News
Peel Health Campus raises awareness to help ‘close the gap’
Mar 27, 2019
Peel Health Campus (PHC) staff have attended a special morning tea to help raise awareness of ‘closing the gap’ between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.
Among the guests were local Aboriginal elder George Walley, who did the Welcome to Country and performed songs, and representatives from Nidjalla Waangan Mia and OXFAM.
Baked goods from staff and OXFAM Aboriginal arts and crafts were sold to help raise funds for OXFAM’s ‘Close the Gap’ program.
‘Closing the Gap’ aims to improve the lives of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Since 2008, Australian governments have worked together to deliver better health, education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to eliminate the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
PHC CEO, Dr Margaret Sturdy, said improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was an important priority for the community.
“We have a very engaged workforce at Peel Health Campus, who recognise the importance of providing a culturally safe environment where Aboriginal people feel well cared for, respected and empowered,” Margaret said.
“Our staff have actively sought out cultural awareness training and have embraced the important aspects of the training, particularly with regard to communication, connectedness with country and the importance of family.
“When these issues are properly acknowledged it fosters greater understanding and respect.”
“The hospital is also fortunate to have George Walley sitting on the Community Board of Advice,” Margaret said.