You can’t Close the Gap without centring Country. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have long understood health and wellbeing in a holistic, relational way – a way that understands a person’s physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing is inextricably connected with Country’s. If we’re serious about improving health outcomes for mob, we can’t overlook Country. And that means: we can’t overlook Traditional Owners. The Federation is proud to contribute advice and expertise towards Victoria’s efforts to Close the Gap as an elected sector representative on Ngaweeyan Maar-oo (that’s the representative forum partnering with the Victorian Government on the design, implementation and oversight of Victoria’s Closing the Gap Implementation Plan). In this work, the Federation shares and uplifts the perspectives and priorities of Traditional Owner groups – who care for, and are deeply connected with, Country. We’ve just finished a big round of detailed feedback on the draft Implementation Plan, and are firing up our role as economic development and employment sector representative as we start talking to Traditional Owner Corporations about strengthening the workforce on Country. Learn more about this work 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/3HbegEc (fb)

The harm caused to Aboriginal cultural heritage at Paradise Falls on Taungurung Country this weekend is both disheartening and disrespectful. The majority of visitors to culturally significant places understand their deep significance and treat them with respect. It’s deeply disappointing to see a beautiful, sacred place be so thoughtlessly damaged. We stand in solidarity with Taungurung people who, everyday, strive towards keeping Country healthy, community and culture strong. (fb)