ACCHO.
Steps to Access Care
- Find your nearest ACCHO using the directory above or visit naccho.org.au/locations
- Call the clinic to make an appointment or ask about walk-in availability
- Bring your Medicare card if you have one (most services are bulk-billed)
- Complete registration as a new patient if required
What to Expect
- Culturally safe, respectful care
- Aboriginal health workers and staff
- Holistic assessment of health and social needs
- Connection to other services if needed
- No judgement, no racism
Cost of Services
Most ACCHO services are bulk-billed under Medicare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, meaning there is typically no out-of-pocket cost. Some services may have different arrangements.
December 2025 Updates
Latest ACCHO Sector Developments
| Date | Development | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Dec 2025 | Dr Donna Ah Chee appointed CEO of AMSANT | New leadership focusing on preventive health and advocacy |
| 5 Dec 2025 | Release of “Our Health in Our Hands” sector report | Focus on community-led data sharing and joint policy development |
| 3 Dec 2025 | ACT legislates Closing the Gap commitments | First jurisdiction to create statutory accountability for Indigenous health outcomes |
| 1 Dec 2025 | ACCHOs credited with maintaining low HIV rates | Demonstrates effectiveness of community-controlled prevention programs |
| 9 Dec 2025 | NACCHO Conference held | Over 200 leaders discussed telehealth, workforce, and new funding streams |
Upcoming Changes (July 2026)
A new national Indigenous Primary Health Funding Model will take effect from 1 July 2026, replacing the current block-grant system. The new model includes:
- Performance-based allocations tied to Closing the Gap targets
- Dedicated funding streams for mental health, chronic disease, and youth services
- Greater flexibility for ACCHOs to allocate resources locally
Key Resources
National Peak Body
- NACCHO: naccho.org.au
- NACCHO Locations Directory: naccho.org.au/locations
State and Territory Peak Bodies
| State/Territory | Organisation | Website |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | AH&MRC | ahmrc.org.au |
| Victoria | VACCHO | vaccho.org.au |
| Queensland | QAIHC | qaihc.com.au |
| South Australia | AHCSA | ahcsa.org.au |
| Western Australia | AHCWA | ahcwa.org.au |
| Northern Territory | AMSANT | amsant.org.au |
Other Resources
- Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Map: healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au
- Healthdirect Indigenous Health: healthdirect.gov.au/indigenous-health
- NDIS First Nations Strategy: ndis.gov.au
FAQ
What does ACCHO stand for?
ACCHO stands for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. These are primary health care services initiated and operated by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver holistic, culturally appropriate health care.
How many ACCHOs are there in Australia?
There are 148 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations operating across more than 550 sites nationally. Together, they provide over 3.1 million episodes of care each year to approximately 410,000 people.
What is the difference between ACCHO and NACCHO?
NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) is the national peak body that represents and advocates for all ACCHOs across Australia. Individual ACCHOs are the local health services that deliver care directly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Can I use ACCHO services if I have an NDIS plan?
Yes. Many ACCHOs are registered NDIS providers and can deliver disability support services funded through your NDIS plan. Over 50 Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officers work across 40+ ACCHOs to help you navigate the NDIS process.
Do I need a referral to see an ACCHO?
Most ACCHOs accept self-referrals. You can call your local ACCHO directly to make an appointment. Some services (such as specialist allied health) may require a GP referral.
Are ACCHO services only in remote areas?
No. ACCHOs operate across urban, regional, and remote Australia. Major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Darwin all have ACCHO services.
What services do ACCHOs provide?
ACCHOs typically provide comprehensive primary health care including:
- General practice and GP consultations
- Chronic disease management
- Mental health and social emotional wellbeing
- Dental care
- Allied health services
- NDIS and disability support
- Social services (housing, employment, education support)
How do I find my nearest ACCHO?
Use the directory above, visit the NACCHO Locations page, or contact your state peak body (listed in Key Resources).
Culturally Safe NDIS Support at MD Home Care
At MD Home Care, we are committed to providing culturally competent care that respects the values, traditions, and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our team includes support workers who understand the importance of cultural safety in disability services.
We work alongside ACCHOs and other Aboriginal community organisations to ensure First Nations NDIS participants receive the best possible support. Whether you need assistance with daily living, community participation, or specialist support coordination, we are here to help.
Ready to learn more about culturally safe NDIS services?
Get a Free Consultation | Call 08 6386 9999
Last updated: December 15, 2025
Sources: NACCHO, AH&MRC, VACCHO, QAIHC, AHCSA, AHCWA, AMSANT, Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet