CESPHN launches its Reconciliation Action Plan for January 2021 – February 2023

12 February 2021

Building on the work of our first Innovate RAP, launched in 2018, the key focus for January 2021 to February 2023 will be continuing to develop volunteering opportunities for CESPHN staff within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations; procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses; and increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed at the PHN.

CESPHN Board Chair Dr Michael Wright commented, “I am very proud of the commitment of the organisation to achieving our RAP objectives over the past two years. Reconciliation is a priority for our Board and we are dedicated to strengthening our own knowledge of and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isander peoples in the central and eastern Sydney region.”

Some of the highlights achieved in our first RAP (2018- 2020) include:

• The launch of Eora Messenger eNews, a quarterly magazine designed to communicate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our region
• Naming our meeting rooms in honour of significant Aboriginal leaders and clans in our region
• Comprehensive cultural awareness training for all CESPHN staff
• The establishment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Workers Circle to encourage networking and support between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-identified staff employed in the services we commission
• Procuring close to one million dollars in goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
• Funding seven Aboriginal organisations
• Employing 14 Aboriginal staff in funded programs
• Our Aboriginal advisory committee with 11 out of 12 members who self-identify as Aboriginal
• An Aboriginal Excellence Award, awarded annually to a member of CESPHN staff

CESPHN CEO Dr Michael Moore commented, “CESPHN’s Reconciliation Action Plan is a collaborative effort and reflects our shared desire to work towards reconciliation. I’d like to thank the external Aboriginal Advisory Committee for overseeing the development of our plan, and I’d also like to thank the internal working group for all their work in developing such a sophisticated plan. This plan will guide our work over the next two years.”

This second RAP 2021- 2023 will work on developing these achievements in procurement, employment as well as seeking Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander members for our Board of Directors.