The team at Palliative Care Queensland (PCQ) and I are pleased to present our first Reconciliation Action Plan. It has been a journey of connection, growth and education for us all; bringing together a united plan for change. Queensland has a rich heritage of First Nations people. From the people of the Yugambeh language region in the south, to the Torres Strait Islander people in the north and the traditional custodians Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi people in the west. We recognise and pay respect to all their elders: past, present and future, and acknowledge the significance and value of their stories, history and wisdom.
With such a vast and diverse group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within Queensland, it has been a personal aspiration of mine to work towards improving their palliative care options and creating opportunities for deep connection. As CEO of PCQ, I remain committed to our vision of developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders, in reconciliation.
We are building our capacity for connection through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives who are passionate about palliative care, having either worked in the sector, been members of PCQ or are current members. We are also establishing a network of relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander stakeholders and organisations, to help guide our work. We aim to create more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to participate in our work, including employment, procurement and with our services and programs.
Our mission is to influence, foster and promote quality palliative care for all Queenslanders. We recognise the cultural and spiritual significance the place of dying and death has in the lives of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and how past experiences can deepen the impact of loss and grief for their families and communities. PCQ is committed to listening and responding to these experiences, through a relationship of trust and a shared understanding.
A key PCQ value is respect. It is immensely important to me, that all staff and volunteers treat others with dignity, courtesy and respect. Our differences in the workplace, among our members, stakeholders and the broader community, become our strength. They provide the opportunity to educate ourselves and ensure our actions are respectful and with a view to reconciliation. Together, we strive to be an organisation that supports inclusivity, implementing practices of cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication.
It has been a great accomplishment formalising our plan towards reconciliation and we will continue to monitor and report on our progress. I acknowledge the privilege and responsibility I have been given, leading PCQ, as we launch our Reconciliation Action Plan. I am confident that the changes we will make, will not only have a significant progressive impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, but impact all Queenslanders, as we strengthen our ties toward reconciliation and close the equality gap for all.
Adjunct Associate Professor Shyla Mills
Chief Executive Officer
Palliative Care Queensland
