Closing the health gap with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Working towards closing the gap through respect, equity and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

What is it?

Supporting the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through initiatives and projects that promote respect, equity and recognition.

What services do we have?

All our services are inclusive, safe and culturally appropriate however we have key services that have a dedicated Indigenous worker or are for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

• Carers: help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
• Victims Assistance Program: support from an Indigenous worker for victims of a violent crime, and their family.
• Support from the Koori community engagement officer.

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

We are proud to take the next step in our reconciliation journey with our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2023 which includes 72 actions we are taking. It formalises Merri Health’s ongoing commitment and achievements to date, partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and opportunities to identify new opportunities for growth and development.

Read our Reconciliation Action Plan

Uluru Statement from the Heart

Merri Health is supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart as a key commitment in our RAP to advance reconciliation and help close the health gap. Find out more.

What are we working towards?

• Making a positive difference in the lives and health of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Ensuring we offer a culturally safe environment
• Improving service access and cultural appropriateness
• Improving their health and wellbeing through targeted initiatives
• Celebrating the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, both past and present

For more information and resources about 'Closing The Gap', see the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. 

Contact

Call the Community Health Promotion Team on 1300 637 744.

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More information

Little Long Walk

The Little Long Walk is an initiative of Merri Health's Reconciliation Action Plan group. An annual event held during Reconciliation Week, it commemorates Michael Long’s 1994 walk from Melbourne to Canberra to meet our then Prime Minister, and put Indigenous issues back on the national agenda.

Each year, a local primary school takes part in the walk, which takes them on a little walk along the Merri Creek up to the Aboriginal Community Elders Services.

This project is an initiative of the Community Health Promotion Team.

This service is funded by the Victorian Government