This National Reconciliation Week (NRW24), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) continues its commitment to working towards reconciliation and providing First Nations communities with access to the healthcare they need and deserve.

ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says the NRW24 theme of Now More Than Ever, is a prompt for the College to look even deeper into our efforts towards achieving reconciliation. 

“From inception, ACRRM has had a strong focus on improving the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through our training programs and support for our First Nations Fellows and registrars,” Dr Halliday says.  

“We are proud to have First Nations People represented across our board and committees, and highly value the knowledge they contribute to the College. 

“With their guidance and support we are developing a deeper understanding and respect for Country and community and the connection of Country to health and wellbeing.” 

Dr Halliday says the voice of ACRRM Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members is integral to meeting shared goals of reconciliation and embedding reconciliation across the College. 

“Our vision for reconciliation is equity of access to high-quality, culturally appropriate healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples living in rural and remote areas of Australia,” he says. 

“It’s embedded in our strategic plan, and our Fellowship Curriculum. 

“We recently established our third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan to expand our knowledge and build on relationships we have forged with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across the College, broader organisations, and representational bodies.” 

The ACRRM Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed here.