Working together
Gold Coast Health is committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing visible, culturally safe and capable care. Partner organisations play an essential role in ensuring a collaborative approach to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our region.
Our First Nations Health Equity approach is underpinned by representation, leadership and shared decision-making with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to change the current power balance and create a health system free from racism and discrimination.
CLOSE THE GAP DAY EVENT 2024
Gold Coast Health’s First Nations Healthy Equity team are hosting a Close The Gap Day event in partnership with the First Peoples Health Unit (Griffith University) and Kalwun.
Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Venue: GCUH Parklands, University Drive, Southport 4215
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm
The Close the Gap Day event is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and advocating for a healthier, more equitable world.
We invite you to join this free event and get involved. The event commences with a Welcome to Country, and will include cultural performances, guest speakers, interactive stalls, make a pledge, free health information and more. Registration essential for catering purposes.
Event Site Plan
Click here for a larger view of the Event Site Plan.
Stallholder opportunity
Organisations and businesses are invited to apply for a stall at the event. There are limited spaces. For further information and application, email
GCHFirstNationsHealthEquity@health.qld.gov.au
Close the Gap history
The Close the Gap campaign arose in response to Professor Tom Calma’s Social Justice Report (2005) which challenged governments to bring about health equality within a generation. Learn more about the history of Close the Gap .
Karulbo Network
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service is a member of the Karulbo (All Together in the local Yugambeh Language) network. Established in 2010 as a Gold Coast Primary Care Partnership Council collaborative venture between Gold Coast Health, Kalwun Health Service and Krurungal Corporation for Welfare, Resource and Housing to promote health and wellbeing.
The network has partners within the Health, Education, Employment and other sectors across the Gold Coast - these members have shaped Karulbo and driven improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
In 2023, Karulbo yarning circles were held with Community and partner organisations to co-design the journey forward.
For more information, please contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service:
GCHFirstNationsBSO@health.qld.gov.au
or visit: Karulbo website
Galagir Ngaurai (youth speak) Health and Wellbeing project
Community arts projects can be powerful health and cultural activities. Galagir Ngaurai (youth speak) was a public health project which engaged the regions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in health-related conversation and under the guidance of local Elder Uncle Ian Levinge and Wurundjeri artist Grace Brown, created an artwork response which has been used in the design of public health collateral
“This was an outstanding day! The facilitators provided a culturally safe and supporting environment creating a perfect learning and expressive platform. Students were supported to engage in health conversations, expressing their desire to ‘keep mob safe’ through word, art and action.” Candace Kruger, Head of Department, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
Artwork narration: Galagir Ngaurai – Youth speak. Health and Wellbeing.
The students wanted to convey the importance of coming together to encourage responsible, respectful, and honest discussions about health and wellbeing and centred this around the ‘yarning circle’ painted by Artist, Grace Brown. They watched as Uncle Ian Levinge added his handprint to the centre of the circle, signifying the wisdom and cultural guidance Elders provide to community. The 10 large circles represented each student participant, and the three gold circles represented the artist and the Gold Coast Public Health Unit employees who developed and facilitated the initiative. The smaller circles within the yarning circle represent those positively influencing and supporting students, including family, friends, teachers, and community.
Students added their handprints to the artwork and painted their individual, yet collective health journey. Whilst individual health experiences were discussed, students united around the yarning circle to support each other as they talked about health and wellbeing and the importance of keeping each other safe. Their works were thoughtfully complementary, yet respectfully unique, just as public health efforts can be tailored to individual health issues for entire community benefit, such as the protection against viruses through vaccination, to the creation of supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity.
The inextricable link between Country and individual / community health was detailed within students designs; the inclusion of flora and fauna including totem animals, waterways, night sky, pathways, connection; students were communicating that health was strongly influenced by the health of their environment. This could be interpreted as an ecological model, those interrelationships between individuals and the social, physical and policy environment, yet the student emphasis was placed on sustainable practices to ensure clean air, waterways, and landscapes in the maintenance and enhancement of a healthy environment, Country, which ultimately provides healthier pursuits for us all.