Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan October - September 2017 Walking together, learning together, working together - You, me - our journey
About our cover artwork Our cover art, designed by local artist Meena, represents us, the community, the individual and other organisations walking, learning and working together. You me our journey. It focuses on the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with cancer, the importance of supporting the individual with a variety of services and working to eradicate cancer across WA. The 10 circles represent the 10 regions across WA, and the colours represent the land and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In the same way the sun gives light, Meena has represented Cancer Council WA giving light to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and individual with services and programs delivered about cancer. Artist profile Meena was born in Subiaco, Western Australia and is currently living in Mandurah. She is a direct descendant of the Bibbullmun tribe, also known as Noongar nation; whose territory stretches to the whole area of the South West of Western Australia. Inspired by her father Coco and other prominent Aboriginal artists, Meena developed her own unique artistic style after being taught to paint and use numerous mediums. Meena has lived and travelled throughout Western Australian and the Northern Territory where she has learnt to incorporate the different techniques to enrich the uniqueness of her artwork. Meena s artwork reflects her heritage, family, travels and land. Meena has developed logos and designs for Nidjalla Wanngan Mia Aboriginal Health Service, Waangkininy Health in Peel - Aboriginal Health Service, Mooditj Nungan Koolongah s Aboriginal Program and now designed artwork for Cancer Council WA Aboriginal resources. Meena s artwork is displayed at Nidjalla Waangan Mia Aboriginal Health Service - Mandurah, Aboriginal Art Galleries throughout Western Australia and Northern Territory and many personal collections throughout Australia. Currently her artwork is displayed at the Mandurah Performing Art Centre as part of the Bindjareb Exhibition that runs throughout NAIDOC. Logo and designs are Meena s expertise and where her passion is when developing as an Aboriginal artist. What is a Reflect RAP? The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is about organisations from every sector turning good intentions into real actions and rising to the challenge of reconciling Australia. A RAP is a business plan that uses a holistic approach to create meaningful relationships, enhance respect and promote sustainable opportunities for Australians. The RAP program includes four types of RAPs; Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate - each offering different levels of engagement and support. In developing a Reflect RAP, our organisation commits to completing the following actions over the next 12 months to ensure we are well positioned to implement effective and mutually-beneficial initiatives in our future RAPs. This Reflect RAP will assist our organisation to focus on building relationships both internally and externally, and raise awareness among our stakeholders to ensure there is shared understanding and ownership of our RAP. Development of our future RAPs will involve consultation with staff across our organisation, including staff and/or stakeholders. Our background Cancer Council WA (CCWA) is a not-for-profit organisation reliant on community donations to fund local cancer research, run education programs and provide support services for those affected by cancer in WA. CCWA main office is in Subiaco, with two metropolitan accommodation facilities and a number of regional offices throughout WA. Our mission is to work with the community to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer through excellence and leadership in research, prevention, education, capacity building, advocacy, support and information. Our 2014-2017 strategic plan includes the objective of focussing our efforts on vulnerable members of the community, particularly peoples. Cancer incidence, mortality and survival of peoples There are limitations in the recording of Aboriginality status at cancer diagnosis and death and therefore incidence and mortality statistics may be under reported. Because of this and the small population in WA (3 per cent), the WA Cancer Registry pools several years worth of statistics. In 2009-2013, there were 175 new cases of cancer diagnosed in peoples in WA, with 93 cases (53 per cent) occurring in women and 82 (43 per cent) occurring in men. The most common cancers in men were lung followed by bowel and prostate. In women it was breast, followed by lung and uterus. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. In WA there were 83 deaths from cancer among peoples. The most common causes of cancer-related death in men were from lung, followed by liver and oesophageal cancer; and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were lung, followed by breast and pancreatic cancer. Cancer survival is lower for Australians than other Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians diagnosed with cancer between 1999 and 2007 had a 40 per cent chance of survival after five years, compared to 52 per cent survival in other Australians. Australians have higher rates of certain lifestyle risk factors than other Australians, which can partly explain their cancer incidence and mortality patterns. For example greater prevalence of smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples results in more lung cancer incidence, and higher incidence and mortality of liver cancer are a result of higher rates of risky alcohol consumption and hepatitis B infection in this population group. CCWA currently employs over 180 staff, of whom two staff identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Artist Meena (Peta Ugle) CCWA has established key relationships and partnerships to improve cancer outcomes in communities. Examples of our partner organisations include local universities, health organisations, Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia and Department of Health WA. Meena (second left) presenting her artwork to our team 2 Cancer Council Western Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan - 2017 3
