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Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities

AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities) is a not-for-profit charity that uses a One Health approach to coordinate veterinary and education programs in Indigenous communities. Our One Health approach recognises the inextricable links between human, animal and environmental health and wellbeing. By working with remote Indigenous communities to improve the health of their pets, we are helping to create healthier, safer and happier communities. We coordinate culturally sensitive programs in Indigenous communities around Australia, collaborating with communities to develop programs that meet their needs. In the last financial year, AMRRIC has facilitated veterinary programs in 92 different remote communities and homelands. During these programs 1015 dogs and cats were safely and humanely surgically desexed, and 6907 anti-parasite treatments were administered. Our education team completed 57 visits to 28 different communities and outstations where AMRRIC’s message that ‘healthy dogs contribute to a healthy community’ reached 790 adult community members, and 1074 students were engaged in our Be a Friend to Your Dog program. The immediate objective of our One Health approach is pet populations that are healthy and desexed. However, in the long term, the focus of the One Health model is sustainability and capacity building, so that communities can confidently and effectively manage their own companion animal populations. Our Strengths One Health Programs Veterinary programs which include parasite treatments, desexing and the treatment of sick or injured animals by veterinary teams. Health and welfare focused education programs which are implemented in many community groups, including schools, men’s groups and women’s groups. Capacity building programs, such as the Animal Management Worker program which trains community members to coordinate companion animal management within their communities. Best Practice Approach Our programs are all designed in collaboration with communities, with inbuilt monitoring and evaluation Community and stakeholder consultation informs current program practice and future program design We employ current industry standards in our veterinary and education programs Our Best Practice Guidelines have been recognised by the Australian Federal Government Partnerships We have strong relationships and engagement with Indigenous communities across Australia We have well-established networks across Australia and internationally, encompassing veterinary, health, education and academic professional Our relationships with all levels of government allow us to advocate for, and to assist with, improved animal management in Indigenous communities Staff and Volunteers Highly skilled staff and volunteers who are culturally aware and committed to reconciliation in their work All our staff and volunteers are dedicated to improving animal health and wellbeing Highly committed voluntary board with a wide range of relevant professional experience