WNSW PHN's Reconciliation Action Plan
“By acknowledging, listening, accepting and learning to support one another; together we will improve Aboriginal health outcomes in the Western NSW Primary Health Network region.”
WNSW PHN has launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) under the guidance of Reconciliation Australia.
Embedding Aboriginal health is a guiding principle for the work we do at the WNSW PHN, and so reconciliation is so very important to help us to make meaningful gains in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people across our region. We look forward to sharing more information with you as we continue on our journey of reconciliation together.
This RAP is a pledge from WNSW PHN to continue to build and nurture relationships, demonstrate respect for and increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations, and communities in true partnership.
WNSW PHN is strategically focused on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living and connected to our region and plays a leadership role in transitioning the primary health care system through the development of culturally safe and aware models of care, ensuring access to quality health care and commissioned services.
WNSW PHN recognises Aboriginal people as the original inhabitants of Australia and as the Traditional Custodians of the land. We encourage and promote a culture of diversity within our workforce. To continue to improve the way we work with Aboriginal communities, we encourage recruitment of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the region to add their voice to achieve health goals and priorities for our communities.
We acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of many Aboriginal clans, tribes, and nations. We commit to working in collaboration with our region’s Aboriginal communities and peoples to improve their health, emotional and social well-being in the spirit of partnership.
WNSW PHN would also like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to our many partner organisations, stakeholders and members of the community that contributed to the development of our first RAP and we hope you will continue to support us on this journey.
See the highlights of the WNSW PHN RAP Launch Activities of December 8, 9 and 10, 2021 in Dubbo, Orange and Bathurst here:
Artist's statement
Maradhal-Yandhul-Giriya
(Wiradjuri: Past-Present-Future)
Nathan Peckham
2021
As a proud Tubba-gah Wiradjuri man, I respectfully acknowledge all nations which Western NSW Primary Health Network operates on. I acknowledge this artwork will be viewed off my home country of the Tubba-gah people of the Wiradjuri Nation and therefore ask you accept this artwork on behalf of my family which I wish to share with you.
I would also like to pay respect to the traditional custodians of the country whose ancestral lands we all share. I thank the Elders for their wisdom, courage, and sacrifice and pledge my commitment to preserving their legacy for future generations.
The artwork depicts a gathering of people in camp (dhandha) along a river (bila or ghi). The camp shelter was made from gathering leaves which were thrown over a temporary frame made of branches. They are on a journey (birrang) to find a new home. They have travelled a long way, crossing many different tribal lands. They hope to find a place that is better resourced to ensure the survival of the tribe. The centre dreaming trails (yarrudhang murruway) represent where they came from, where they are, and where they want to be.
Metaphorical interpretation: This piece represents the journey the WNSW PHN is undertaking with its Reconciliation Action Plan. The aim of the journey is to reach a place where the WNSW PHN and its partners have successfully contributed to a unified understanding and commitment to reconciliation across the nation. It speaks to the continuing evolution of the organisation in this space through recognising the past, understanding the present, and celebrating the future.