Building and maintaining ongoing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities is essential for fostering trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. These relationships provide knowledge and understanding into the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria.
Some of AV’s current partnerships and engagements
Malpa program
The Malpa program is a unique, culturally derived, grassroots approach to educate Aboriginal children between the ages of 9 to 12 on health and hygiene. Since 2016, AV has actively participated in the Malpa program, also known as Malpa’s Young Doctors for Life, by introducing Aboriginal paramedics and teaching essential skills such as CPR, first aid, and how to call an ambulance. This empowers the children to take control of their health destiny and help shape the future in their family and community. The program is actively supported by the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, and the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine. It is endorsed by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Victoria Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI).
NAIDOC Week
AV commits to celebrating NAIDOC week each year to show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and achievements. Annual NAIDOC week activities increase our workforce’s understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and demonstrates respect for cultural protocols. In 2024, our people attended over 40 NAIDOC Week events across the state including the Victorian NAIDOC March and Victorian NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony.
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum
In 2023, AV began collaborating with Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to enhance health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in pre-hospital care. As part of this initiative, AV became a regular participant at the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum. This forum represents a strategic alliance between the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Sector, the mainstream health system, and the Victorian Department of Health. Together, they share a vision of providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a health system that is holistic, culturally safe, accessible, and empowering. The Forum is co-chaired by the Minister for Health and VACCHO’s Chairperson.
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