Partnerships for health: MPHN's pledge to First Nations peoples
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) announced the launch of its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) this week.
Wiradjuri/Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson spoke at the Innovate: Reconciliation Action Plan launch.
The Innovate: Reconciliation Action Plan, three years in the making, serves as a comprehensive guide for MPHN, its collaborators, and the community, outlining a strategic pathway towards achieving reconciliation.
MPHN’s firsthealth Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert said as an organisation, MPHN had much to learn about traditional health and healing, and how it shapes modern medicine, health and wellbeing.
“Reconciliation must exist in everything we do,” Dr Culbert said.
“We will walk side-by-side in partnership with First Nations peoples in our quest for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
The RAP reinforces MPHN’s commitment to working in collaboration with the First Nations community when developing programs and initiatives geared towards improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
MPHN staff travelled from across the region to be present at the official launch in Wagga Wagga, which included a Welcome to Country and address by Wiradjuri/Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson, and a traditional dance performance by the Dulbinya Dance Group at Holy Trinty Primary School Wagga Wagga.
Aunty Mary Atkinson applauded MPHN for developing a RAP.
“For too long we have been told what is best for us, without consultation as an Aboriginal person,” Aunty Mary said.
“Our mob need to be involved in these processes – nothing for us, without us.”
MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the RAP must be enacted at all levels of the organisation in order to have meaning.
“I want MPHN to be a strong advocate for reconciliation and an organisation who actively seeks to engage, listen, and acknowledge the past hurts of our region’s First Nations peoples,” Ms Neal said.
“This RAP provides clear strategies and actions to help us strengthen our existing foundations and further develop meaningful and respectful relationships. I’m looking forward to seeing it implemented.”
To view MPHN’s Innovate: Reconciliation Action Plan, visit mphn.org.au/reconciliation-action-plan