Chad Mclaren

Around the Campfire Inc Remote Indigenous Health and Opportunity Program

Around the Campfire Incorporated is a not for profit organisation with DGR tax deductable status focused on improving Indigenous health and opportunity in remote areas across Australia through a combination of primary health, health education initiatives, training and employment options directed at school age Indigenous youth, 

Around the Campfire Inc. was established in 2015 as a response from Managing Director, Chad McLaren to the unacceptable life expectancy gap and levels of chronic disease of Indigenous Australians compared with non-Indigenous Australians.

Around the Campfire Incorporated is governed by a committee consisting of:

• Joe Williams – Chair Wiradjuri 1st nations Aboriginal man, former NRL player, current Founder and Director of mental health wellbeing and suicide prevention program The Enemy Within.
• Steven Marshall - Committee Current South Australian Liberal Party and Opposition Leader
• Bryan Littlely – Secretary Managing Director The Press Gallery public relations company
• Jacinta Price – Committee Warlpiri 1st nations Aboriginal woman Alice Springs councillor
• Natasha Wanganeen – Committee Kaurna Narranga Noongar 1st nations Aboriginal Woman International award-winning actress stage and film
• Scott Schubert – Committee Solicitor
• Marisa Riccio – Treasurer Director Hood Sweeney accounting company 
• Chad McLaren - Managing Director remote paramedic/nurse

Around the Campfire Inc's mission is to reduce the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians of 14.4 years in the NT and 14.3 years in WA by reducing the prevalence of the Big 5 in Indigenous Australia;

• Suicide
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Lung Cancer
• Liver Disease

It will require a generational change to address these Big 5 health issues.  To be part of this change Around the Campfire Inc will work with remote communities using a holistic 4-point program:

1. Indigenous nurses in remote communities for Indigenous children.

2. Lifestyle events that show case Indigenous engagement in sport and exercise, whilst developing positive female role models for Indigenous youth,

3. Back to Country nutritional program that includes food and cooking education workshops using native Indigenous produce.

4. Local business development opportunities through our events, partnerships and networks.

Our long-term vision is to assist the development and operation of the 4-point program in as many remote Indigenous communities as possible. We will partner with the local health service and school to co-fund a nursing position in each location. Around the Campfire can help deliver a positive outcome to a remote community for far less the cost of what government would spend in achieving the same outcome.

Our fundraising model involves the establishment of long standing financial corporate partnerships, an annual fundraising event in Sydney, funds raised at the Around the Campfire Cup, and crowdfunding. This will enable Around the Campfire Inc to have a consistent, sustainable, long-term presence in communities and help create long-term positive change.

Costs per annum for the 4 point program

Remote Indigenous School Nurse Program co-funded community position             

            School nurse salary                                                                                                      $120,000

            Administration                                                                                                               $20,000

            Vehicle and accommodation                                                                                      $60,000

                                                                                                                                                      $200,000

Back to Country Food and Cooking Education Program 4 community visits             $25,000

Around the Campfire Cup                                                                                                      $10,000

                                                                                                                                                     $235,000

Education of some parents maybe difficult to begin

Housing availability in remote communities

Finding the funds to put the whole program into operation