May 27th marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) - a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’ - reflecting the ongoing connection between past, present and future. ‘Bridging Now to Next’ calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
At the RFDS, NRW is a time to reflect, raise awareness, and foster meaningful conversations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s an opportunity to deepen our understanding and strengthen mutual respect.
Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA)
The RFDS is committed to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals and, as a key action of the RFDS Reconciliation Action Plan, to contribute to the growth of the Indigenous rural health workforce. The RFDS collaborates with organisations like the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA), to support and create meaningful placement opportunities for Indigenous health students like Emma, a final-year medical student who has recently completed a six-week placement in rural New South Wales.
Gumnuts to Buttons
Thanks to the support of our national partner TAL, RFDS staff have recently been able to participate in cultural learning events such as Gumnuts to Buttons in Launceston, Tasmania. This was an incredibly valuable opportunity for staff and the RFDS thanks TAL for the support to make this possible.
RFDS Reconciliation Action Plan
At the RFDS we are committed to our reconciliation journey, guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) - the strategic framework that drives strong relationships, respect, and opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is our roadmap to embed reconciliation in all areas of our organisation. We are currently developing a new RAP, working hard to achieve all that we set out to do, whilst reflecting on what we can do better.
The RFDS recognises the strength and resilience shown by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and communities and express our gratitude to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, patients, partners and other stakeholders who share their knowledge with us as we continue to grow and learn on our reconciliation journey.
As a leading health service provider, we strive to improve access to culturally safe health services that will contribute to longer, healthier lives. We understand that there is still a long path ahead to achieve widespread reconciliation and to Close the Gap and efforts need to remain a focus of governments, policy makers, funders, service providers and all our partners.
Want to get involved?
Events celebrating NRW are held across Australia and many are listed here on the Reconciliation Australia website and can be searched via state/territory.
