Reconciliation Action Plan for 2012 14

Reconciliation Action Plan for 2012 14

Reanna Bono About the Artist: Reanna Bono is a proud Wiradjuri and Wemba Wemba woman originally from Echuca in northern Victoria. In 2000, she moved to Melbourne to begin her career in Graphic Design by studying a Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) at Swinburne University. Over the past 10 years since completing her degree, Reanna has focused her career on creating Aboriginal specifi c designs for the wider Victorian Aboriginal community and various Aboriginal government sectors. This has given her the opportunity to not only create her own digital Aboriginal designs, but to work with Aboriginal artwork from artists from across the state, to create various forms of printed media. Reanna still lives in Melbourne with her husband and two beautiful daughters, while working at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) as their in house Graphic Designer. As well, she has just embarked on her own journey, creating her own business Yakuwa Graphic Design, offering culturally appropriate graphic design solutions to her clients. Reanna has real passion for her work, which allows her to connect with her culture, while telling a story in a new way in this digital age that we now live. Description of Artwork: The artwork depicts a sense of struggle that the Aboriginal community has with their health and how we are growing together and getting stronger, reaching out to each other, connecting to each other and our culture. The connections between the fi gures, represent the journey we take as we move through our lives, taking different paths, making different choices along the way. However, the paths all lead back to each other, uniting us together, making us stronger in culture and in health. Essentially it is about how we connect with each other and make each other stronger along our journey of life....2

Cris Massis, CEO Message from our CEO The APA is very proud to have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to ensure our organisation creates meaningful relationships and sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a member-based organisation, the APA has an extensive national network that can have a direct infl uence on providing leadership and value in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. We strongly believe in access to physiotherapy for all Australians, and that improving APA s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities will help to facilitate better access health services to ensure progress is made in Closing the Gap in life expectancy. Initially, the RAP will focus on the internal operations of the APA. Over time, the RAP will require the APA to modify its culture to one that actively promotes equity, diversity and inclusivity. Future iterations will require greater member involvement to ensure its meaningfulness to members and their clients and patients. I would like to formally acknowledge and thank the APA s Indigenous Health Committee and the RAP working group on their hard work and dedication in delivering our inaugural RAP. We look forward to achieving key milestones and successes in the near future. Cris Massis Chief Executive Offi cer 3...

Vision for reconciliation Our vision for reconciliation is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have equitable access to physiotherapy to help in Closing the Gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians....4

Our business The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the national peak body representing the interests of Australian physiotherapists and their patients and has over 60 staff located throughout Australia. The APA has an important role in advocacy with government and non-government organisations; facilitates wider professional learning through its continuing professional development program, titling and specialisation pathways; and facilitates high quality research and communications. The APA has a vision to be a focus of excellence for the global physiotherapy community, and believes that all Australians should have access to quality physiotherapy, when and where required, to optimise health and wellbeing. Physiotherapists work with, educate, and customise treatment programs for people affected by a wide range of conditions and symptoms, and are one of the largest groups of health professionals. Physiotherapists work in a variety of health settings, for example, public and private hospitals, community health centres, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Orgaisations and in private practices. They are located in all areas of Australia, and the physiotherapy workforce has enormous potential to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders prevent and manage chronic conditions, as well as acute and sub-acute problems. Our RAP The APA s Indigenous Health Committee (IHC) recommended that the APA develop a Reconciliation Action Plan a recommendation that was endorsed by the APA s Board of Directors in 2011. The RAP working group was established, with representatives from the APA s Board of Directors, staff, branches and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership. The working group undertook cross cultural awareness training before embarking on the drafting of the RAP, and then sought feedback from within the APA staff and membership, as well as key stakeholders. The RAP has been structured around the three key areas of relationships, respect and opportunities. But in order to align the activities with the APA s strategic goals, the plan has been further broken down to refl ect APA s three pillars of value, knowledge and voice. This will enable to APA to better incorporate RAP activities in to the APA s day-to-day operations as well as into the organisation s strategic direction. On 8 2012 the Board of Directors formally approved the fi nal draft, which was subsequently endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. The APA is proud to commence the implementation of its fi rst RAP. 5...

