RBWH Reconciliation Action Plan launch honours respected Turrbal Elder
Baringa Barambah (centre) performed Welcome to Country at the RBWH RAP launch. Pictured with Metro North Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Sherry Holzapfel (left) and RBWH Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Roslyn Boland (right)
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) has launched its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reinforcing its commitment to advancing health equity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the hospital’s 2026-2028 plan builds on the inaugural RAP and outlines actions to strengthen relationships, foster respect, and create opportunities for community members.
Proud Mardigan and Kooma woman and RBWH Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Roslyn Boland, said the RAP reflected the hospital’s responsibility as Queensland’s largest hospital.
“RBWH provides care to communities across the state, from the Torres Strait to the Queensland border and everywhere in between,” Roslyn said.
“Located on Turrbal Country, our hospital has an important role to play in advancing health equity. This Innovate RAP formalises our commitment to deliver accessible, culturally safe healthcare for the community.”
Staff from across RBWH recently came together to mark the launch of the new RAP at an event that also honoured the legacy of the late Turrbal Elder and Songwoman, Aunty Maroochy Barambah, including a rousing and emotional Welcome to Country by her daughter Baringa.
“Aunty Maroochy was a highly respected advocate and a longstanding supporter of RBWH who played a significant role in helping us improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Roslyn said.
“We were honoured to have Baringa join us for the launch and pay tribute to her mother’s remarkable legacy.
“Through Aunty Maroochy’s leadership and guidance, RBWH strengthened its relationships with Turrbal Elders, helping improve access to care and better health outcomes for the Turrbal and the wider community.”
Roslyn said reconciliation required ongoing commitment and action across the organisation.
“Meaningful reconciliation is about more than words. It requires sustained action and a willingness to listen and learn,” she said.
“Our new RAP sets out practical steps that will help guide our journey towards achieving health equity and creating lasting, positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine congratulated RBWH on the endorsement of its second Innovate RAP.
“This Innovate RAP provides an opportunity for RBWH to continue strengthening relationships and deepening connections that will empower staff to contribute meaningfully to reconciliation,” she said.