Peel Health Campus (PHC) is helping to raise awareness of 'closing the gap' between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.
Staff at the hospital recently attended a special morning tea, bringing in baked goods and selling OXFAM Aboriginal arts and crafts to help raise funds for OXFAM's 'Close the Gap' program.
Among the guests was local Indigenous elder George Walley, who did the Welcome to Country and performed songs, and representatives from Nidjalla Waangan Mia and OXFAM.
The program aims to improve the lives of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Since 2008, Australian governments have worked together to deliver better health, education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to eliminate the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
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PHC chief executive officer Dr Margaret Sturdy said improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was an important priority for the community.
"We have a very engaged workforce at Peel Health Campus, who recognise the importance of providing a culturally safe environment where Aboriginal people feel well cared for, respected and empowered," she said.
"Our staff have actively sought out cultural awareness training and have embraced the important aspects of the training, particularly with regard to communication, connectedness with country and the importance of family.
"When these issues are properly acknowledged it fosters greater understanding and respect.
"The hospital is also fortunate to have George Walley sitting on the Community Board of Advice."
