UnitingCare is closing the gap

While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are living 10-17 years less than other Australians UnitingCare Queensland CEO Anne Cross talked about the commitment of the organisation to engage constructively in actions that help “Close the Gap”.

On National Close the Gap Day which focuses on the gap in life expectancy education, incarceration rates, family well-being and health between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and other Australians UnitingCare is committed to doing what it can in reconciliation action.

Ms Cross said she is encouraged by work carried out by Blue Care in the aged care and drug and alcohol services in far north Queensland.

“These services support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and employ approximately 120 Indigenous staff members,” said Ms Cross.

She is also heartened by the community engagement activities undertaken with local Elders and the Indigenous community in Hervey Bay, as part of the development of the new St Stephen’s Hospital.

“Since December Blue Care has also been assisting the Assembly of the Uniting Church by managing a wide range of residential and aged care services in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley area of NW Australia, many of which support Indigenous people.,” said Ms Cross

“Every day, UnitingCare Community works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages to help improve their well-being.”

UnitingCare Queensland is the health and community service provider of the Uniting Church