What are we doing to close the gap?

While most Aussies enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world, the mortality rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people match those in the most impoverished nations.

Together with Nepal, Australia has the world’s worst life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

With Greater Western Sydney having the highest urban population of Aboriginal people in the state, we’re in a position to help close the gap.

What are we doing? Everything from quit smoking programs, pre- and post- natal support for Aboriginal women, early childhood health programs, and nutrition workshops, to culturally adapted Go4Fun programs for Aboriginal children, and health service pathways for vulnerable families.

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has also submitted its first Reconciliation Action Plan for approval to Reconciliation Australia with a launch expected later this year.

Close the Gap Day, 15 March 2018

If you’re a WSLHD staff member, no matter where you work or what you do, you can reflect on and recommit to working towards equality in health and life expectancy.

Get involved by attending a Close the Gap Day morning or afternoon tea at your facility, organising a team event or initiative, or signing the WSLHD Close the Gap Day pledge.

What does signing the pledge mean? It’s up to you – you can commit to actions such as undertaking Respecting the Difference cultural awareness training, developing strategies during your team planning or encouraging your Aboriginal patients to provide feedback via the My Experience Matters survey.

Find out more on the Oxfam website and help us to Close the Gap!