Published on 27 May 2022

Western Health respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our sites stand. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Western Health is committed to the healing of country, working towards equality of health outcomes and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

Today marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, which commemorates two significant milestones – the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

Many significant steps have been taken on the journey towards an equitable and reconciled Australia; however, we need to continue to make changes to achieve future gains.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2022 is: “Be Brave. Make Change”.

This is a challenge for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to be brave in thinking about how each of us can contribute to achieving a just, equitable and reconciled Australia to make change for the benefit of all Australians.

As we reflect on what reconciliation means to us in our work here at Western Health, I’d like to share with you some of the changes we have made towards contributing to closing the health gap that exists between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Australians through the advancement of Indigenous-led research and a focus on strengthening respectful relationships.

I’m delighted to introduce you to our first Research Fellow in Aboriginal Health Dr Kunal Dhiman, who will drive Indigenous-led research to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nation patients in Melbourne’s West.

We will also be sharing the results of a landmark study, which assessed the effectiveness of our Galinjera Maternity program, which offers First Nations families culturally-responsive continuity of midwifery care. You can read about the results of the program here, or join the Western Health and University of Melbourne Medical Grand Round on Wednesday June 1 at midday.

Over the next week, I’d encourage everyone to consider what changes we can make to contribute towards reconciliation where we live, work and socialise.