Austin Health

Aboriginal Employment

Aboriginal Flag

Austin Health is located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first people of this nation. Austin Health is committed to employing Aboriginal people to improve health and social wellbeing across our community.

Aboriginal Employment at Austin Health

Torres Strait Islander Flag

Austin Health is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workplace that reflects our client base, and where all cultures are valued and respected.

As part of the Victorian Government's Karreeta Yirramboi (meaning grow tomorrow) initiative, Austin Health has developed an Aboriginal Employment Plan (AEP) and is striving to provide a wide variety of employment opportunities to Aboriginal people. (The term "Aboriginal" will be used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).

Austin Health considers it vital to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal patients. One of the best ways to offer patients a more positive and culturally safe health care experience is to have more Aboriginal staff available to support them. See Ngarra Jarra (healing) for more information on the Aboriginal Health program at Austin Health.

To view the Aboriginal employment plan click here.

What opportunities are there for Aboriginal people?

There are a wide range of options available including:

• Work experience placements
• Trainee placements
• Nursing graduate positions
• Medical Positions
• Allied Health Positions
• Administration and support roles
• Internship

Hear from our Aboriginal staff members

"Working at the Austin Hospital has been life changing. It's been a big boost to my confidence, I can now communicate more directly with people and they understand me better. It's a very supportive work environment; I was made to feel really comfortable right from the interview. It's also helped me understand the health issues for Aboriginal people - I really want young Aboriginal people to think more about the health risks that impact them." Amy-Jay, Allied Health Assistant Trainee

"I feel like my experience at the Austin has been excellent from an inclusive perspective. I'm very proud of and honoured by my indigenous heritage, with a strong connection to country. When I was in a meeting just after I started, and there was an acknowledgement of country and the traditional custodians, I felt accepted. I felt like I'd joined an employer that acknowledges what is intrinsically important to me." Ben, HR Advisor

Our experience - Austin Health’s Aboriginal staff

What support is offered to Aboriginal staff?

We are working to improve our support systems for Aboriginal staff. Projects underway include:
- Creating a group of Aboriginal contacts or mentors who can offer support to staff
- Plans to educate managers and staff about cultural awareness and safety
- Flexible recruitment options such as the ability to bring a support person to interview
- Reviewing policies to create more flexible work options for Aboriginal staff based on cultural needs

If you have any questions related to this plan please contact Nicole Harvey (Director, Employee Relations, Diversity & Inclusion) or Edwina Ross (People & Culture Consultant).

Employment challenges for the Aboriginal community and Austin Health's response

Health challenges and Austin Health's response