Did you know that, on average, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die around eight years younger than non-indigenous Australians?
The Close the Gap campaign, which launched in 2006, aims to address the gap in health and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and achieve equality by 2030. The campaign is driven by a coalition of health, human rights and community organisations (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous), which are working together to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with access to the same healthcare that other Australians benefit from.
Whilst progress has been made, change isn’t happening fast enough, with the 10-year review released in February 2018 revealing that the gap continues to widen. This includes higher infant mortality rates and higher rates of preventable illness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. (Download the latest Close the Gap report for more detailed information on campaign progress)
The National Close the Gap Day event takes place on the third Thursday of March each year and is run by advocacy organisation ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation), with the purpose of raising awareness and support around health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. On 17 March, campaign partners, along with around 200,000 Australians, will be taking part in activities to urge the State and Federal Governments to take meaningful action towards change. The key priorities of the campaign include:
- Better housing to improve health
- Access to the right healthcare where and when needed
-
A more inclusive and responsive healthcare system.
Ways to Take Part in Close the Gap Day
Although the Close the Gap campaign has achieved a lot since its launch, ongoing support from Australians from all walks of life is vital for accomplishing the ultimate outcomes.
There are a number of ways businesses, schools, hospitals and communities can take part and make a difference, including:
- Sign the petition for the campaign and ask your colleagues and friends to do the same
- Contact your local MP and tell them you want to ‘close the gap’
- Share your events, photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #ClosetheGap
- Organise and run an activity or fundraiser, and don’t forget to register the event with ANTaR (some ideas include a hosting a morning tea or BBQ for your friends where you discuss issues related to health equality)
-
Donate to support the cause
If you’d like to find out more about National Close the Gap Day and how you can get involved, visit the ANTaR website.
As a 100% Aboriginal owned and managed recruitment agency, First People Recruitment Solutions is a proud supporter of the Close the Gap campaign and is committed to achieving equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To learn more about our recruitment and career management solutions for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, get in touch with our friendly team.
