On a sunny Wednesday morning in May, Dr Andrew Parsons set off on a 1,167 km journey from his home in Salamander Bay to Broken Hill, towing his treasured “Gift Horse.”

Having grown up in Broken Hill, Andrew felt the pull to return to his hometown and volunteer his extensive dental expertise at Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation. Currently, there is no public health dentist in Broken Hill, leaving many community members without access to essential dental care.

Maari Ma is an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation dedicated to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal Australians in the Far West region of NSW. Their programs include primary health care, outreach services, community programs and support services.

As part of their primary health care program, they operate a fully functional dental clinic staffed by oral health therapist Megan Hurst and two dental assistants, Jayde and Akeasha. However, they do not have a resident dentist and instead rely on volunteers to provide dental care that goes beyond the scope of an OHT.

Andrew was determined to help the community where he grew up.

“As a volunteer, you can actively contribute to addressing these issues and improving the oral health outcomes of Aboriginal people.”

Aboriginal people experience significant oral health disparities compared to the wider population. Remoteness further limits access to health care. In the region, disadvantaged community members who cannot afford private treatment rely on the limited oral health services provided by Maari Ma and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

But it wasn’t “all work and no play” for Andrew. As a boy, he had sailed on the Menindee Lakes and was eager to relive those experiences—and he was not disappointed! He launched Gift Horse at Sunset Strip and took in the breathtaking landscapes that outback Australia has to offer.

Once settled in town, Andrew met with the team at Maari Ma and got to work. Over two busy weeks, he provided essential dental care in both Broken Hill and Wilcannia.

“Volunteering at Maari Ma Dental Service is an incredibly rewarding experience. You can make a profound difference to people’s lives and well-being.”

He quickly saw the huge impact that removing sources of oral infection had on patients’ overall health. Not only did treatment provide pain relief, but it also contributed significantly to reducing flow-on effects for conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are highly prevalent in the community.

“Witnessing the positive change you bring about leaves you with a lasting sense that you have made a difference.”

As Andrew has shown, volunteering with Maari Ma Dental Service is about more than just providing dental care. It’s also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of local Aboriginal communities, gaining a deeper understanding of their perspectives, traditions and challenges, while building meaningful cross-cultural connections.

Broken Hill is a city renowned for its vibrant art scene and distinctive architecture. Its grand, ornate buildings reflect the region’s rich mining heritage, showcasing stunning examples of Victorian and Federation design. The city’s creative spirit, including highlights such as the Broken Hill Art Exchange, adds another cultural dimension to your visit. You might also take time to explore the surrounding lakes and national parks, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, or bushwalking.

Maari Ma Dental Service offers dentists the opportunity to volunteer in their clinic for two weeks or more. Accommodation and travel costs are covered—so all you need to bring is your time and expertise!

For those passionate about making a difference and eager to be part of a transformative journey toward better oral health, this could be the perfect opportunity.

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering, please contact us at [email protected].