Closing the Gap acknowledges the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in sustaining the world’s oldest living cultures.
Closing the Gap is underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. It also recognises that structural change in the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is needed to close the gap. The key health outcomes for closing the gap can be found here.
North Richmond Community Health (NRCH) has strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with many clients accessing our services. We work in partnership with the City of Yarra Wurundjeri leaders, Reconciliation Victoria, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL).
More recently, NRCH has made a formal commitment to aligning to the closing the gap policy by creating our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We have been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and have a RAP working group in place, ensuring we are on track to achieve our actions.
NRCH is also in the process of recruiting for an Aboriginal Health Worker. For more details about the role, please contact Ismail Elrifae ismaile@nrch.com.au .
To acknowledge National Close the Gap day this year, NRCH will be holding a community BBQ. Uncle Robbie Thorpe, Gunai man, lifelong warrior, and Richmond resident will begin the gathering with a smoking ceremony and Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a discussion on Close the Gap.
This day is an opportunity for us to come together, share information, and most importantly, urge our governments to take meaningful and measurable action in support of achieving health equality for First Nations Peoples.
Event details
Where: At the front of North Richmond Community Health, 23 Lennox Street, Richmond
When: Thursday 17 March 2022 | 1pm to 2pm
For more information, please contact Ismail Elrifae at ismaile@nrch.com.au.
