Kaydo Kertheba (walk together)

Our Kaydo Kertheba journey centre the voices and needs of First Nations peoples, as we do our part to progress Reconciliation.

Our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Kaydo Kertheba, reinforced our commitment to Reconciliation and equity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It was developed in partnership with First Nations community members and staff, as well as allies. We extend our deepest thanks to Aunty Doreen Garvey-Wandin, Senior Wurundjeri Wandoon Elder, for her support and collaboration in the creation of Kaydo Kertheba and our ongoing Reconciliation efforts. Aunty Doreen is the Woi wurrung Language Resource Custodian for her people and has worked tirelessly throughout her life to promote, protect and preserve her culture through her work. As a Director of the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, she ensures the positive connection of Aboriginal culture is recognised in projects and communities.

We also offer our gratitude to the members of the Kaydo Kertheba Working Group, who are dedicated to building a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our community.

The first Kaydo Kertheba Plan is now complete, with planning for the second in progress.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

Through Kaydo Kertheba, we officially began our Reconciliation journey. It is our pledge to do the meaningful and critical work to support better outcomes for our First Nations neighbours and peers. During the 18 months of our first Reflect RAP, we broadened and deepened our work to:

Build meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations;

Increase our understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and traditions; and

Improve economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through recruitment, partnership and supplier opportunities.

Though this was the official start of our Reconciliation journey, YourCH’s role in the community has led to a rich, decades long history of partnering with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and residents. We have worked alongside our neighbours at the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL) to support better health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.

We recognise that there is more work to do and the role we play in creating change. We support equity for First Nation’s people and are committed doing our part to support Treaty, Truth and Justice, which we believe are essential steps to a more equitable future.

Thank you to all community members who shared their feedback on our RAP. It has been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.