Reconciliation Action Plan
Innovate RAP
Reconciliation vision
Our vision for reconciliation is for the unique cultural, social and economic determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be recognised as fundamental to equitable health systems and society. In this way, all Australian citizens are empowered to live healthy lives.
To achieve this vision the National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) is committed to:
- closing the health gap of disadvantage in rural, regional and remote communities by addressing the social determinants of health
- raising awareness and understanding within our organisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and practices
- working in a manner that upholds our organisational values of equity, inclusiveness and integrity.
The four RAP types allow organisations to continuously develop their reconciliation commitments.
Reflect: Scoping capacity for reconciliation
Innovate: Implementing reconciliation initiatives
Stretch: Embedding reconciliation
Elevate: Leadership in reconciliation
About the artwork and artist
Richie Allan (Ngunnawal Kamilaroi), Cultural Director of Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, is a well-known artist who has been painting for over 25 years. His paintings are about his Aboriginal Spirituality and the connection he has with the land, water, trees and his totems.
Richie has attributed his work to his Culture, saying ‘My Aboriginal Spirituality and my homelands are why I paint. It is bringing me together as one with everything around me.
‘The artwork story is the connection and work you do on Country. The importance of connection allows you to support the people you work and learn from each and every day.
‘The colours represent Country and the importance of colour in the seasons.’
RAP Working Group
Susi Tegen
Chief Executive, National Rural Health Alliance
RAP Champion
Walter Dorrington (Ngemba)
Executive Officer, Ahpra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia
Indigenous representative
Shaun Tatipata
(Narrindjeri/Wuthathi)
Director, Deadly Vision Centre
Indigenous representative
Penny Stewart
Director, Alice Springs Intensive Care Unit
Board representative
Nicole Liesis
Emergency Physician
Board representative
Margaret Deerain
Director of Policy and Strategy Development
Staff representative
Carmen Ellis
Policy and Research Officer
Staff representative
Reflect RAP
The Alliance Council approved and adopted the Reflect RAP, which was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, in 2018.
The Reflect RAP was designed to demonstrate the Alliance’s commitment to addressing the legacy of racial discrimination in our society. It committed the Alliance to a plan of action that encompassed a range of activities over 12 months with deliverables and timelines.
About the artwork and artist
Keepers of the Land, Mookie House 2018
By Ngambri-Ngunnawal Elder, Matilda House, this painting represents the keepers of the land – women and the wedge tail eagle.
Ngambri-Ngunnawal Country is a woman’s place and the wedge tail eagle is flying over local water holes, food supplies and meeting places – the keys to good health.
For further information or feedback, please contact: [email protected]