Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander RTW service
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples face unique vocational and non-vocational barriers to recovery and return to work that are best supported through a specialist and culturally sensitive approach.
We have developed a specialised service model that acknowledges and incorporates family networks and history, community engagement and individual-led program design to improve outcomes.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally Competent Consultants
Our consultants and leadership team have completed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency course by the Centre for Cultural Competence Australia.
Establishing relationships with local land councils, AMS and Communities
In developing our service, we sought advice and collaboration from the community. We maintain strong relationships with community and land councils to foster long-term partnerships.
Leveraging knowledge and lived experience from our partnering organisations
We continuously learn from our leaders and partner organisations, as well as from those who support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, to provide a truly respectful and supportive service.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service provides:
A dedicated consultant trained in Cultural Competence
Respect and appreciation of cultural customs and beliefs which may impact return to work and recovery
Community support from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and medical centres
Mentoring and support services
Strategic Return to Work planning and supportive employment placement
Ongoing communication and guidance between all key stakeholders
Connections with remote communities through integration of traditional means and modern technology
Ensuring Australia’s First Nations Peoples receive culturally respectful recovery and return to work support
Meet our national Aboriginal Partnerships Lead Melanie Simon
Melanie is a proud Biripi, Worimi, and Anaiwan woman with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. She specialises in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, policy, and economic advancement, and has a strong passion for the social, community, and health sectors.
Melanie collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to promote cultural understanding and implement best practices. Her passion lies in creating positive outcomes within the workplace rehabilitation sector and fostering connections at WorkFocus and across MedHealth. Melanie takes pride in guiding others on a transformative journey of cultural discovery and connection.
Since the commencement of our service in May 2019, we have assisted
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who suffered from a workplace or motor vehicle injury
are clients recovering from physical injuries
are clients recovering from psychological injuries
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Our logo symbolism
The circular shape of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service logo supports our holistic approach towards acknowledging and respecting the health, well-being, life and work goals of each person, while at the same time provides an unique visual identity.
The moving arrows symbolise that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service acknowledges, respects and provides for the cultural and individual needs of each client, with the focal point representing the overall goal of providing a culturally tailored, respectful and appropriate recovery and return to work service.
*The featured WorkFocus Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service logo has been developed by Justine Kinney from Independent Indigenous Design Agency Cultural Creative and is used with permission. No unauthorised reproduction permitted. WorkFocus Australia is in a period of consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, customers and organisations to ensure the service will optimally meet the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples we seek to support.
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