Our RAP In July 2015, we decided to commence the RAP process, forming a project group comprising representatives from all areas of the organisation. We believe the development of the RAP is the first step on our reconciliation journey. We aim to reinvigorate the CCWA External Aboriginal and Torres Strait Advisory Committee to ensure Traditional Owners in Western Australia are consulted on cultural appropriateness of our services and programs. It is anticipated that the commitment from the group will be emulated throughout the community and key health agencies. We have employed a full-time who champions the RAP process in collaboration with the Education and Research Services Manager. Both positions will work alongside the Group including s and other Australians. Our partnerships/current activities Cancer Education Course In conjunction with local health professionals in Perth, we have delivered a five-day Cancer Education Course for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals most years since 2008. The course aims to provide culturally relevant training in cancer control and improve health professionals knowledge and understanding of: cancer, cancer staging and how treatment decisions are made cancer treatments and their side effects resources and services available to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples diagnosed with cancer cancer prevention, early detection and screening strategies Let s Talk ebulletin To provide ongoing education and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals trained through the Cancer Education Course, a quarterly newsletter is distributed to past participants. Further to this, the quarterly Let s Talk Aboriginal Cancer ebulletins are used to engage, promote, educate and inform external stakeholders of cancer-related news, resources and support for peoples in WA. Cancer prevention We ve taken steps to ensure many of our mainstream programs are culturally relevant. This has included representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in campaign materials, choosing media channels that target peoples, partnering with Aboriginal organisations, including Acknowledgment of Country at events and ensuring local delivery in regional areas. Examples include: delivering FOODcents to groups with high representation of peoples. Recently, a paper confirming the effectiveness of FOODcents for peoples has been published including an Aboriginal actor in the solution television commercial for LiveLighter including an Aboriginal actor in the 16 cancers television commercial for Make Smoking History and targeting specific media channels Services (CISS) Our CISS division works to achieve equitable access to our services across geographical areas, cultures and community groups. Examples include: nurturing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals who are the gateway for referrals for peoples affected by cancer, in both metropolitan and regional locations securing equal-opportunity providers who offer the option of an Aboriginal person to provide domestic assistance such as cleaning, gardening and childcare to cancer patients and carers as part of our free Practical Support Program liaising with Aboriginal community groups to increase awareness of all our programs actively engaging with and informing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients about our services via our Cancer Centre volunteers at Fiona Stanley and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospitals providing access to Aboriginal-specific cancer information and resources via our Cancer Nurses on 13 11 20 and local Cancer Support s in the regions providing prioritised access to our Accommodation Cancer Support to guests staying at our lodges who do not have access to one of our Cancer Support s in their local area National Cancer Sub-committee, Cancer Council Australia We are a member of the Cancer Council Australia National Cancer Sub-Committee which aims to: determine what the priorities are for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in relation to cancer control improve access to appropriate cancer information and support services for peoples enhance communication and coordination between states and territories, support state and national initiatives and projects ensure relevant Cancer Council resources are made available to appropriate health organisations and websites (eg: the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet website) advocate for increased workforce development and up-skilling of health workers in relation to cancer education advocate for ongoing cultural respect training for mainstream health services and staff working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families affected by cancer Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) PEPA is a federally-funded education program that provides supported palliative care placements and workshops specifically developed for health workers, liaison officer s and outreach worker s across rural and metropolitan WA. PEPA aims to develop and improve palliative care knowledge and skills of health professionals. PEPA also facilitates culture-centred care workshops from peoples perspective, targeted at all health professionals caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families facing a life limiting illness. This program is coordinated by the PEPA and the PEPA Aboriginal Project Officer based within CCWA. Robyn Willock, Andrew Boddington and Gwen Rakabula attending our Cancer Education Course for Aboriginal Health Professionals in 2015 Tobacco Priority Settings Program Our Priority Settings Program targets groups with a high representation of peoples. It aims to encourage health and community service staff to support clients to quit or cut down their smoking. It does this through social marketing campaigns, projects and research that are inclusive of peoples and organisations. 4 Cancer Council Western Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan - 2017 5
