First Nations Health and Healing Strategy

Murray PHN acknowledges the knowledge, strength and wisdom held by our First Nations Peoples.

We have a strong commitment to reconciliation and addressing the impacts of systemic racism and colonisation on the experience of health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples in our region.

The development of Murray PHN’s First Nations Health and Healing Strategy was informed by recommendations from local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and endorsed by our Board in September 2021.

The strategy is grounded in First Nations world views and underpinned by Community, Country, Culture and Connections. It comprises of four cornerstones:

  1. Self-determination in First Nations commissioning
  2. Cultural humility in Western health services
  3. Influence anti-racist primary health sector
  4. Dhelkunya Yaluk Murray PHN cultural journey.
First Nations Health and Hearing Strategy diagram

The strategy’s main goal is to support strong, healthy and vibrant First Nations communities to access best practice models of primary healthcare. Acknowledging that, it is only together, that we will find the way forward.

Last Update: May 21st, 2024

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.