Reflecting on a year of progress

28 Jul 2025

Since the launch of St John of God Health Care’s third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in May 2024, we have made significant strides in our commitments to improving health outcomes and employment opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Key highlights over the past 12 months include:

• Appointing Shirley Newell (Badimia woman, Yamatji Nation) as St John of God Health Care’s first reconciliation program manager.
• Developing an Aboriginal Employment Framework and partnering with Indigenous Employment Pty Ltd to assist with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment.
• Running an internal ‘Be proud – identify’ campaign, resulting in more caregivers proudly identifying.
• Providing scholarships and internships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Providing more opportunities for participation in cultural awareness formation, including sessions tailored for medical practitioners.
• Finalising the Procurement and Supply Chain RAP Policy and Strategy, setting future Indigenous spend targets and implementing an Indigenous Supplier Register.
• Refreshing or establishing RAP working groups across all hospitals and services.
• Forming new First Nations advisory groups with local Aboriginal community representation in a number of hospitals.
• Developing new patient and caregiver resources, including service guides, ‘Born on Whadjuk Boodja’ baby cards (Perth), and safe yarning space materials.

As St John of God Health Care looks ahead, four key focus areas will guide our work:

1. cultural safety
2. relationships
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce
4. community responsibility

These align closely with our commitment to closing the gap and empowering our caregivers to thrive, lead, and grow in a purpose-driven workplace. In our Strategy, we reinforce our commitment to addressing health disparities and strengthening partnerships to identify and respond to those most in need.

Guided by our Value of Respect, which means treasuring the unique dignity of every person and recognising the sacredness of all creation, St John of God Health Care continues the legacy of its founders, the Sisters of St John of God. For many years, the Sisters served Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples particularly across the remote Kimberley and Goldfields regions of Western Australia.

Inspired by this heritage, St John of God Health Care is committed to deepening its relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations through meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships that honour culture, build trust and promote shared understanding.