Online consultations and review of information for the Victorian Aboriginal Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022 – 2030.

“My thanks to you [Prof. Kerry Arabena] for your guidance, wisdom, laughter and support in creating space to hear what people wanted – which directly informed the design and development of this plan – the first Vic Govt policy frame for First Nations communities in Victoria… it was a pleasure working with you and again our thanks for your work and willingness to collaborate.”

Michael West
Director - Equality, Fairer Victoria, Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

 

The project was funded by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Who funded the project

 

Karabena Consulting was contracted by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to lead community consultations and contribute to the review of the Victorian Aboriginal Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022 – 2030 (the Plan). The project was strongly guided by:

  • Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations

  • Funded blood-borne virus, sexually transmissible infection and reproductive health sector

  • Clinicians, researchers and community organisations

The Plan will promote and support community-designed and led approaches in partnership with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations. This Plan mobilises prevention, testing, treatment and care efforts and provides access to culturally appropriate services and programs.

Summary

 

The objectives of this project are to lead community consultations and contribute to the review of the Victorian Aboriginal Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022 – 2030.

Project Aims

 

Professor Arabena:

  • Met with the Steering Committee

  • Co-designed the agendas for the online meetings

  • Facilitated workshops

  • Reviewed the draft Plan

Methodologies

 

Karabena Consulting participated in:

  • Three online workshops hosted by the Department of Families Fairness and Housing which were facilitated by Professor Arabena

  • Steering Committee meetings

Outputs

 

By contributing to the development of the Victorian Aboriginal Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022 – 2030., Karabena Consulting was able to:

  • Change the narratives of sexual and reproductive health to become more strengths-based

  • Highlight resources and activities that promote the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations

  • Ensure that the Plan was culturally appropriate

  • Shift the focus of the Plan on health and wellbeing rather than illness

Project Outcomes

 

The Victorian Aboriginal Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022-2030 can be found here.

Public Response

 

STIs, HIV, sexual health, Prevention, Aboriginal health, Victorian Government, Reproductive health

Key Words

Kerry Arabena