Carbal Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (CIHR)

Welcome to the Carbal Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (CIHR), located in Toowoomba City, Australia. As an establishment dedicated to health and research, CIHR aims to provide culturally-appropriate and relevant education to health professionals, clinical support professionals, and organizations across the nation.

Our training courses have been developed by CIHR with the objective of delivering education that promotes cultural competency and effective stakeholder and community engagement for the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. Many of our education packages are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM, allowing General Practitioners to achieve their respective CPD points.

At CIHR, we offer an ever-expanding suite of educational content that can be accessed through four main pathways. Our online learning platform provides flexibility for participants without compromising interactivity, meeting the criteria set by RACGP and ACRRM. Additionally, our Carbal Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) is an 8-hour online course designed to equip staff within General Practice with practical tools to deliver culturally-competent services.

For organizations and individuals, we offer Cultural Awareness Training that helps develop cultural competencies through education on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander journey. We also provide a 6-week program on Chronic Disease Prevention (CDP) that incorporates First Australian culture.

In response to the growing need for mental health support, Carbal now offers an accredited culturally-appropriate Level 1 Mental Health Skills Training package. This program focuses on Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS), specifically Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Narrative Therapy (NT). We also offer Continuing Professional Development courses in FPS to enhance foundational skills.

For those interested in business basics, our online short course, Carbal Business Basics, provides support for transitioning to a sole trader. Additionally, we offer culturally-appropriate smoking cessation online education for TIS/Health Workers and Mob, empowering Aboriginal Health Workers and Peer Support Workers to provide the best approach to care for individuals with Social & Emotional Wellbeing issues.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which Carbal is located, the Jarowair and Giabal people.