National Close the Gap Day

 

Today is National Close the Gap Day. 

Western Health has an important role to play in overcoming inequality experienced by our First Nations people and achieve life outcomes equal to non-Indigenous Australians. 

Through dedicated training, community engagement, and tailored healthcare services, we are working to build an inclusive healthcare environment that honours the traditions and needs of all patients, closing the gap one step at a time. 

Wilim Berrbang Manager Ashleigh Vandenberg and proud Wiradjuri woman, said that everyone has a role to play in achieving health equity for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

'The goal is to unite people, share information, and most importantly, take meaningful action toward health equality for First Nations Peoples by 2032,' she said. 

'We each have a part to play in closing the gap, and our actions can make a positive difference in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as society as a whole. 

'Closing the gap is not just a goal, it’s a shared responsibility to ensure fairness and equality for future generations.' 

This year, Western Health’s Aboriginal Health Unit, in conjunction with a number of Aboriginal community services, was proud to be involved in the Welcome Baby to Country event for Melton and Moorabool communities.  

There were 50 babies Welcomed by a Wurundjeri Woi-Wurung Elder Aunty Diane Kerr to the Country they live and grow on. 

There were over 100 family and community members in attendance to witness this incredible event. 

Welcome Baby to Country is a cultural ceremony within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it acknowledges the baby’s identity and belonging, and gives them a sense of pride in their culture, traditions and identity, connection to the land and their community. 

'By welcoming babies right from birth, the connection to land, family, Elders and community starts from day one,' Ashleigh said. 

'These babies start their life with a strong sense of connection, knowing their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity,  and they can be proud of their connection to place, is it important to give our babies the best start  in life, they are our future.  

'By connecting our babies to land and culture we also contribute to closing the gap.  

'Seeing so many families and friends come together to share their own pride in heritage and culture was such a wonderful experience and something we can’t wait to share in again,' she said. 

Some other programs and projects introduced over the last 12 months that are contributing to close the gap include: