APA National Reconciliation Week
On 27 May, APA hosted a National Reconciliation Week event with Shaun Tatipata, Indigenous Australia Program Manager from The Fred Hollows Foundation. Shaun spoke about what reconciliation meant to him, and what The Foundation and our valued partners like APA, are doing to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Shaun explained that reconciliation is a journey for all Australians and at the heart of the journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. ‘In this together’ was the theme of National Reconciliation Week in 2020.
“In this Together is incredibly relevant in this time for us as a country. For us at The Fred Hollows Foundation, it’s about celebrating the contributions that we are all making to reconciliation whilst also acknowledging the work we still have to do,” Shaun said.
APA is leading the way in reconciliation in its industry. It supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their communities through quality partnerships, with organisations like The Fred Hollows Foundation. The Foundation and its partners have made great progress on closing the gap in eye health between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and other Australians. In the 1980s, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples were 10 times more likely to go blind. In 2008, this was reduced to six times, and in 2016, reduced again to three times more likely to be blind. But there is still much more to be done.
“Shaun’s presentation was entertaining, thought-provoking and timely. It was a privilege to hear his story, to build our understanding of Indigenous health issues and learn about the invaluable work The Fred Hollows Foundation undertakes, with the APA team,” said Nevenka Codevelle, APA employee.
Together, with the support of APA, The Fred Hollows Foundation is striving towards a more just, equitable nation with unity and mutual respect, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are empowered to access their right to good health.