Aboriginal health

Unique Victorian approach

The approach towards Closing the Health Gap in Victoria is unique in that the Close the Gap development, implementation and execution has occurred at the local level through regional Closing the Health Gap committees that have shaped this agenda.

The approach adopted in Victoria acknowledges that cooperation and coordination with key stakeholders is imperative throughout the lifespan of the initiative to ensure that we acknowledge the skills and expertise of Aboriginal people and organisations.

This approach also acknowledges that regional and community ownership is central to any advances that are made to close the life expectancy gap.

The Department of Health worked closely with its regional offices to develop regional advisory committees, which consist of representatives from:

• Local Indigenous Networks
• Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations
• Divisions of General Practice
• Mainstream health service providers.

The regional advisory committees undertook extensive community consultation to develop their regional plans. This ensured that each region had a local and tailored approach to Close the Gap within the parameters of the five Closing the Health Gap priority areas. The regional plans address areas that evidence has shown will have a substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians.

The department continues to work in partnership with key Closing the Health Gap stakeholders, peak bodies and community members to support the success of Close the Health Gap in Victoria.