The Women’s is located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first people of this nation.
The Women’s has a long history of advocacy and we acknowledge that in Victoria, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience poorer health outcomes than non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Victorians in almost every health measure.
We take our role seriously as state-wide leaders on issues that affect Women’s health, and we are committed to ensuring that our patients and consumers are at the heart of everything we do. This includes providing culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
We work with purpose and strive to be a culturally welcoming place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families, staff and volunteers feel safe, supported, respected and empowered. We walk with First Nations peoples in a movement for a better future and look forward to 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.
- Lisa Lynch, Chief Operating Officer & RAP Executive Sponsor
Programs and services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees
Karreeta is an informal group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to connect, share, and support each other. Catch ups are held monthly and can involve activities, walks, speakers, training, or simply a coffee. Karreeta is the Gunditjmara word for "grow", which is used to represent the groups’ purpose.
Each month the Aboriginal Consultation Committee (ACC) meets to discuss projects currently happening at the Women’s. This is a safe and open place for First Nations staff to share their ideas, opinions and provide consultation. Meetings are held in person and participation is optional.
To support you and your career at the Women’s we provide 1:1 career sessions. These sessions aim to individually tailor professional development opportunities to your goals and broaden accessibility to internal training and mentorship. These sessions are completely confidential and suitable for everyone, whether you’re satisfied in your current role, would like to progress in your field, or are interested in a role shift. For more information on how to access these sessions please reach out to your Aboriginal Employment Support Officer.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees have access to professional supervision sessions with Ashley from Weenthunga. For more information on how to access these sessions please reach out to your Aboriginal Employment Support Officer.
"Supervision is the process of being with a skilled, experienced and wise person who respectfully, caringly and honestly supports a worker to reflect on their work in a meaningful way, learn and grow as an Aboriginal worker in the context of working with the community" – Our Healing Ways: A Culturally Appropriate Supervision Model for Aboriginal Workers
The Women’s participates in various significant dates throughout the year. Hosting ceremonies and activities during National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, National Sorry Day and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. More details on these events and how to participate will be provided throughout the year.
Three levels of cultural training are available to all Women’s employees. Enrolment into these courses can be accessed via our online learning system, WISE. Additionally, cultural immersion activities such as walking tours with Koorie Heritage Trust can be booked on WISE when available.
See our full list of staff benefits.
Work with us
Our work to increase the number of indigenous health professionals has focussed on education pathways. Today, we run the following employment programs every year:
- Graduate Nurse and Midwifery Program
- Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship program
- Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship program
Work Experience and Student Placement
Limited places for Aboriginal students aged 16 - 17 who are interested in midwifery and nursing are offered annually – please email Aboriginal.Careers@thewomens.org.au to enquire.
Expression of interest
If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and interested in learning more about starting a career at the Women’s, contact us using this form.
Related information
- Aboriginal Graduate Nurse and Midwife Programs - information about education and training on this website
- Read more about our commitment to Aboriginal employment in our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan on the Women's website.