Over the next 12 months, we commit to the following: Relationships Staff Reference Group actively monitors RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting October, Build internal and external relationships Celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) Raise internal awareness of the RAP Director and Aboriginal Projects Officer Services Division, Senior Project Services Division, Senior Project October, February and The Group to oversee the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP. Ensure peoples are represented on the CCWA RAP Staff Reference Group. Meet at least twice per year to monitor and report on RAP implementation. The CCWA External Aboriginal Advisory Group is re-formed to provide guidance and support in developing strong relationships with organisations in relation to cancer education and client support projects. Develop a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations within our local area or sphere of influence that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey. Develop a list of RAP organisations and other likeminded organisations that we could approach to connect with on our reconciliation journey. CCWA Managers February, 2017 Develop and maintain partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, likeminded organisations and stakeholders to reduce the impact of cancer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Services Manager and Aboriginal Group to organise an internal event to recognise and celebrate NRW ( June). Circulate Reconciliation Australia s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff. Ensure our RAP Staff Reference Group participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW. Encourage our staff to attend a NRW event. A plan is developed and executed to raise awareness across the organisation about the RAP commitment, particularly with key internal stakeholders. A presentation on our RAP commitment is given to all relevant areas of our business to ensure they have an understanding of how their area can contribute to our RAP. Respect Develop cultural respect in all staff and regular volunteers, to increase understanding and appreciation of WA s Aboriginal cultures Make CCWA offices culturally welcoming and friendly places for peoples Make available correct and appropriate protocols to follow when engaging with Aboriginal communities Establish CCWA materials across the organisation that are culturally sensitive, in consultation with peoples Education and Research Services Division, Nutrition and Physical Activity Manager Education and Research Services Division, Nutrition and Physical Activity Manager and Program for Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) Services Manager and Aboriginal Services Division, Director Develop a survey on our employee s current level of understanding around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions. Collect and review baseline data from staff surveys to inform future cultural awareness training needs within our organisation. Investigate continuation of employee surveys on an annual basis, to measure impact of cultural learning within CCWA. Staff induction and orientation is reviewed and broadened to include Aboriginal programs and services offered by CCWA along with Acknowledgement to Country, Welcome to Country guidelines, Aboriginal engagement and the RAP information. As a part of our wider organisational training strategy, develop a cultural awareness training strategy that identifies a suite of cultural awareness resources and opportunities for all volunteers and staff. Make available the Share Our Pride online resource to all staff and volunteers. All staff (including Executive level staff) to have attended cultural respect training by the end of. Training in this area will be ongoing in acknowledgment of the ongoing staff changes. Premises interior design (photos and artwork) to be inclusive of peoples cultures and communities. All premises display an acknowledgement to the Traditional Custodians of the land which may include artwork by local Aboriginal artists and the flags. Traditional Owners in Western Australia consulted under the guidance of the CCWA External Aboriginal Advisory Group on an agreed general terminology and protocols guide that takes into account, where relevant and practical, local variations in norms and standards and all staff and volunteers briefed. Continue to contribute to national processes to review and develop publication policies and style guide that address the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander motifs, colours and images, and prioritise those with greatest relevance and utility to people s cultures and communities. Provide opportunities to increase awareness of cultural events Cultural events and national days of significance to s (i.e. National Reconciliation Week) are included in CCWA s calendar, and promoted through staff intranet. 6 Cancer Council Western Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan - 2017 7
