Western Health is committed to increasing its Aboriginal Workforce.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands and waterways on which Western Health staff, volunteers, consumers and caregivers come together. As we work, learn and grow, we pay our deep respects to the Elders and Traditional Custodians past, present and emerging of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wadawurrung Countries of the greater Kulin Nation.
We are committed to the healing of country, working towards equity in health outcomes, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Western Health is committed to respectfully listening and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we are truly guided by the values of relationship, responsibility and respect.
The term "Aboriginal" is used to refer to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is inclusive of people in Victoria who identify as Indigenous Australians, Koori and Koorie.
Make it about pride
Western Health seeks to support and collaborate with our Aboriginal employee cohort. One of the ways we facilitate this is through our Aboriginal Employment Committee which provide a voice for our Aboriginal employees. Additionally Western Health sits on the DHHS committee where we were one of four Victorian Public Hospitals to be successful in campaigning for online Aboriginal training which will assist in building cultural awareness amongst our front line staff to managers and beyond.
Our Aboriginal Health Unit (Wilim Berrbang) is passionate and committed to providing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community a safe and welcoming environment at all of our services.
The Koori Maternity Service (KMS) at Western Health facilitates access to culturally safe pregnancy, labour & birth and postnatal care for up to two weeks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Make it meaningful
Western Health's vision of "together, caring for the west" is reflected in the partnership with the Korin Koin Balit Djak: Aboriginal Health, Wellbeing and Safety Strategic Plan. Reflecting the diverse cultural community we serve, we are committed to developing a strong and supportive environment for our Aboriginal workforce, recognising the value that it brings to our workplace.
Western Health is committed to achieving equality in health status between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous Australians; we are an official signatory to the national Closing the Gap strategy.
Make it about future
In supporting government initiatives, Western Health has developed an Aboriginal Employment Plan that promotes employment strategies and initiatives to grow our Aboriginal workforce.
Western Health is committed to providing employment opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We aim to provide culturally safe interviews, as part of this we encourage candidates to request an Aboriginal employee support person for the interview. This request can be made to the Panel Chair when you are invited to an interview.
