HCF unveiled its initial Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at an event held at its Sydney office.
The plan is designed to promote the development of healthier Australian communities.
HCF CEO Sheena Jack remarked that its introduction is a pivotal step towards a long-term partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, aiming to enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes.
“HCF’s purpose is to bring our human touch to healthcare and, as such, we recognise the important contribution we can make to playing our part in a reconciled Australia,” she said. “As we embark on our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, we’re setting the foundation to establish more meaningful and long-term relationships and contribute to reconciliation in a respectful and meaningful way.”
The Reflect RAP is a foundational move towards forming deeper, long-lasting connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It will be monitored by HCF’s Risk, Compliance, and Sustainability Committee to guarantee that the commitments made are not only met but also remain pertinent to their goals.
The strategy outlined in the Reflect RAP adheres to the framework provided by Reconciliation Australia, focusing on establishing Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, and Governance.
Angela Wilcox, chief officer of people and culture at HCF and sponsor of the reconciliation initiative, highlighted the importance of building genuine relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Building genuine relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and businesses, as well as having a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout our organisation, will be critical to ensuring our work is meaningful, mutually beneficial, and sustainable,” she said.
Wilcox also said HCF aims to tackle significant challenges such as racism and discrimination and to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare for First Nations communities through its reconciliation efforts.
Aligned with the launch of the Reflect RAP, HCF introduced a special cultural artwork called “With Unity at our Heart, Together We Thrive,” created by David Williams, a respected Wakka Wakka man and executive director of Gilimbaa, a creative agency that is 100% Indigenous-owned.
The artwork symbolises HCF’s journey towards reconciliation and envisions an Australia that proudly acknowledges and celebrates First Nations heritage and culture.
“Gilimbaa was delighted to be asked to develop an artwork for HCF as it embarks on its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan,” Williams said. “The bespoke artwork was created to tell HCF’s reconciliation story and to embody its vision for reconciliation as a country where everyone embraces with pride First Nations heritage and culture.”
