RAP formalises commitment to reconciliation

In June, Aboriginal Elders, Traditional Owners, service providers and community leaders gathered in North Lakes for the launch of Brisbane North PHN’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The ‘Reflect’ RAP formalises Brisbane North PHN’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and social change.

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia just prior to National Reconciliation Week, the Reflect RAP describes the practical actions the PHN will explore to continue learning about how to build a health system that is culturally responsive and inclusive for all.

Brisbane North PHN Board Chair Dr Anita Green said she was humbled and very pleased that so many people of First Nations heritage had joined the PHN for its RAP launch.

“We are deeply committed to reconciliation and recognise that it is essential to achieving a culturally responsive and inclusive health system,” Dr Green said.

“Our RAP will help guide the PHN on its reconciliation journey, by providing our Board and staff with a list of measureable actions to complete over the course of the next year,” she said.

“We understand that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have significantly poorer health and social well-being outcomes, including shorter life expectancy, than the rest of the population in our region.

“We are also very aware of the negative influence racism has on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Together, working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and mainstream medical services, we can turn this situation around.

“I commend our staff for their contributions to our RAP, which I am sure will have a profound impact on our organisation and our community,” Dr Green said.

The PHN launched its Reflect RAP with a ceremony on 14 June 2019 at North Lakes Town Park.

Invited speakers included Maurice Serico, representing the Gubbi Gubbi Traditional Custodians of the land around North Lakes, and Rebecca Johnson, who spoke on behalf of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTIQ+ implementation teams for the National Suicide Prevention Trial.

View the PHN’s Reflect RAP (June 2019 - June 2020).