The Close the Gap Campaign has released its annual report, emphasising the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agency and leadership in driving critical reform to close the gap in health and wellbeing outcomes.

This year’s themes of agency and self-determination, leadership and solidarity, and reform and transformation underscore the pivotal role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities continue to play in embedding the four Priority Reform Areas outlined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia (Gayaa Dhuwi) has been featured as a case study under the reform and transformation theme, alongside Ngaweeyan Maar-oo, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

The reform and transformation priority area highlights organisations, programs, and services that engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to transform government organisations within their respective sectors. With a particular focus on identifying and eliminating racism; and addressing how data is collected and used to inform local and shared decision-making to deliver on closing the gap.

“Reform and transformation of Australia’s mental health system is vital for achieving the highest attainable standards of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention for our peoples”, said Gayaa Dhuwi Chief Executive Officer, Ms Rachel Fishlock.  

“This year’s Close the Gap Annual Report emphasises what we in the sector already know – that more needs to be done if we’re ever going to close the health disparity gap”, she continued.  

“Those of us working in the mental health system know how important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agency and leadership is to improving outcomes for our people”, said Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi.

“We can’t keep repeating ourselves – we need government partners to fully embrace and implement the Priority Reforms within the National Agreement on Closing the Gap”, Professor Milroy said.

To read the report, visit Close the Gap.

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Gayaa Dhuwi reminds the public and media outlets of the importance of responsible and culturally respectful reporting when it comes to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes adhering to the Good Yarn Guidelines and ensuring that crisis support services are promoted effectively.

24/7 crisis helpline services available to the community include:

• 13 YARN (139276) – a dedicated support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799) – providing support for men
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – for young people in need of support

For further information, and resources, or to access support services, please visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au.

About Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. As a community-controlled organisation, it is governed and controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and peak bodies, working to promote collective excellence in mental healthcare.

Media contact: Pamela Hutchinson, Senior Communications Officer, pamela.hutchinson@gayaadhuwi.org.au or 0418 460 642.