Reconciliation Action Plan

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN (CESPHN) has developed an ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. The RAP reinforces our commitment as an organisation to fostering positive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and ensuring our practices and programs reflect this vision.

• Central and Eastern Sydney PHN Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan January 2021 – February 2023
• CESPHN RAP progress report

About the RAP artwork

Pictured past CESPHN staff member Karina Crutch (Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Program Officer) recieving artwork from artist Debra Beale.

“Walk with Me” was created by Debra Beale.

My artwork ’Walk With Me’ has a deep historical and cultural connection to family and community.

It speaks of the respect and connection we have to the land, sea and sky. These connections form a relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

‘Walk With Me’ depicts a narrative of a journey with our ancestors creating pathways as a new direction with new opportunities. We walk together as a healing process, creating friendships and building strong communities for our social and emotional wellbeing.

‘Walk With Me’ symbolises ‘Djurali’- (Grow), ‘Bulbuwul’ – (Strong), ‘Gumal’ – (Friendships).

About the Artist

Deb is  an emerging Aboriginal female artist stemming from the Gamilaraay/ Wonnarua and Boonwurung/Palawa/Yorta Yorta nations across Australia.

Her studio located in Warrimoo, formally known as ‘Karabah’ (Where Eagles Land), Australian Blue Mountains, Darug Nation.

She says “It is my home and a place I can connect to my inner deep self.

I am passionate about bringing my Aboriginal art and culture to life using contemporary media and traditional themes through mediums such as Australian bush Jewellery, paintings, sculpture, sculpture installations, photography, ceramics and textiles.

My connection to land, sea and sky is a spiritual connection. It is also a healing journey allowing me to express my lived experience through experimenting with sustainable and natural materials from our ‘ngayi parri’ (mother earth), Wonnarua language”.

Reconciliation Action Plan launch 2021

Recording of our RAP launch on Friday 12 February 2021 can be found HERE.

The Reconciliation Action Plan working group within CESPHN has been updated since the publication of the RAP. The updated working group consists of:

• Nathalie Hansen, General Manager, Planning and Engagement 
• Lisa Merrison, Manager, Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Programs and Suicide Prevention  
• Phoebe Molesworth, Marketing and Communications Officer
• Peter Manchester, General Manager, Corporate Services
• Rachel Kurniawan, Mental Health Program Officer
• Sarah D’Arcy, Marketing & Communications Manager
• Cat McPherson, Child and Youth Mental Health Program Officer (Chair)
• Hannah Fraser, Human Resources Support Officer
• Michaela Fenech, Practice Support and Development Program Officer
• Hanna Pak, Engagement Lead
• Nerida Croker, Digital Health Officer
• Hannah Coffey,  Population Health and Chronic Disease Program Officer
• Lidia Konik, CPD program Officer
• Sain Chami, Service Navigator
• Pinal Chauhan, Risk and Quality Improvement Manager