Gold Coast Primary Health Network’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Our vision for reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have equal access to high quality primary health care and experience improved health and wellbeing. We recognise that the work to address inequities in health must be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and grounded in culture, connection and healing.

We commit to:

• Ongoing collaboration and alignment across regions to respond consistently to the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities.
• Working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, leaders and communities in the design, delivery and evaluation of our commissioned services.
• Embedding culture, voice and choice at the centre of all planning, recognising the essential role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance and lived experience.
• Supporting sustainable, community-led models of care that strengthen the interface between community controlled, primary care and hospital-based services.
• Holding ourselves accountable to measurable progress toward equity, cultural safety and improved
  outcomes across our commissioned services.

Our Innovate RAP 2025–2027

We’re excited to announce that Reconciliation Australia has officially endorsed GCPHN’s refreshed Innovate RAP for 2025–2027.

Acknowledgement of Artwork: The artwork used throughout this RAP was painted by Narelle Urquhart, a proud Wiradjuri woman. The artwork depicts a strong community, with good support for each other, day or night. One mob. This artwork was commissioned by GCPHN.

Photography used: The photography used throughout this booklet showcases the Yugambeh language region of the Gold Coast. All photos utilised in this document are courtesy of Destination Gold Coast.

Our region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Gold Coast includes the Yugambeh Speaking language peoples which consists of the Wangerriburra, Kombumerri, Bulungin, Gugingin, Birinburra and Minjungbal peoples. The Gold Coast region adjoins the New South Wales border and as such, the growing First Nations’ population south of the border often access health and community services within the Gold Coast region. The 2021 Australian census found that 13,593 people identified as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent in our region. This is approximately 2.2 percent of the total Gold Coast population.

Our geographic reach

We serve the Gold Coast region in Queensland, Australia. This geographic area includes a diverse range of communities, from urban centres to more regional areas of hinterland and valleys. GCPHN’s reach encompasses the entire City of Gold Coast Local Government Area and stretches from Coolangatta in the south up to Logan and Albert Rivers in the north/northwest, and to Tamborine, Mount Tamborine, Canungra and Beechmont to the west.