Sherry Holzapfel, ED, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.

Jackie Hanson, Chief Executive, Metro North Health

This week is National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) 2022, a time for all of us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’, is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively.

As we pause and reflect on these important dates, we encourage you all to think about where you are on your reconciliation journey and how we can contribute to health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As Metro North Health continues the co-design and co-development of our Health Equity strategy, we have taken a journey of truth telling and will continue to share the powerful voices of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on how to achieve true reconciliation and health equity:

• “Everything has to come back to community. They’re the ones who will tell you what’s right and wrong.”
• “Don’t just stand for me, stand with me.”
• “We are the experts in our own lives. Don’t just hear us, listen to understand.”
• “Feeling listened to, not just being a number or patient on the bed. Listening to my worries and taking the time to sit with me and listen.”
• “Not being treated differently due to the colour of my skin and how I look.”
• “We all can make a difference in our own special way. It’s now a matter of bringing all together to serve one purpose – health equity.”

Take the time this week to learn about our shared history, have conversations with your teams on what achieving reconciliation means to you, and recognise the strength and resilience of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community.

Finally, we leave you with this truth telling video that featured in our recent health equity management session regarding common myths and stereotypes that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in modern times.

Jackie and Sherry