Bendigo Health launched it Reconcilation Action Plan alongside National Close the Gap Day on Wednesday 16 March 2022.
National Close the Gap Day is a national day of action centred on improving health outcomes and achieving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Closing the Gap is central to Reconciliation at Bendigo Health. It is a reminder of the importance of our role in healthcare and what we need to achieve with this focus.
After several years of consultation with community members, staff and partner organisations as well as researching, planning and writing, our Innovate RAP formalises Bendigo Health’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation. The RAP is a comprehensive plan that will direct Bendigo Health’s Reconciliation activities for the next two years.
RAP Artwork produced by Karen Briggs (Yorta Yorta) from KLB CREATIVE
“Our RAP launch is a significant event and one that I am really proud to be a part of but we must acknowledge and must never forget that hospitals across the country have been places of trauma for long periods of time. It’s acknowledging this history including truth telling that we continue to create a better future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We’ve done some great things, but we need to do more” - Gunditjmara man Dave Kerr, Bendigo Health Aboriginal Services Manager.
"Reconciliation is very much a journey, we’ve been providing health services at Bendigo Health for 160 years and over that time we haven’t really done a great job for our Indigenous peoples, this RAP is our opportunity to make a genuine and real difference and to bring about the change," - Peter Faulkner, Bendigo Health Chief Executive Officer.
"Reconciliation at Bendigo Health starts and ends with the leaders and staff. For me Reconciliation is about being an ally and a voice, it’s being someone who can put the needs of Aboriginal people in the spotlight so things change and change for the better. It’s constantly looking at things and consciously asking how can we do better?" Andy Sloane, Bendigo Health Senior RAP Champion and Director Aboriginal Services, Diversity and Health Promotion.
A recording of the event, held at the Dja Dja Wurrung Scar Tree in the Sacred Gardens can be viewed here.
If you’re interested in learning more about Reconciliation Action Plans, you can find out more Reconciliation Action Plans - Reconciliation Australia
