The AMRRIC Galiwin’ku program delivered a veterinary program which has had an immediate impact on the health of the animals on the community, and as a consequence, flow to a positive health impact for the people of the community. AMRRIC recognises that true health outcomes are achieved with sustainable programs, but also acknowledges, and is able to demonstrate, very clear positive, and immediate effects on the animals and the communities where a short term program such as this, is implemented. Animals that have healthy skin, who are quieter and more restrained due to controlled fertility and who do not have large numbers of puppies at heel, create and reflect a more harmonious and healthy environment for all members. The links between unhealthy dogs and their impact on children and adults through zooneses, increased risk of dog bites and feelings of well-being are irrefutable. During the planning period of the program, AMRRIC was made aware of a skin study planned by Menzies School of Health and James Cook University to be conducted at Galiwin’ku with a particular interest in the phenomena of community acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). AMRRIC met with Menzies to discuss what assistance we could give during the Galiwin’ku program, and discussed which specimens to collect to contribute to the Menzies study. Swabs were taken from infected wounds, and skin scrapings from dogs with skin lesions indicating scabies infestation. AMRRIC endorses, and is well placed to participate in research aimed at providing evidence to develop strategies to enhance the health of Indigenous communities. As an organisation which supports Environmental Health Workers and associated programs in remote communities, we are ideally situated to participate in research programs and to implement programs based on recommended findings. The cited research demonstrates the links between scabies and skin infections and the acquisition of an antibiotic resistant form of bacteria that can cause serious bone, heart and kidney infections, leading to a path of chronic disease in adulthood. Dog scabies differs from human scabies in that the rash from dog scabies lasts for several days as opposed to a longer sequelae for human scabies, which burrow and breed on the host. However, skin irritation from dog scabies is well documented, and any break in the skin from any cause can lead to concomitant bacterial infection. Dog health programs such as this program provided in Galiwin’ku contribute to a strategy of prevention of the infections which lead to the development of chronic diseases. Sustainable programs ensure that short term gains are able to continue into long term outcomes, ultimately reducing the burden of chronic disease for communities. The team for first stage of the program consisted of veterinarian Dr Stephen Cutter, vet nurse Aaron Tucker, and AMRRIC Program Coordinator Louise Brown. Dr Stephen Cutter was the veterinarian selected by AMRRIC to participate in the program as he had a considerable history of working with the Galiwin’ku Council (previous work 1997 – 2005) and long established relationships with Galiwin’ku community members. Valuable assistance was provided by local resident Wayne Gumili, recruited from the CDEP program. The team was joined for the second phase of the program by volunteers: Drs Rob and Jennie Churchill, and medical student Madeleine Finney-Brown. As a result of his previous work with the veterinary team, Wayne has been offered and accepted a position as Ranger and Animal Management Officer which is funded through CDEP and top-up. He was able to participate on the program as a full-time worker. It had been expected that there would be large numbers of dogs requiring desexing and the possibility of a large number of dogs with skin diseases, ticks and intestinal parasites. However, while there were indeed a large number of dogs requiring surgical sterilisation, most of the dogs were in a healthy state with very few dogs with severe skin conditions, and most appearing to have an adequate level of nutrition. This was due to the on-going work of a small, dedicated group of non-Indigenous women, who have provided a regular program of Ivomectin treatment for internal and external parasites, and chemical control of reproduction, funded by them, and with no contribution from the community or from any other source. During stage one, record numbers of animals underwent surgery. As well as working full days, the surgery continued well into the night on many occasions, with 13 hour days being a norm and operations occurring under a hand held lamp. The outstanding results were possible because of the willingness of all involved, veterinarian, vet nurse, CDEP worker and volunteers, to work extraordinarily hard to achieve the best outcome possible. Outstanding results occurred during both stages of the AMRRIC Galiwin’ku Dog Health program. With an estimated approximately 300 dogs on the community, 268 have now been desexed. Of the estimated 40 cats on the community, 34 have now been desexed. Very few immature puppies and kittens remain intact. In both stages, all available dogs received one dose of Ivomectin, as did the both pet pigs and the one steer that are also companion animals. The general condition of the dogs on the community was described by the veterinarian as very good, with the dogs generally healthy, due to the work of the volunteer program. While there was not a large amount of skin disease andinfection present, it was noted that there were large numbers of dogs with the sexually transmitted infection,Staphylococcus appear to be evident, however particular strains have not yet been identified, so no results are available at the time of this report. Transmissible Venereal Tumour (TVT). Indeed, most of the swabs taken for Menzies Research project were taken from these venereal lesions. Feedback from Menzies is that the swabs have grown many organisms, and It is well documented healthy dogs are more likely to reproduce more often and with increased yield than dogs who are unwell. As the Galiwin’ku volunteer program had successfully increased the general health of the dog community, there was evidence of many new puppies on the community, and therefore a great need for a population control program. Therefore the implementation of the program in Galiwin’ku was very timely in order to bring the dog and cat populations under control and prevent the numbers of animals from spiralling out of control. With the two stages of the program occurring relatively closely, all residents who wanted their dogs and cats desexed have had the opportunity, and the only complete dogs and cats are ones whose owners have made a conscious decision to breed from their animals. The numbers of male and female dogs neutered was roughly equal, with twelve more males than females being neutered. This will have a very noticeable result of a quieter and less aggressive dog population. The community will benefit from less dog fights, less barking at night, and less risk of dog bites. Based on past AMRRIC experience, desexed dogs live longer, are healthier, are more pleasant to be around and are more valued by the community therefore they are more likely to be fed and cared for. People tend to value desexed dogs more than intact dogs due to the above and their less aggressive natures. As they come to value the desexed pet more they usually don’t want to have breeding dogs around. There are, therefore, less unmanaged dogs. This program, along with the regular program provided by the volunteers, and now Wayne in his role of Animal Ranger, will reduce the incidence of dog health issues such as worms, scabies, ringworm, fleas and ticks. As these are pathogens that are shared with people (zoonoses-problems that can pass from dogs to people) it will decrease the pool of infection from humans becoming infected with these diseases, resulting in a decrease in human associated health issues such as skin sores, diarrhoea etc. In order to support the volunteer program, AMRRIC has donated one container of Ivomectin to the volunteers to assist them with the on-going provision of medication to the dogs of Galiwin’ku. Both children and adults were keen to bring their animals to the surgery and were very receptive, upon invitation, to assist the vets with the treatments and surgical procedures. During stage one, the team made the rule to the children that they could only attend the surgery after school hours with the result that it became a very popular place for the community children to visit. This enthusiasm to assist gave the opportunity to talk about care of the animals and also how to stay healthy around their animals. Added to the program were colorful collars funded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) which were very popular amoung the dogs owners. Dr Cutter presented an in-service on zoonoses to Health Centre staff during stage two of the program. This was very well received by the staff and created much discussion regarding skin and intestinal parasites and infections. AMRRIC emphasizes the importance of continued regular veterinary intervention as without this dog numbers can return to original levels within a couple of years. AMRRIC’s work is a cutting edge best practice model compared with the degrading, inhumane and ineffective practice of dog shooting and disrespectful, non-consensual euthanizing and unsustainable programs seen elsewhere. AMRRIC believes that sustainability of positive outcomes such as commenced in Galiwin’ku can only be achieved through partnerships between Federal and NT government departments, the Shires and appropriate organisations such as AMRRIC. Outcomes can be attained through committed funding for programs, support and training for local community workers and the involvement and input of the communities.