Kate & the Footy Means Business National Team. Dreamtime Round at the MCG. An initiative of Rio Tinto and the AFL Relationships Action Value Examination of the roles of the Indigenous Health Committee (IHC) Continuation of the RAP working group to support the implementation of the plan, report on progress, review and drafting of the RAP going forward into 2014. In consultation with the IHC, develop a planned activity and article in InMotion regarding National Reconciliation Week Develop closer relationships with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and community organisations. Knowledge Development of a suite of culturally appropriate marketing materials to promote the benefi ts of physiotherapy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Facilitation of access to cross cultural awareness training for physiotherapists, APA members and practice staff. Voice Increased presence at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health events. Development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy plan to promote relationship building with key people and organisations. The APA understands that strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, including an understanding of culture and needs, will lead to improved health outcomes. The APA believes in access to physiotherapy for all Australians, and that improving the APA s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities will help to facilitate better access to help in Closing the Gap in life expectancy. Responsible Timeline Measurable target division Division Division Division May 2014 July 2014 Review of terms of reference completed 3 Meetings held for the working group. 2 Reports submitted to Reconciliation Australia and a draft of 2014 2015 plan developed 1 planned activity 1 InMotion article APA leadership July 2014 Regular contact with relevant organisations and creation of a relationship database Communications Learning and Development Communications Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations undertaken, and identifi cation of the most appropriate general APA materials for the basis of new documents June 2014 3 targeted communications regarding the availability of relevant PD June 2014 August Development of a calendar of events and plan for APA participation with at least 1 planned event for the year Development of priorities list and plan for implementation of advocacy objectives...6

Kate mentoring young Aboriginal girls with the Dave Wirrpanda Foundation Respect Action Value Reconciliation message incorporated into APA on hold message Creation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander safe space on the APA website Exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at APA offi ces Recognition of land and culture signature on APA email signatures APA properties and land appropriately recognise the local traditional landholders in each APA building Development of a Welcome to Country/ Acknowledgement of Country policy for all APA events Exploration of opportunities to recognise physiotherapists working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health into APA National Groups annual work plans Communicate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners stories to the membership as part of NAIDOC Week The APA recognises that respect is integral to individual wellbeing. The APA believe in improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through physiotherapists gaining greater understanding & knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, land and history. Responsible Timeline Measurable target division Corporate Services Communications September Hold message updated in National offi ce and all branches New section uploaded to the APA website Corporate Services June 2014 Art updated or acquired and displayed appropriately Communications Corporate services Membership Professional Development (National Groups team) Communications August January January 2014 July 2014 Signature template updated and circulated to all APA staff APA signs updated Policy completed and distributed to all APA staff and stakeholders Branch councils develop & implement awards acknowledgement and recognition processes. All APA groups consider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and/or needs in their annual work plans InMotion article/feature published Press release distributed 7...

Respect Action Knowledge Work towards increasing the APA s involvement with and publication of research around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in the Journal of Physiotherapy and at conferences Open or increase dialogue with the Council of Physiotherapy Deans of Australia and New Zealand (CPDANZ) around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health content in physiotherapy programs Promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and health issues during the APA conference Open or increase collaboration with the Australian Physiotherapy Council around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health elements in the Australian Physiotherapy Standards Cross cultural awareness training included as induction for APA staff Voice Identify opportunities for promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health information and cultural awareness on APA social media outlets The APA recognises that respect is integral to individual wellbeing. The APA believe in improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through physiotherapists gaining greater understanding,& knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, land and history. Responsible Timeline Measurable target division APA Leadership Learning and Development (Conference and Events Team) APA Leadership Human Resources Communications October February 2014 Feed into the implementation of the physiotherapy research review Develop a pathway to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in entry level physiotherapy courses Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander event included in the APA Conference program Discussions held around a pathway to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in the Australian Physiotherapy Standards The APA executive leadership team to have completed training by the end of the year and all new staff are provided with training as part of their induction. Plan for identifying relevant information as part of division annual plan...8

