As National Reconciliation Week begins, St John NT is reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and continuing work to improve cultural safety, understanding and healthcare experiences across the Northern Territory.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘All In’, calls on Australians and organisations to fully commit to reconciliation through meaningful action, shared responsibility and genuine partnership.
For St John NT, that means recognising reconciliation is not a standalone initiative, but an ongoing responsibility embedded across frontline healthcare, workforce development, community engagement and organisational culture.
Over recent months, St John NT has expanded its focus on reconciliation initiatives, cultural capability and engagement with Aboriginal communities. Collaborative engagement with Indigenous-led organisations and senior community figures has also begun, helping lay the foundation for stronger communication, greater trust and more culturally safe care across ambulance and healthcare settings.
One of the key community leaders involved in these early discussions has been Central Australian Aboriginal leader Michael Liddle, who has been a strong advocate for both culturally informed engagement and paramedic safety across the region.
As part of this work, St John NT is beginning early engagement around a developing community education initiative focused on improving outcomes for both paramedics and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through stronger communication, education, safety and shared understanding.
The organisation says long-term investment in culturally informed education, community partnerships and locally developed communication resources will be critical to improving health outcomes, trust and safety across Central Australia.
St John NT Special Projects Manager – Alice Springs Matthew Cowie said National Reconciliation Week was an important opportunity to reflect on the role organisations play in creating safer and more respectful experiences for communities.
“National Reconciliation Week is an important reminder that reconciliation is not passive. It requires organisations to listen, build relationships and work alongside communities in ways that are genuine, respectful and accountable,” Mr Cowie said.
“In Central Australia, many of the people our paramedics care for every day are Aboriginal Territorians, including people living in remote communities and town camps. That means cultural understanding and community partnership cannot sit on the sidelines of healthcare delivery.
“We know meaningful solutions are developed with communities, not for communities. That is why we are collaborating with Aboriginal organisations, leaders and community members to strengthen education, communication and culturally informed engagement."
St John NT CEO Abigail Trewin AM said meaningful reconciliation required action, humility and a willingness to keep learning.
“For St John NT, being ‘All In’ means continuing to listen, learn and improve the way we provide care and engage with our Aboriginal patients and communities," Ms Trewin said.
“This work is ultimately about building trust, strengthening relationships and supporting better outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians, our paramedics and the broader community.
“Real progress in this space also requires ongoing investment in community-led education, culturally informed engagement and partnerships that empower Aboriginal voices and solutions.”
