Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Alfred Health’s vision for reconciliation is one where all Australians are equal and have equal opportunities, where we trust each other and move forward towards a shared vision for Australia.
We have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that aligns with our Alfred Health 2016-20 Strategic Plan. We appreciate that as a health service and as individuals we need to embark on an educational journey towards greater understanding and acknowledgement of our shared history, Aboriginal culture, and local community. This education and connection will lay the foundations for building respectful, trusting and mutually beneficial relationships.
We are being guided by Aboriginal elders through our reconciliation journey.
Find our more about our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
What is a RAP?
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a framework for organisations to develop a business plan that documents what it commits to do to contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
A RAP will enable Alfred Health to implement practical actions that build respectful relationships and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Alfred Health has developed an 'Innovate' RAP which focuses on:
- Relationships
- RAP Awareness
- Supporting staff
- Cultural safety
- Celebrating aboriginal events
- Employment and education
- Better health and wellbeing
Why is it important?
A RAP gives Alfred Health the opportunity of achieving broader outcomes such as:
- The opportunity to become an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- A more dynamic, innovative and diverse workforce.
- A more culturally safe and tolerant workplace.
- Better health service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
By having a RAP we are part of a national movement to improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing. We contribute to the evaluation of this national framework.
How was the RAP created?
The process of developing the RAP has brought a range of staff and Aboriginal community representatives together, including Aboriginal employees and local Aboriginal Elders to create a working group. This has strengthened relationships within and external to Alfred Health.
The RAP Working Group meets monthly and will continue to support the implementation of the RAP.
Who are the members of the RAP Working Group?
- Alfred Health Executive
- Aboriginal Traditional Elder(s)
- Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers (AHLOs)
- Aboriginal Healthway Pathways Officer
- Carer Services Representative(s)
- Clinical Service Director Alfred Psychiatry or representative
- Community Health Representative
- Consumer Representative(s)
- Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Aboriginal employment branch representative
- Director HR and Staff Welfare
- Director Public Affairs
- Lead for Patient Experience and Consumer Participation
- Social Work Manager
- Nursing Education representative
Local Aboriginal Elders are represented in the RAP working group terms of reference (TOR), and have participated in all formal planning workshops for the development of the RAP over the past few years. Acknowledging the time commitment of the monthly meetings and the Traditional Elder’s busy schedules, attendance at the meetings is requested on an as needs basis with more informal liaison occurring in between meetings to seek advice and input, in particular with the local Boon Wurrung Foundation.
What does it mean for me?
Everybody will have their own personal interpretation of the Aboriginal reconciliation journey and the Alfred Health RAP.
The development of the RAP has drawn upon the relationship between Alfred Health and the traditional owners of this country. It aims to build a stronger relationship between the community and Alfred Health.
Where can I found out more?
Download the RAP summary brochure. For more detail read the comprehensive action plan.