About
Reconciliation
Reconciliation
Austin Health commits to playing a role in reconciliation, to improve the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We acknowledge that we are on the land of the Wurundjeri people, and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and future. We pay our respects to other Elders, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We commit to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all Aboriginal people.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Our RAP outlines our commitment to reconciliation and articulates the steps we will take to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Links and downloads
- Reconciliation Action Plan (PDF - 7.37 MB)
In employment
- We employed an Aboriginal intern as part of the Barring Djinang internship program
- We ran a work experience program for high school students
- We took part in the Undergraduate Nurse Aboriginal Cadetship Program
- We developed an Aboriginal employment health network to support collaboration between health organisations
In creating a welcoming environment
- We put up Aboriginal artwork in many locations within our hospitals
- We're planting indigenous trees to use in Smoking Ceremonies
- We increased involvement in NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week with events and awareness raising
- We ran cultural awareness training for senior leaders
- Child Care Centre staff attended training at Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- We have new Smoking Ceremony and Sorry Business/Sad News procedures
- We have an Acknowledgement of Country and flags on our website and in email signatures. From now on, we'll also use them in major publications
- We share stories about local Aboriginal culture, communities, patients and staff
- We put up Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at all our hospitals
In procurement
- We use suppliers that are Supply Nation-certified. This helps to create Aboriginal employment opportunities
- We also invite Supply Nation-certified suppliers to respond to tenders where we can
- We include Aboriginal employment as an evaluation criterion in some tenders
What's next?
We welcome Community to get involved. Please get in touch by emailing our Diversity and Inclusion or Ngarra Jarra teams.
Our RAPs build on existing programs, such as our Ngarra Jarra Aboriginal Health Program and Closing the Gap Committee.
