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Last week, more than 70 Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) staff and stakeholders celebrated the launch of the organisation’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on unceded Wiradjuri land. The RAP Launch is a big milestone for WNSW PHN, highlighting its ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable future.

Attendees were greeted with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Lewis Burns, followed by traditional dance by the Talbragar Wiradjuri Dance Group.

WNSW PHN CEO, Brad Porter gave an opening address that positions this RAP as a journey for all staff to go on and take personal responsibility for.  

“Each of us has a role to play in driving reconciliation forward, and it starts with commitment. This commitment means listening to understand, learning from the wisdom shared with us, and ensuring our words are backed by action.

“It requires a continual reflection on the role we play in creating an inclusive workplace and healthcare environment, where everyone can feel safe, valued, and respected.

“This is an ongoing journey; it’s about making progress every day, step by step. Our RAP calls us to take those steps, to make reconciliation part of our daily lives and business practices, to be a part of a future that cherishes and uplifts First Nations communities,” Brad said.

WNSW PHN Board member, Julie Toma made a speech that reflected on inequity and the significance of reconciliation as a path forward.

"Only through reconciliation can the journey of healing, listening, learning and partnership move the dial on health and wellbeing outcomes for the people and communities we serve," Julie said.

Wiradjuri man, author and mental health advocate Joe Williams gave a keynote speech that was a call to action to address inequitable health outcomes impacting First Nations communities in Western NSW.

Joe shared his personal experiences and insights on truth telling, engaging with First Nations communities and how to build genuine relationships with First Nations people and communities.

“Every negative behaviour that happens in all communities is a product of early adversity and trauma.

“My job is to plant the seeds in people’s minds to go away and think more deeply about who we are as an organisation.

Joe asked “What is our job? Are we effective? And what can we do differently to address deepening inequities?”

Managing Director of Yurana Creative, Nathan Peckham, a descendant of the Tubbah-gah clan within the Wiradjuri nation, spoke about the RAP artwork he created for WNSW PHN.

“The artwork depicts a gathering of people in camp (dhandha) along a river (bila or ghi). The camp shelter was made from gathering leaves which were thrown over a contemporary frame made of branches. They are on a journey (birrang) to find a new home.

“This piece represents the journey WNSW PHN is on…with the aim of reaching a unified understanding and commitment to reconciliation across the nation,” Nathan said.

An Innovate RAP is about taking action and the WNSW PHN has been fortunate to work with RAP consultant Dixie Crawford of Nganya. Dixie, is a Barkindji woman born in Broken Hill who lives and works on Ngemba Country in Brewarrina.

Dixie invited us all to reflect on the impact of our practice and interrogate ways we can improve outcomes for First Nations people and communities in the region.

Executive Manager of Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, Donna Stanley, spoke to WNSW PHN’s commitment to partnering with communities to achieve reconciliation.

“To our communities we say this: we see you, we hear you and we stand with you. Your resilience and strength inspire us, and your voices are at the core of this RAP.

“We affirm our commitment to walking this path with you, not as leaders but as partners, listening and learning every step of the way.

“Together we can shape a future where culture is celebrated, where health outcomes are equitable and where reconciliation is a lived reality,” Donna said. 

The RAP will be implemented until November 2026 and can be accessed on the PHN website - https://www.wnswphn.org.au/reconciliation