Reconciliation Action Plan

The Brisbane South PHN region is home to Australia’s largest urban population of First Nations peoples. We want every First Nations person in our region to have easy access to holistic, culturally safe and evidence-based health services to support optimal health, development and wellbeing across every stage of life. 

As we work together to pursue a more equitable and inclusive health system for all, we also work towards a fairer and more reconciled Australia. We are proud to share our commitment to advancing reconciliation within our organisation, guided by our (second) Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023-26.

We invite you to read through our RAP and join us in our journey towards reconciliation.

Read our Stretch RAP 2023-26

Read the Brisbane South PHN Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023-26.

Our reconciliation journey

Reconciliation Australia’s RAP framework allows organisations to take a structured approach to advancing reconciliation within their sphere of influence. There are four types of RAP that an organisation can develop: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate. Each type of RAP is designed to suit an organisation at different stages of its reconciliation journey.

Innovate RAP 2015-2017

We began our Reconciliation journey in 2015 with an Innovate RAP, developed when the PHN’s were known as Medicare Locals. This Innovate RAP helped us to develop and engage in reconciliation actions during the organisation’s early years, to begin to embed reconciliation values into organisational culture and processes.

 A key achievement of our Innovate RAP was employing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs Manager to oversee our programs, commissioned service providers, and ongoing consultation with Elders and communities on how best to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. This work continues today as part of our ‘business as usual’.

Stretch RAP 2018-2021

In 2018, we progressed from the Innovate RAP to a Stretch RAP (2018-2021). In this, the organisation’s first Stretch RAP, we focussed on cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with First Nations communities in our region. In particular, we worked to redefine our partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to deliver a ‘direct funding’ model, supporting self-determination in the development of health programs and their delivery for First Nations communities in our region.

Acknowledgement of artwork

Our Reconciliation artwork was created by Gilimbaa, a Supply Nation certified, Indigenous-owned creative agency based in Brisbane. In 2017, they were commissioned to create our Reconciliation branding. In 2020, elements of the Heart were further translated by Gilimbaa into the design of our organisation-wide visual branding suite.

About the Community Heart Concept

The Community Heart Concept is based on the idea of health as the heart of community, and the community as the heart of health. It creatively explores the idea of community health as a living subject that connects and delivers life and strength to all.

The element inspires the thinking that, like the health care system, its vitality and capacity relies on diverse elements working as one. A constant, pulsing exchange of knowledge and actions, evolving and improving with every beat.

We value your feedback

Brisbane South PHN are committed to being accountable and transparent in our actions and progress and welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have on our reconciliation journey. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable society for all.