National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

At COORDINARE, working to address health inequities and improve health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people in our region is a priority. We are committed to ‘Closing the Gap’ in health outcomes for over 25,800 Aboriginal people on the lands of the Yuin, Dharawal, Ngunnawal/Ngambri and Ngarigo Nations. 

COORDINARE’s new Aboriginal Health Coordination Consultant, Melanie McDonald is a proud Ngunnawal woman with a strong background in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.  

Ms McDonald said, “I am passionate about culture and health. Within this role, I am excited for the opportunity to help effect change within mainstream and primary health to assist in creating better holistic care for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within our catchment.” 

COORDINARE recently began important work to shape our Healthy First Nations Framework. This framework will guide how we approach decision making, governance, capability and relationships — ensuring we are embedding meaningful consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and communities across all areas of our work. 

We recently had a yarn with members of our Aboriginal Health Council to listen to their perspectives and responses to this year’s reconciliation week theme: 'All In', a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. 

Ngunnawal Elder Jennie Gordon has been a member of COORDINARE’s Aboriginal Health Council since 2022. 

Ms Gordon said, “Reconciliation Week is around enabling all Australian communities to recognise that Aboriginal people are a part of Australian culture and a part of Australian history. We are very proud of being the first people of this nation and the longest living culture in the world.” 

She added, “We would like to close the gap together to ensure that we are not just recognising 300 years of history, we are recognising 65,000 years of history.”  

James Mulholland is the CEO of Gawura Aboriginal Corporation, formerly known as the Illawarra Men's Support Group. 

Mr Mulholland said, “I would see reconciliation in the same light as Harmony Day, where we can all come together forge a great partnership and friendships and move towards better outcomes for all.  

“Reconciliation Week provides a platform for Aboriginal people to give a voice to who we are and what we do, and that we still have a lot we need to fight for regarding our life expectancy and such.  

"Reconciliation is also about showing that we are not just out for ourselves. We are willing to guide and educate and provide local communities with our culture and how we work and what we do, and why we do what we do,” he said. 

Nikkei Simon, Southern Local Health District's manager Aboriginal Workforce and Development is a proud Walbunja and Worimi woman. 

Ms Simon said, "Reconciliation Week is focused on the future and moving forward together. It is about celebrating our wins and successes and being part of the journey as allies.” 

Karen Shepherd is Dementia Clinical Nurse Consultant at Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) who is working to close the gap in dementia services for her local Aboriginal community. 

Ms Shepherd said, “It's about recognising and acknowledging the injustices that have occurred in the past. It's an ongoing journey in working together to strengthen relationships and to ensure equality and equity for our community.” 

Paul Knight, inaugural Chair of COORDINARE’s Aboriginal Health Council said, “Reconciliation Week is really about trying to develop understanding.” 

You can support this year’s Reconciliation Week by getting involved in your community. 

National Reconciliation Week Events Calendar 

Local events: