Sunshine Coast Health has today marked National Close the Gap Day with the official release of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Implementation Plan 2026–2028.
The plan is a community‑led roadmap designed to drive meaningful, measurable progress toward health equity across the region.
Developed over seven months of consultation with Elders, Traditional Custodians, young people, community members, partner organisations and staff, the plan outlines clear actions to eliminate racism, improve access to healthcare, strengthen cultural safety, grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, and embed shared decision‑making across the health system.
Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Sharon Barry, said launching the plan on National Close the Gap Day highlighted the organisation’s commitment to transformative and sustained change.
"Close the Gap Day reminds us that achieving health equity is not only possible—it is our responsibility. This plan reflects the strength, truth‑telling and lived experiences of our community. Every action in this plan comes directly from their voices," Ms Barry said.
The implementation plan builds on the foundations laid by the 2022–2025 plan and aligns with the 10‑year Sunshine Coast Health Equity Strategy 2022–2031. It also responds to updated population data and performance insights, ensuring actions are both evidence‑based and grounded in local community priorities.
Key features of the 2026–2028 plan include:
- Expanded outreach services, including increased use of the Nyina Budja Health Equity Van and new mobile health initiatives.
- Stronger cultural safety, with truth‑telling, trauma‑informed care, and enhanced accountability across all services.
- Growth of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, with new traineeship pathways, mentorship programs, and leadership development.
- Improved access to care, including more telehealth options, simplified referral pathways, and community‑based health checks.
- Youth empowerment, with targeted health literacy programs, youth-led forums, and rights‑based campaigns.
- Strengthened co‑design, supported by Elders Advisory Committees, youth engagement pathways, and cross‑sector partnerships.
Chief Executive Dr Peter Gillies said the plan clearly outlines the shared responsibility of the entire health service.
“Health equity is everyone’s business. This plan sets out the actions and measures that will ensure our care is culturally safe, accountable, and connected to the needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," Dr Gillies said.
National Close the Gap Day is a reminder of the ongoing health inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. By releasing the Implementation Plan on this important day, Sunshine Coast Health reaffirms its commitment to listening, learning, and acting alongside community.
View the Sunshine Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Implementation Plan 2026–2028.