CKW takes next steps to achieving health equity

Caption: CKW Executive Director Angie Dobbrick, CKW Indigenous Health Liaison Officer Alintia Williams, CKW RAP Committee Chair Rachel Bailey, CKW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services Manager Tracy Grant, CKW Indigenous Health Liaison Officer Stella Bamaga, CKW RAP Committee member Suzanne Michaels and Metro North Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Leadership Team Executive Director Sherry Holzapfel at the CKW RAP launch in Caboolture recently.

Caboolture Hospital, Kilcoy Hospital and Woodford Corrections Health’s (CKW) journey towards health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people took another large step forward recently.

CKW launched its first-ever Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the culmination of many years of hard work from a variety of teams and individuals, alongside many external stakeholders. The RAP guides CKW’s journey to reconciliation, monitoring the success of initiatives and identifying where improvements should be made.

More than 50 people attended the official launch at Caboolture Hub. The event included a welcome to the land of the Kabi Kabi / Gubbi Gubbi people by Aboriginal Elder and Traditional Owner, Uncle Mick Douglas. Later in the day, guests were treated to a traditional song and dance performance by the Jinibara Dancers.

CKW Executive Director Angie Dobbrick said she was committed to walking together on a shared journey with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community members.

“I am committed to creating culturally inclusive and safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to do this, I know its important that we understand our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community’s spiritual, social, and cultural connections to the land where our services are delivered,” Angie said.

CKW RAP Committee Chair Rachel Bailey said the developing the CKW RAP would ensure facilities were welcoming, clinical practices were culturally safe, and workplaces were free from racism and discrimination.

“Reconciliation is everyone’s business, we want cultural respect and the value of relationships to be understood and embraced by all as we work to shift our attitudes, change our behaviours and overhaul systems so we can strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities,” Rachel said.

The CKW RAP will be updated in June 2024. It is available on the Reconciliation Australia website (search for Caboolture Hospital).