Kate Malpass National NAIDOC Youth of the Year acceptance speech Opportunities Action Knowledge Develop an APA employment policy around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff Begin process to develop a target for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees within the APA Review of policies and procedures for obtaining quotes from service providers to promote supplier diversity Facilitate the development of a network of physiotherapists as mentors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and physiotherapy students Identify availability of funding for research for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives Voice The APA aims to ensure inclusive and equitable opportunities are provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to train as physiotherapists, to receive physiotherapy treatment and in employment. We understand the value this contribution will provide to enhance mutual respect, relationships, and the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Responsible Timeline Measurable target division Human Resources Human Resources June Employment policy developed and statement of encouragement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to apply in all future staff vacancy communications Development of an appropriate target and action plan for implementation Develop data base of Indigenous suppliers Project scoped and potential partners identifi ed Appropriate grants identifi ed and mechanism for distribution of information to the membership developed Raise the profi le of physiotherapy as a career option amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people Communications/ Membership Appropriate resources developed and approaches made to organisations who could partner with the APA Ensure that an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective are considered in all policy development and advocacy activities January Appropriate target and action plan included in division annual plan Promote the role of physiotherapy as a key component of the Closing the Gap campaign Physiotherapy representation on relevant committees 9...

Right: Kate Malpass Far right: Kate with a patient National NAIDOC Youth of the Year Kate Malpass Right: Kate coaching basketball Right middle: Kate with Football legend and anti racism campaigner Nicky Winmar at the Dreamtime Game - the 20th Anniversary of his stand against Racism Kate Malpass is a Noongar girl from Perth and Australia s most recent Aboriginal physiotherapy graduate. Kate has been awarded the highest honour by the National NAIDOC Awards Committee National Youth of the Year for her work with the Aboriginal Community and promoting physiotherapy as a career for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Kate had interaction with physio as a child and at 13 years of age she represented WA in basketball at the Under 16 National Championships and went on to captain WA teams in the under 16s, 18s and 20s. At 15 years of age she was selected for the Australian junior camp, and travelled to the AIS to train. Education was always important in Kate s family so when she graduated from Mercedes College in 2005 Kate was awarded the Henrietta Drake Award for achieving the highest TER of any WA Indigenous student. She was also awarded the Mercedes Medal for outstanding achievements in her fi nal year at high school. Kate chose physio as a career and while completing her physiotherapy degree she managed to play four years of WNBL with the Perth Lynx and West Coast Waves. She has continued to play basketball since completing her degree and moving to Melbourne this year. Kate now captains the Sandringham Sabres in the SEABL competition. She mentors young Aboriginal women through the David Wirrpanda Foundation. Off the court, Kate works at the Richmond Football Club as the fi rst Aboriginal physiotherapist. Kate is also the head physio for the under 16 AFL Australian Flying Boomerangs football team that competed at the Under 16 National Championships. She will be travelling internationally with them later this year. The APA is extremely proud of Kate s achievements and those of other Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander physiotherapists working around Australia. There are 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates in total. The APA is committed to supporting more Aboriginal people like Kate to become physiotherapists who can provide leadership for the profession and deliver culturally appropriate physiotherapy to Aboriginal people and contribute to Closing the Gap in Aboriginal Health. Far right: National NAIDOC Youth of the Year Kate Malpass...10

Kate and Colleagues at the David Wirrpanda Foundation Tracking progress and reporting Action Completion of a RAP implementation plan for the International Relations Division Corporate Services Division Learning and Development Division Membership Division Communications Division Report to Reconciliation Australia on achievements & challenges for inclusion in the annual Impact Measurement Questionnaire Responsible division Timeline Measurable target All Divisions Feb Incorporated into Division annual work and performance plans Sept 2014 RAP progress to be reported each year to Reconciliation Australia 11...

For further information about the APA s Reconciliation Action Plan, please contact: Paula Bateson, Senior Policy Offi cer 03 9092 0833 paula.bateson@physiotherapy.asn.au Australian Physiotherapy Association Level 1, 1175 Toorak Road, Camberwell, VIC 3124, Australia physiotherapy.asn.au