The Women’s launches second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

27 March 2025 | Reconciliation

We are proud to announce that our second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025–2027 has been officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and is now live. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to reconciliation and the collective efforts of many across the Women’s.

Download: Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2025–2027 (PDF).

As a specialist hospital for women and babies, we have a unique and critical role in improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and babies.

More than ever, we are clear on our commitments. Our vision for reconciliation is to provide culturally safe healthcare that is free from racism, grounded in deep respect for First Nations peoples and their continuing connection to Country, from Birth to Dreaming.

This RAP is more than a document, it is a commitment to action and accountability, ensuring that we take meaningful steps towards closing the health and wellbeing gap. That’s why our RAP aligns with key Closing the Gap targets, demonstrating what we have already achieved and what we will continue to build on.

Our commitment to Closing the Gap

Since launching the Baggarrook Maternity Program, which aims to address Target 2: Supporting healthier birth outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies, we have doubled our midwives from 3 to 6. The Badjurr-Bulok Wilam team has also expanded with a second Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer. Recent evaluation of Baggarrook shows the program is delivering positive outcomes, particularly in the areas of maternal smoking cessation and health birth weights.

Target 12 aims to reduce First Nations Children in Care. In partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) and Mercy Hospital, we are piloting a training program to address systemic racism in child protection. This initiative strengthens our data collection, reporting, and analysis to drive systemic change.

Ruby Tribe, Badjurr-Bulok Wilam lead at the Women’s reminds us: "Uplift First Nations people and Blak voices. Educate yourself and stand up for what’s right. Calling it out can be hard – but it’s even harder for mob."

Four key areas

Our RAP is guided by four key areas.

Relationships

We are committed to strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders, and organisations. Through deep listening, we aim to provide culturally responsive care and a safe, inclusive workplace.

Respect

Understanding and valuing First Nations cultures, histories, and rights is essential. Ongoing cultural learning ensures we foster a safe and inclusive environment for both staff and patients.

Opportunities

We are increasing employment pathways, supplier diversity, and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses, driving meaningful change across our workforce and services.

Governance

Strong governance underpins our RAP, ensuring shared ownership, accountability, and transparency in tracking and reporting our progress internally and within the communities we serve.

A collective commitment

The work ahead requires collective commitment, and we encourage all community members to engage with the plan, champion its goals, and help us drive meaningful change. By embedding these actions into our everyday work, we are taking tangible steps to Close the Gap and create a more equitable future for First Nations women, babies, and families.