The Bupa Foundation has announced $150,000 in funding for three First Nations-led organisations working to strengthen education, career and health pathways for First Nations students entering the health sector.
Malpa, Weenthunga Health Network, and the Deadly Ed Foundation will each receive $50,000 to support initiatives aimed at improving health, education and employment outcomes in First Nations communities.
The funding builds on Bupa's partnerships with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Brien Holden Foundation.
The three organisations receiving funding each deliver programs focused on strengthening pathways into health and leadership.
Dunghutti woman and Malpa CEO, Tracey Thompson, said the partnership would help support young people and communities, speaking to the impact of sustained investment in culturally grounded programs.
"Support from the Bupa Foundation means a lot to our organisation and the communities we work with in building strong foundations in health, wellbeing, literacy, leadership, and reconciliation," Ms Thompson said.
Malpa delivers its Young Doctors Program in partnership with local Elders and Aboriginal health workers.
The 15-week school-based initiative supports children through culture, health education and leadership development.
Weenthunga Health Network works with First Nations students from secondary school through to university, providing mentoring, academic support, wellbeing care and connection to community.
Deadly Ed Foundation's Improve Country program embeds Aboriginal knowledge, connection to land and community leadership into everyday learning guided by Aboriginal educators.
Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp, said the funding aligned with the organisation's commitment to equity and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"Supporting First Nations health organisations is a major priority under our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which aims to deliver tangible social, cultural and economic benefits for First Nations peoples around Australia," Mr Sharp said.
"By learning from and alongside these organisations, we also empower our people to deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures, and to reflect on the true histories and ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities."
As part of its broader commitment to mental health, Bupa is also supporting seven First Nations delegates from underfunded communities to attend the National Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Conference.
The initiative aims to build expertise and leadership in mental health and suicide prevention across communities facing ongoing gaps in support.
