Healthy North Coast recently released its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, affirming the organisation’s commitment, respect and acknowledgment of the ongoing healing journey of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Officer Julie Sturgess said the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was developed in the true spirit of reconciliation and a meaningful commitment to work with Elders, leaders and community members across the region.
‘The NSW Mid and North Coast is a region rich in traditional culture and diversity and includes the Githabul, Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti and Birpai nations.
‘Our RAP, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, marked a crucial and rewarding period in the organisation in building solid foundations, cultural competency and relationships that will help sustain and impact RAP outcomes.
‘We all have an important part in this journey of ‘doing with’ our community, not ‘doing to’,’ said Ms Sturgess.
‘This is reflected in how we developed the RAP through input from a working group of Healthy North Coast staff and local Aboriginal community members to deliver a framework that resonated with our own staff and the community.
‘Primary health care is recognised as the most effective way to keep individuals and communities healthy and well – with principles of inclusivity, equity, cost-effectiveness and social wellbeing at its core.
‘Our aim is to ensure that local primary health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are clinically and culturally safe and accessible, a critical part of Closing the Gap, which we acknowledged as part of National Closing The Gap Day yesterday (March 17).
‘This is particularly important as our communities plan for recovery from the recent flood event. Working with individuals, families and communities, we have a ‘listen first’ commitment to ensure a strong community voice is at the heart of primary care across the region,’ said Ms Sturgess.
Healthy North Coast’s RAP and its themes are embedded across the organisation in workspaces, employment practices, business partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
‘In the coming months, there will be more opportunities for everyone to come together either in a physical or virtual space to learn more about the importance of reconciliation in our professional and personal lives, and to pause, learn and reflect on this shared journey,’ Ms Sturgess said.
Healthy North Coast will be hosting local events during Reconciliation Week (27 May to June 3) as part of delivering on our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
View the Healthy North Coast Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.