Brisbane North PHN continues reconciliation journey

Brisbane North PHN is celebrating Reconciliation Week by launching its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) today.

Now endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the Innovate RAP will assist the PHN to take meaningful action to make a difference to the health and social well-being outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The PHN commenced its reconciliation journey in 2019 through its Reflect RAP, which focussed on establishing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and individuals to learn how best to address health gaps.

The Innovate RAP acknowledges we have moved from a scoping phase, where we have prepared the PHN for future reconciliation initiatives, to the implementation phase.

Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan said the PHN Board and over 100 staff members were involved a comprehensive engagement process during the development of the Innovate RAP.

“It has been so rewarding to observe the learning and progression in our staff over the course of our reconciliation journey.

“Our initial Reflect RAP allowed us to develop a clear vision for reconciliation and the role the PHN can play to help close the gap on life and health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our region.

“As we move from our reflect to our innovate RAP, our focus will be on driving reconciliation through our business activities, services and programs, and continuing to develop mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.”

“Progressing our Innovate RAP will ensure we go about these activities in a respectful, meaningful and sustainable way.”

This National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May to 3 June, the PHN also continued its tradition of conducting a group Acknowledgement to Country, to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Country on which we live, work, and learn.

This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week is ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ Challenging all Australians to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.