The Women’s acknowledges and pays respect to the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations, the Traditional Owners of the Country on which our hospital stands and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.
The Women’s is committed to improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children and families, and we recognise the fundamental significance of cultural traditions, beliefs and connection to Country for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We acknowledge the importance of kinship and family structures as a cohesive force that binds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and we recognise their cultures, community connection, and self-determination as critical protective factors for wellbeing.
The Women's vision for reconciliation is to provide healthcare that is culturally safe, free from racism, united by deep respect for First Nations people and their continuing connection to Country – from Birth to Dreaming.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides a framework for organisations to be inclusive in their work and contribute to national reconciliation.
As a specialist hospital for women and babies, the Women’s has a unique and specific role to play in improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and babies.
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024
Through this, the Women’s second Reconciliation Action Plan, we look forward to:
- Strengthening our relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, consumers, staff, volunteers, organisations and stakeholders.
- Promoting culturally safe practices across our organisation to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive high quality, accessible, and culturally appropriate care.
- Increasing and improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities and providing a culturally safe workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers.
- Increasing our collective understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, customs, and identities.
Read or download our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024.
Our Reflect RAP helped guide us through the first steps of our reconciliation journey – building our cultural awareness, celebrating and learning more about the world’s oldest continuing culture, establishing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, and putting processes and structures in place to effectively govern our plan.
Read or download our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2020-2021.
Designer Marcus Lee, a descendant of the Karajarri people of Western Australia, created the Women's reconciliation artwork.
Marcus did this in close consultation with the Women’s Reconciliation Working Group, patients and staff.
View and read about our Reconciliation art.
Our Aboriginal Advisory Committee provides a forum and space where the Women’s Board, management and staff can seek advice and guidance from members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to promote reconciliation and to support and promote culturally safe practices across the hospital.
Members
- Aunty Dr Carolyn Briggs, External Advisory Committee Member
- Aunty Di Kerr, External Advisory Committee Member
- Aunty Rieo Ellis, External Advisory Committee Member
- Nayuka Gorrie, External Advisory Committee Member
- Dr Paola Balla, External Advisory Committee Member
- Dr Vicki Couzens, External Advisory Committee Member
- Aunty Gina Bundle, the Women’s Program Coordinator Badjurr-Bulok Wilam
- Lisa Lynch, the Women’s Chief Operating Officer – Chair
- Michelle Schwensen, the Women’s Director Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy