Our RAP commitments include :
• improving the cultural safety and accessibility of our services and programs
• working with partners to address race-based discrimination
• improving employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment , retention , professional development and student placements
• celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history to promote connection , collective pride and recognition
• supporting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses to improve economic and social outcomes
• recognising Aboriginal Country names in addresses on Merri Health materials to build recognition and respect
What did we achieve ?
launched our Innovate 2022-23 Reconciliation Action Plan ( RAP ), developed in partnership with staff and Reconciliation Australia
partnered with seven local Aboriginal businesses for launch event , attended by
60 people
held mini-RAP launches at eight sites , attended by
160 + staff
met
80 % of April-June 2022 RAP targets
Chronic illness , psychological distress and suicide rates remain higher among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria than non-Indigenous communities .
More than 46 % had at least one chronic condition in 2018 – 19 , up from 40 % in 2012 – 13 *. launched Acknowledgement of Country initiative to include Aboriginal place names across all Merri collateral
implemented RAP communications plan ; published
70 stories / posts across our social media , website , newsletters and intranet , reaching
23,000 + people
supported significant awareness days
delivered
2
virtual Koorie conversations webinars
partnered with Girrawayi Ganyi Consultants to deliver cultural awareness training to
48 staff to build capacity and culturally safe service delivery
developed dedicated Merri Health cultural awareness online training for all staff
22 staff attended First Peoples ’ Assembly of Victoria Yarning treaty
supported The Long Lunch , attended by 14 RAP committee and board members
What ’ s next
• continuing to meet our 2022-23 RAP plan targets
• moving from ‘ safe to brave ’, through public support for Uluru Statement from the Heart
• developing an Aboriginal employment , recruitment and professional learning strategy
• launching our mandatory cultural awareness training for all new staff
* National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey , 2018-19 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics ( abs . gov . au )
“ We want to continuously recognise and celebrate the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities .
Now when people see a Merri Health address , they will be reminded of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ’ unique connection to Country .”
– CEO , Tassia Michaleas
CELEBRATING CONNECTION TO COUNTRY
Information and mail from Merri Health looks a little different now as we proudly recognise Aboriginal Country names in our address information .
Traditional Country names are included above our street address in Merri material including email signatures , stationary , our website and outgoing mail , to build respect and recognition .
This is a key initiative in our 2022-23 RAP , and we are partnering with teams across our organisation to embed the practice and update all material .
MERRI HEALTH / ANNUAL REPORT 2022
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