Participate in and celebrate NAIDOC Week Program for Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) Aboriginal Project Officer Raise awareness and share information amongst our staff of the meaning of NAIDOC Week, which includes information about the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures and communities. Introduce our staff to NAIDOC Week by promoting community events in our local area. Ensure our Group participate in an external NAIDOC Week event. Investigate more opportunities for employment, both paid and unpaid February, 2017 Look at the economic benefits for procuring employment and develop a strategy for recruitment, employment, support and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. This may include traineeship, internship, work experience and scholarships. Cancer and Information Support Services Division, Volunteer Development Manager April, 2017 Volunteer strategy reviewed and updated to include specific measures to attract and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander volunteers, including measures for each regional office developed in consultation with local communities. Respect Raise internal understanding of protocols of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country for formal events CCWA Managers Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to engage with their cultures and communities through NAIDOC Week events. January, 2017 CCWA to host an internal NAIDOC celebration event for staff and volunteers to attend and participate. Review and disseminate opportunities to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance of protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to our employees. Create a generic email footer that acknowledges Traditional Custodianship and CCWA s commitment to address outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Students from East Narrogin Primary School putting our SunSmart and healthy eating messages into practice Opportunities Adapt recruitment practices to attract more Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander applicants for staff and volunteer roles Building community capacity of workforce Consider supplier diversity Services Manager and Aboriginal Program for Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) and Aboriginal Project Officer February, 2017 February, 2017 February, 2017 Identify current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment and development opportunities. All position advertisements include a clause specifically welcoming applications from peoples. Any positions that are advertised externally are also advertised in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media outlets (e.g. Let s Talk ebulletin), unless the position is specifically targeted to a different community. Review and update the delivery of the Cancer Education Course for Aboriginal health professionals and scope other culturally appropriate delivery methods. Review and update the Program for Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) for Aboriginal health professionals to ensure cultural appropriateness. Ensure the Western Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Directory is circulated to CCWA staff or uploaded to CCWA s intranet to promote and encourage divisions to utilise services where relevant. Director Develop an understanding of the mutual benefits of procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses. 8 Cancer Council Western Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan - 2017 9
Opportunities Increase support and accessibility for peoples affected by cancer Services Division, Senior Project Review our resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences to ensure they are culturally appropriate in consultation with local communities. Identify opportunities to better assist cancer patients with accommodation needs during treatment Aboriginal needs and implications considered in service and program development Services Division, Director Services Division, Director and Managers Regional Services and Accommodation Services Advocate to the National Publications Working Group and Cancer Council Australia s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee to include Aboriginal-focused resources on the national agenda and publications schedule. Improve the policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to gain prioritised access to the Accommodation Cancer Support and review efficacy of prioritisation. Traditional Owners in Western Australia consulted with guidance from the CCWA External Aboriginal Advisory Group on cultural appropriateness of CCWA services and programs provided directly to the general public. Secure and maintain high level organisation-wide commitment to meeting milestones Chief Executive Officer, Executives and CCWA Managers February 2017 RAP updates are a regular (minimum every two months) agenda item at team, division, management meetings. Share, communicate and celebrate RAP success and Education and Research Division, Aboriginal October, Group provides regular progress reports to Executive Group meetings. Representation from each division maintained in CCWA RAP Reference Group. Meetings held every two months to discuss progress and write quarterly reports. RAP launched in head office and through all regions, and externally on CCWA website. Stories of significant achievement told at a minimum through the Let s Talk ebulletin and CCWA s staff intranet. Regular updates on our RAP achievements, challenges and reflections reported on CCWA social media platforms, website and newsletters. Tracking progress Annual report and refresh and develop next RAP and CCWA RAP Staff Reference Group Chairperson August, 2017 August, 2017 Annual RAP report produced and made public. A RAP piece included in CCWA s Annual Report. April, 2017 Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements. Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal feedback and endorsement. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia 30 September, 2017 Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually. 30 September, 2017 Investigate participating in the RAP Barometer. Contact details, Cancer Council WA Louise De Busch Telephone: (08) 9388 4382 Email ldebusch@cancerwa.asn.au Vicki Martyn and Derise Jones from Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) attending the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference 2015 in Perth Education and Research Services Manager, Cancer Council WA Cassandra Clayforth Telephone: (08) 9388 4347 Email Cclayforth@cancerwa.asn.au 10 Cancer Council Western Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan - 2017 11
For support and information on cancer and cancer-related issues, call Cancer Council 13 11 20. Cancer Council Western Australia Level 1, 420 Bagot Road Subiaco WA 6008 T: +61 8 9212 4333 F: +61 8 9212 4334 www.cancerwa.asn.au Join our community