West Moreton Health has launched its revised First Nations Health Equity Strategy, outlining priorities to improve healthcare access, eliminate racism and strengthen culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Elders, community members, staff and partner organisations gathered for the launch at Ripley Health Services (Moodoombar Dabbil) during the health service's NAIDOC showcase and 50 Years of Deadly celebrations.
The strategy builds on work underway across the health service, with priorities including increasing the First Nations workforce, strengthening cultural capability and embedding culturally safe care throughout the patient journey.
Yinwum Anathangayth man and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit Director, Maurice Woodley, emphasised community ownership and the need to turn the strategy into action.
"This strategy belongs to our communities," Mr Woodley said.
"We want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to feel safe, respected and confident when they access our services.
"Achieving health equity means removing barriers to care, listening to community voices and creating lasting change that improves outcomes for current and future generations."
The strategy aligns with Queensland's Health Equity Framework, which aims to close the gap in health outcomes and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
Community voices and experiences have helped shape its direction, with a focus on partnerships to improve care across the region.
West Moreton Health Board Chair, Sue Scheinpflug, highlighted the role of First Nations communities in shaping the services they use.
"This strategy is about listening, learning and acting together with First Nations communities to improve health outcomes and experiences across our region," Ms Scheinpflug said.
"We know that real change happens when communities help shape the services they use.
"This strategy reflects the voices, experiences and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and sets out how we will work in genuine partnership to deliver better care."
The launch also brought together local organisations, health providers and community groups to showcase services and support available throughout the region.
The celebration focused on culture, community and connection, alongside the health service's commitment to improving health equity.
Ms Scheinpflug emphasised the responsibility of staff across the health service to put the strategy into practice.
"The strategy sets a clear direction, but meaningful change comes from the actions we take every day. We are committed to ensuring First Nations peoples receive safe, respectful care and have equitable access to the services they need, when they need them," she said.
More information is available in West Moreton Health's First Nations Health Equity Strategy 2025-2028.
