27 May 2025
Today marks the beginning of Reconciliation Action Week, a time for all of us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
This year’s theme is Bridging Now to Next, which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
As part of this important week, we will be spotlighting the member organisations of our newly formed Aboriginal Consultative Council.
The EMPHN Aboriginal Consultative Council are committed to fostering genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health stakeholders in the catchment. The intention is to build trust and strengthen shared decision making and therefore support self-determination. The Council provides direction and advice for EMPHN in relation to the integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professional views and experiences into all levels of strategy, operations, planning and policy development and strategic advice to the EMPHN Board.
Useful information for health professionals
HealthPathways Melbourne provides clinicians with culturally safe and responsive care pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
Visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health pathways:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Directory
- Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers
- Closing the Gap (CTG) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Co-payment Program
- Cultural Competency and Cultural Safety Training
- Health Assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People (MBS Item 715)
- Improving Health Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People – Initiatives and Incentives
- Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP-IHI)
- Principles of Care Provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Commissioned services available in the catchment
EMPHN commissions services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing within the community.
These services include Oonah Belonging Place, Bubup Wilam Aboriginal and Family Centre and Holstep Health. The Programs delivered by these services focus on the Aboriginal communities’ knowledge of their needs and how to address them.
Cultural Safety Training
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has developed an online training module on cultural safety and awareness. The training is designed for GPs, general practice staff, medical students, primary healthcare staff, and other healthcare providers.
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing useful links
The department works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop and implement strategies, programs and initiatives to improve health and wellbeing.
Find more information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health here.
