ASHM acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country across the various lands on which our staff live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We are immensely proud to announce the launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – the second in our reconciliation journey. This plan outlines the steps we will take in our reconciliation journey.
Artwork and Story
The featured artwork used throughout the ASHM Innovate RAP is “Wiyunggir” Cleverman, created by Bianca Monaghan – Bundjalung, Family from Baryulgil. Bianca reflects on the meaning behind the artwork, stating the artwork represents “our old ways, our Lore and our traditional medicine, embedded into the modern life of todays, Lore (law) and medicine” – Bianca Monaghan, ASHM Innovate RAP.
Read more about the featured artwork in ASHM’s Innovate RAP.
Our Vision for Reconciliation
ASHM’s vision for reconciliation is one that sees:
- An Australia that acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
- First Nations people have access to healthcare that is culturally safe and meets their needs.
- An inclusive and diverse workforce that is culturally rich with cultural safety and culturally responsive practices at the core of everything we do.
- A healthcare system that is also safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners.
Our commitment
Our commitment is to continually improve the way we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in ways that:
- support collaboration, partnership and cooperation
- reflect best practice in management and service delivery
- are informed by the latest scientific, clinical, health and policy research
- maintain transparency, industrial fairness and democratic decision-making
- strengthen ties with affected populations
- respect cultural differences and diversity
- respect privacy and confidentiality
- identify and address social inequities.
Our RAP
Over the course of our reconciliation journey and the implementation of our first RAP, our understanding of what is needed to progress has deepened. In developing our Innovate RAP, we are mindful of engaging staff, board and members across the whole organisation, ensuring accountability and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The RAP outlines how ASHM intends to contribute to reducing the gap in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal Australians through the implementation of long-term, sustainable activities.
Read the full ASHM Innovate RAP here.