SARHN was established in 2003, under the auspices of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Since its establishment, it has grown to include a wide variety of individual members and organisations and the network is now a member of the Refugee Council of Australia.

SARHN is overseen by an Action Group drawn from the membership, and any SARHN member may nominate to participate in this group. The Convenor and Secretary are drawn from Action Group membership and all positions are voluntary and declared vacant annually. The Action Group makes decisions regarding the functioning and activities of SARHN. It provides a strategic overview of SARHN activities, particularly in the areas of education, advocacy and research support and ensures that these activities reflect the aims and objectives of SARHN and its strategic directions.

 2010 SARHN Strategic Plan (PDF) 

Educational activities are overseen by an Education Committee (which also manages the SARHN website) and membership of this committee is drawn from general membership. Other working groups are established as need arises.

 

 

• To increase service provider's awareness and understanding of the health needs of refugees and asylum seekers

• To provide opportunities for service providers working with, or interested in the health of refugees to come together to support, listen and learn from one another

• To develop and provide education and training in areas relevant to refugee health

• To advocate for activities, services and supports which will promote and maintain the health of refugees in South Australia

• To support research in the area of refugee health which is inclusive, ethical and involves refugees themselves in the development and implementation of that research
  
  

Every year SARHN undertakes a variety of activities in the areas of advocacy, education and research. These activities have included:

• Regular seminars for GPs, primary health care professionals and volunteers on refugee health issues

• Submissions to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on various discussion papers on the Australian Humanitarian Entrants program

• Advocacy for initiatives aimed at improving the health of refugees such as the introduction of a specific Medicare item for initial health screening for refugees in general practice and a proposal for the implementation of the "complex case support" initiative in SA

• Development of a booklet for volunteers working with refugees on common health issues