The Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum (AHWPF) officially launched the Partnership’s 2026-28 Action Plan on Tuesday.
VACCHO’s Acting CEO Jim O’Shea and the AHWPF Co-Chair, the Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt, launched the plan together – the second plan to be delivered under the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing 10-year Agreement.
Like the first Action Plan delivered by the Partnership in 2023-26, this new plan provides a clear guide for reform across the health and wellbeing sector, with a strong focus on Community-led care, mainstream healthcare that is culturally safe, transparent and accessible data and funding reform.
The two-day Forum held in Sale on 5-6 August, brought together key stakeholders from the Aboriginal health, social and emotional wellbeing sectors, mainstream health services, and Victorian Government.
The Forum continues to serve as a pivotal platform for collaboration and progress in the Aboriginal health and wellbeing sector. It highlights the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders involved to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.
You can read the Action Plan here
Picture: Acting VACCHO CEO Jim O’Shea (right) with Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt
Quotes attributable to VACCHO acting CEO Jim O’Shea
“We know that Aboriginal people and Communities are strongest when decisions about their health and wellbeing are placed in their own hands.”
“Our Aboriginal ways of Knowing Being and Doing continue to guide the work of the Partnership- which is reflected in this Action Plan.”
“I would like to thank the many sector leaders, subject matter experts and Community members who have given their time and expertise to ensure the actions in this plan are achievable and reflect the needs of Community.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Ingrid Stitt
“This work is another important step forward to ensure that Aboriginal voices play a key role in decision-making, that the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Sector is strengthened, and that care is more responsive to the needs of Community.”
“Work achieved in the first plan would not have been possible without the Partnership Forum, the Caucus and the Sector.”
“We know that when you listen, you get better outcomes. This Government remains committed to strengthening Aboriginal voices across the Department’s work and acknowledge that improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing outcomes is everyone’s responsibility.”
