EMPHN First Nations Forum
Eastern Metro Primary Health Network
Who funded the project
The Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) has made significant strides towards bolstering community representation within its governance and advisory panels.
It has successfully transitioned from a conventional, passive model of funding distribution to a more proactive and inclusive one. This strategic shift has led to a more comprehensive and community-led approach to planning and service delivery, effectively addressing the diverse needs and priorities of the communities we serve.
A Workshop was facilitated by Karabena Consulting to further investigate enablers and barriers to support health and wellbeing outcomes in the region.
The Leadership group remain committed to fostering the identity, self-determination, and safety of individuals within our communities. The strategies have expanded to include more comprehensive resource provisions, respectful engagement, and enhancing community confidence. Efforts to cultivate cultural safety and self-determination are persistent, with a keen focus on embedding these elements in funded services.
Summary
As part of EMPHN’s ongoing commitment to transparency, an annual forum has been designed to bring together ACCOs and Gathering places to seek input from the community the effectiveness of funding, addressing any identified gaps, and discussing relevant issues. Community representation within EMPHN remains a priority, ensuring decisions are genuinely community-led and reflect the best interests of those we serve.
Project Aims
To complete this project, Karabena Consulting undertook.
One-on-one meetings with members of staff at the EMPHN.
Facilitated sense-making workshops with the Leadership Forum.
Wrote a report summarising key issues for follow up in future.
Methodologies
Our approach to creating a culturally safe space when consulting with First Nations people enabled us to elicit some deeper reflections from stakeholders by relying on these Indigenous methodologies.
Dadirri- deep, respectful listening and contemplation
Yarning- establishing rapport and building a respectful relationship promoting willingness to share personal stories.
Painting and storytelling – Aunty Janet spoke of her artwork and the deep resonance between this work and the state of the Victorian landscape.
Yarning – people at the workshop were encouraged to state, reflect and share their truth about how the engagement happens in the region.
Methodological outcomes
The key outputs for this project were:
Report with recommendations for follow up
The identification of major themes in the report
Project Outputs
A deeper understanding of self-determination and health services planning.
Taking a collaborative approach to resource allocation and health service planning.
Confronting systemic racism and the need for cultural understanding in Australia’s healthcare systems
Moving beyond power imbalanced relationships – redefining health services through trauma informed care, cultural integration and power redistribution.
Project Outcomes
Self Determination, Professional Development, Partnership Goals, Resource Allocation, Generational Change, Systemic Injustice, Cultural Healing