We are proud to publish our statement of commitment to the public which was endorsed at BCH.

At Ballarat Community Health (BCH), our focus is to sustain healthy communities through the provision of accessible, affordable and quality health and wellbeing services. The healthiest communities are the ones where everyone is included and treated with respect.

At BCH we know that discrimination, income, education, access to healthcare, and social support (collectively referred to as the social determinants of health) can significantly impact a person’s health outcomes and their overall quality of life.

At BCH we promote accessibility for all to support both individuals, and broader communities, and we seek to address the social determinants of health through all our health promotion, prevention and advocacy work.

You can download our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement of Commitment by visiting BCH Statements.

As a provider of primary care, health and wellbeing programs, and specialised services, BCH has a responsibility to provide all community members with culturally responsive, inclusive and evidence-based care.

We can only achieve this through meaningful collaboration between our organisation and diverse communities, not least Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are over-represented in every way in the determinants of poor health.

BCH is committed to improving and strengthening our services to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in our work towards closing the gap in health disparity and life expectancy.

BCH began its Reconciliation Action Plan journey in 2018, with the development of the Reflect RAP. A RAP Working Group (RWG) was established to oversee its development and implementation and continues to have representation from across the organisation, as well external representation from local Aboriginal communities, including representatives from the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Mirriyu Cultural Consulting, Victoria Police Proactive Policing Unit, and Catholic Care Vic/Tas.

The 12-month Reflect RAP was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in January 2020.

Innovate RAP provides a valuable framework for BCH to deepen its commitment to reconciliation and enable us to have better engagement across the communities we serve.

It offers a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain a deeper knowledge of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, histories and Cultures, Truth and Justice, and in turn, embed consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in everything we do.

Working in partnership with Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, we will strive to ensure a complete offering of medical and allied health services for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, rather than duplicate existing services. Moreover, we will aim to drive reconciliation through our business activities by forging mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers, wherever possible.

Reconciliation Plan INNOVATE Oct 2022 – Oct 2024

pdf Reconciliation Action Plan INNOVATE October 2022 - October 2024

Published on 01 October 2022 In Position Statements 1094 downloads

Download (pdf, 1.77 MB)

Our second, Innovate RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) provides a valuable framework for BCH to deepen its commitment to reconciliation and enable us to have better engagement across the communities we serve. It offers a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain a deeper knowledge of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, histories and Cultures, Truth and Justice, and in turn, embed consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in everything we do.

BCH Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2020

pdf BCH 2020 REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan

Published on 01 October 2020 In Position Statements 1133 downloads

Download (pdf, 5.45 MB)

Our commitment to reconciliation is about enhancing our knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history and ongoing connection to Country. It is also about continuing to engage meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Organisation and Communities to provide improved opportunities and services to reduce the significant gaps in health and wellbeing and working together to advocate for changes in structural discrimination and other determinants of health that perpetuate inequalities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Communities.