Building relationships towards Reconciliation

27 May 2021

This year, St John of God Health Care has a renewed focus on celebrating National Reconciliation Week across all of our hospitals and services in line with our recently released Reconciliation Action Plan which guides our actions and activities towards build strong and lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

St John of God Health Care Group Director Workforce Carla Bonev said the organisation had a strong history of serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the work of the Sisters of St John of God.

"We continue to build upon this great heritage, by further developing the relationships we have with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to increase safe access to health services, employment and development opportunities and cultural understanding," she said.

"This will help us move beyond aspirational goal setting to create tangible outcomes that reflect mutual respect, understanding and best practice partnership.

"This includes celebrating  our existing partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve access to health care, , and our programs that enable more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to start and continue their careers in health care."

Our hospitals and services are hosting and taking part in a range of National Reconciliation Week, including;

• The Reconciliation Bridge Walk in Bunbury
• Welcome to Country, and interactive displays on celebrating Reconciliation at St John of God Murdoch Hospital
• National Reconciliation Week Breakfast in Perth
• National Reconciliation Week Movie Night in Bunbury
• Walk for Reconciliation in Perth
• National Reconciliation Week Yarning Circle at St John of God Subiaco Hospital
• Indigenous artworks at St John of God Geelong Hospital foyer

"Our celebrations are part of our commitment to playing our part in creating a society where the dignity and worth of every person in Australia is seen as important and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are supported to make their unique contribution to a future that is full of hope," Carla said.