Reconciliation Action Plan

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN (CESPHN) has developed a ‘Stretch’ 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.

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”.

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
Peter Manchester, General Manager, Corporate Services
Brett Hugo, Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Programs Officer
Lidia Konik, CPD Program Officer
Amy Donato, Marketing and Communications
Evelina Kozok, Practice Support
Marcelle McGrath, People and Culture Manager
Belinda Ivanovski, Mental Health Manager
Ruby Van Kool, Cancer Prevention and Control Program Officer
Kate Rankin, Mental Health Intake and Triage Clinician