Close The Gap 2021

Today marks National Close The Gap Day, an opportunity to send our governments a clear message that Australians value health equality as a fundamental right for all.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have some of the poorest health outcomes of any group of people in the world. On average, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples die more than 10 years younger than other Australians.

As part of our commitments under our Reconciliation Action Plan, Rural Lifestyle Options Australia invite you to play your part in closing the gap by taking meaningful action in support of achieving health equality for First Nations Peoples by 2032 by signing the petition.

✍️ Sign the petition: www.antar.org.au/closethegappledge

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#CloseTheGap

Saltwater Freshwater Connection

For the past twelve months, our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group has been busy behind the scenes developing the 'Innovate' stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan.

After receiving conditional endorsement from Reconciliation Australia last year, our RAP Working Group engaged local artist Nathan Falk to develop an artwork piece and story to compliment our vision for reconciliation. We are grateful to have crossed paths with the talented Nathan Falk (Ngemba Mob and Wiradjuri Nation), who developed a unique piece for the organisation titled ‘Saltwater Freshwater Connection’ (pictured). Below you will find the Artwork Story to this amazing piece:

'Saltwater Freshwater Connection' by Nathan Falk

"This painting represents the connection between RLOA and the people living up and down the East coast; from the West to the South to the East to the North. This painting represents your journeys as one.

The meeting place in the middle represents your office in Murwillumbah, then we have journey lines from your office to all your participants’ houses up and down the coast and the connection you create between you all.

The hands represent your connection between your staff and your participants and the journey you have together.

The turtle represents the connection to the sea and all the towns along the ocean that you visit where you help your participants, this is your Turtle dreaming.

The Goanna represents your connection to all the land animals and the participants you see away from the coast have the Goanna dreaming.

This painting represents moving forward together as One, with help from our ocean and land energies with the connection to our dreaming animals."

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To learn more about our vision for reconciliation, please visit www.rloa.org.au/rap

#Reconciliation #Innovate

Action for Happiness Calendar (March 2021)

Welcome to Mindful March! ✨

At the beginning of each month, our People and Culture Division share with staff the Action for Happiness Calendar through our monthly People and Culture Insights Update.

As an organisation, we are committed to re-sharing these Calendars, to remind everyone to keep calm, stay wise and be kind. 📅

‘Mindful March 2021’ is a good reminder that "Mindfulness means that we commit fully in each moment to be present".

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#ActionForHappiness