Reconciliation is a core priority for us. Driving meaningful relationships, respect, and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are key enablers and building blocks for progress.
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the poorest health outcomes of all Australians. As a provider of pre-hospital emergency healthcare in Victoria, AV must act to reduce health disparities and foster culturally safe and responsive services. By advancing from the Reflect RAP to the Innovate RAP, we are taking concrete steps to strengthen partnerships, enhance cultural awareness, improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes and embed reconciliation into our daily operations.
This journey goes beyond compliance. It’s about ensuring equitable healthcare, empowering our workforce to deliver culturally safe care and a workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees thrive. Through ongoing learning, reflection and leadership, AV continues to champion reconciliation within the emergency healthcare sector.
In June 2023, we made a commitment to reconciliation through the release of the Reflect RAP. The implementation of the Reflect RAP deliverables has provided the foundation for long-lasting and sustainable impact on the workforce and community. Relationships established as part of our Reflect RAP will continue to guide our reconciliation path forward, informing our actions to influence positive change.
August 2022
Appointed a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Lead
February 2023
Established AV’s Reconciliation Working Group (RWG) and held inaugural meeting
May 2023
Secured Supply Nation membership
June 2023
Released AV’s first Reflect RAP
September 2023
Acknowledgement of Country plaques installed for 25 buildings across state
October 2023
Approval of mandating and updating the identification tab in Victorian Ambulance Clinical Information System (VACIS) to record a patient’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
December 2023
Creation of internal Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country guidelines
May 2024
AV attendance at National Reconciliation Week events across the state
July 2024
AV attendance at NAIDOC Week events across the state
August 2024
Research and review on:
- Best practice and policies in areas of race relations and anti-discrimination
- HR policies and procedures to identify existing anti-discrimination provisions, and future needs
- Best practice and principles that support partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
September 2024
AV invited to be standing guest at Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Partnership Forum
October 2024
Review of cultural learning needs within our organisation
October 2024
Registered to begin developing our next RAP
November 2024
Business case approved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Specialist role
December 2024
Development of internal framework to support partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
December 2024
Closing of Reflect RAP
January 2025
Refresh of the Reconciliation Working Group
June 2025
Paula Morgan, proud Gunnai woman, appointed to the AV Board of Directors
Updated