College acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Legacy on National Close the Gap Day

On Close the Gap Day today, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine acknowledges the work of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members who provide leadership and legacy within the College, their profession, and their communities.

We also recognise the leadership and contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including their work in keeping communities safe throughout COVID-19.

Their efforts are showcased in this year’s Close the Gap Campaign report, Leadership and Legacy through Crises: Keeping our Mob Safe, released today.

The report demonstrates the investment in health policy and programs which are designed to effectively manage complex challenges such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and suicide prevention.

ACRRM President Dr Sarah Chalmers says the College recognises the vital role our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members play in leadership and legacy.

“Within our College and their communities, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members are supporting their peoples to improve the health gap and navigate COVID-19,” Dr Chalmers says.

“They are also playing an important role on our College Board and Council as well as committees, such as the Respectful Workplaces Working Group and Indigenous Members Group. 

“While this is positive, as a Close the Gap campaign member, The College continues to work to increase our recognition and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and cultures through our Reconciliation Action Plan, ongoing support for the Indigenous Members Group and through involvement with aligned organisations and communities.”

College Councillor Dr Regina Philip says that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of ACRRM come from many different first nations all over the country. 

“Fellows through to medical students have demonstrated a commitment to sharing our lived experiences and reflecting the voices in our communities with our colleagues, within the College and beyond.  

“I believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors have both the privilege and the burden of walking in two parallel worlds.  “We have been able to successfully navigate an education and health system that has not always been friendly, while still living with the inequalities that directly impact the health of our communities, our families, our loved ones and often ourselves. 

“Supporting each other, clearing the path for those that follow and giving a voice to our people is a strong driving force for many of us,” Dr Philip says.  

Dr Chalmers adds; “While we are proud of the outstanding work our members are undertaking to serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, there is a lot more we can learn and do. 

“Today’s Leadership and Legacy through Crises: Keeping our Mob Safe report prepared by the Lowitja Institute for the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee documents achievements and provides solutions which will go a long way to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”