Reconciliation Journey
BreastScreen Victoria’s vision for reconciliation
Reconciliation has never been more important than it is right now. Looking at breast cancer statistics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more likely to be affected and the outcomes are often more severe compared with non-indigenous women. This gap continues to grow, which is why we are taking significant steps to improve our services so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have equitable access to a culturally safe and inclusive breast cancer screening service.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
In July 2024 we launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Together with women from First Nations Communities, we have created a clear roadmap for embedding reconciliation principles in our organisation. Implementing this plan ensures that First Nations perspectives are respected, celebrated, and represented in our work.
A visual representation of our work
To help promote understanding of the work we do and signify the importance of cultivating genuine, reciprocal relationships and partnerships with First Nations communities, we have commissioned an Aboriginal artist to translate our work into a visual piece. Kedeasha Jackson, a Wemba Wemba, Ngiyampaa and Wiradjuri woman, created ‘Regenerating Our Wellbeing’. Kedeasha describes her artwork: “It represents the recovery of life itself with breasts. It brings strength and draws positivity, culture and regenerates health and wellbeing. Even through the chaos, this piece brings reconciliation of understanding and peace to everyone’s journey.”
Kedeasha’s artwork was chosen by a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have screened with the program.
Ongoing Community engagement
While this is BreastScreen Victoria's first RAP, we have been working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for many years. We have worked with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and health workers to talk about breast health and the importance of early detection of breast cancer. In 2018 we partnered with the VAHS and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) to trial a cultural screening shawl with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, which has grown into the Beautiful Shawl Project. To date, more than 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from around Victoria have screened with us as part of the Project.
Looking ahead
Encouraged by the cultural guidance we have received during consultation with First Nations women and the openness and willingness to learn that our staff has shown, we are confident and eager to take the next steps in our reconciliation journey together.
Download our Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
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