Our reconciliation stories - Kerri

24 Oct 2016

24 October 2016

I have extensive experience working in Aboriginal settings in a variety of roles such as research, health promotion and Aboriginal programs. 

I have worked in a number of roles in government and non-government health services across the Perth metropolitan area, where I was required to manage small to medium projects around Closing the Gap.

I am very passionate about building the capacity of health services to ensure services and programs are being delivered in a culturally secure and appropriate way. This can be achieved by providing cultural competency education to non- Aboriginal colleagues on the importance of accommodating the cultural rights, views, values and expectations of Aboriginal people when providing services to them.

I think capacity building is vital if we are to achieve better health outcomes for them.

As an Aboriginal person, I have a cultural obligation to develop the health literacy of our communities, to encourage self-knowledge and self-determination in a positive way to strengthen all families.

The strength of our culture should be seen as central to ensuring positive engagement by Aboriginal peoples within the health system.

I am also a strong believer in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people working together to achieve a fair and just Australia. I look forward to this new journey working with St John of God Health Care to contribute to Reconciliation and closing the life expectancy gap for Aboriginal peoples.