St John WA innovates as Reconciliation Action Plan moves forward
St John WA has officially launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at the brand new Coolamon Centre in Belmont.
The Innovate RAP is our commitment to maximise the contribution St John makes to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across WA.
Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance, the RAP will provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by developing equitable working relationships, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
The launch celebrated the second stage of St John WA’s RAP, with team members, collaborators and invested stakeholders invited to enjoy interactive sessions across various ‘stations’ throughout the gardens and Coolamon Centre.
Noongar Elder Neville Collard conducted a Welcome to Country ceremony, before First Nations Lead Jeremy Maitland-Smith detailed his role in helping to progress St John WA’s RAP journey.
There was a yarning circle and opportunities to learn about cultural projects ongoing within the community, including first aid initiatives, First Nations scholarships, health literacy programs, and job pathways into St John.
There were bush tucker plants on display and catering supplied by Sirens Café included kangaroo, crocodile, and emu sliders, whipped walnut tarts, and vegetarian frittatas – all made using natural ingredients.
St John WA Group CEO Kevin Brown highlighted his vision for future projects, which could include a clinical truck, a mobile primary care clinic and health literacy program with telehealth capacity that, in collaboration with Aboriginal Medical Services and community Elders, can reach out and provide an additional layer of care to regional and remote Aboriginal communities.
“Our shared vision for reconciliation is to ensure St John WA’s network of services, reflect a culture of deeper understanding and respect for First Nations peoples, their histories and cultures, while fostering better healthcare opportunities and building relationships based on inherent mutual trust,” Mr Brown said.
RAP events are just one of the ways St John WA communicates with team members and the wider community about some of the organisation’s current objectives.
Find out more HERE.
