Following the successful establishment of the first Aboriginal Medical Service in Australia, Redfern AMS in 1971, it was made clear that Aboriginal people wanted and needed health care to be provided to them in a wholistic manner.
In the 1980's, a number of local Aboriginal community members in Western Sydney formed a Steering Committee to investigate the incorporation of an association that would seek and receive government funding for the provision of health care services to the local Aboriginal community.
Following countless formal applications, board meetings and the very long task of negotiating with federal government, Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney (AMSWS, formerly Daruk Aboriginal Community Controlled Medical Service) was established and began providing a much needed health service to the local Aboriginal community.
Mrs Hickey and Mr Delaney were instrumental in the initial establishment of AMSWS and were the contributing factor to improving equity and access for Aboriginal people within Western Sydney in education, employment, training and housing.