The Fred Hollows Foundation has launched its new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reaffirming its commitment to advancing health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and strengthening respectful, enduring partnerships with First Nations communities.
The RAP sets out a clear roadmap to deepen The Foundation’s contribution to reconciliation by embedding cultural respect, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of its work. Guided by the vision of Professor Fred Hollows, who championed justice and equal access to eye care, the plan reflects a continued focus on addressing avoidable blindness and improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples.
CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation Ross Piper said, “The RAP marks a significant step forward in ensuring the organisation’s work is led by and responsive to the needs and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Whilst not The Foundation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, this RAP builds on and extends the work of our previous plans.
This Reconciliation Action Plan strengthens our commitment to listening, learning and partnering with First Nations peoples and to create lasting change
“Reconciliation is fundamental to achieving health equity in Australia. This Reconciliation Action Plan strengthens our commitment to listening, learning and partnering with First Nations peoples and to create lasting change.
“The Foundation recognises the unique knowledge, strength and leadership within First Nations communities, and we are committed to supporting self-determination in all that we do.”
Practical Actions
The RAP outlines practical actions across key pillars, including relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance. These actions include expanding partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), increasing cultural competency across the workforce, and creating meaningful employment and procurement opportunities for First Nations people and businesses.
A key focus of the plan is improving access to culturally safe and accessible eye care services in remote and regional communities, where rates of avoidable vision loss remain disproportionately high. The Foundation will continue to work in partnership with local communities, health services, and governments to close the gap in eye health outcomes.
The Foundation’s RAP builds on its longstanding work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and aligns with national reconciliation priorities, including continued support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and membership of the Allies for Uluru Coalition. It also reinforces a shared belief that eliminating avoidable blindness is inseparable from achieving social justice and equality.