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.
- 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.
Click here for a Voice to Parliament Information Sheet.
National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June)
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Reconciliation means building positive, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
This enables us to work together to create a fair and equal society and improve quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (including education, employment, health). NRW runs from May 27 to June 3. May 27 is the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum that saw Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognised in the Census. June 3 is the anniversary of the historic Mabo court case that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' land rights.
The theme for 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
To find out more about NRW, visit National Reconciliation Week - Reconciliation Australia
If you want to celebrate NRW in your community, click here to find more about The Party Program.
Download this free resource for activities you can do with your family, friends and community during National Reconciliation Week.
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.
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
