Moving forward together: our 2025 Reconciliation Action Plan highlights
30 January 2026
Peter Mac's teams are taking a moment to reflect on their 2025 progress against the organisation's second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Many passionate staff and volunteers continued driving our reconciliation work through 2025, partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to strengthen cultural safety and improve equity in cancer care. Below are some highlights from the year.
Opening balit murrup, balit gurri
Opened in 2025, Peter Mac’s new Aboriginal Health Unit space balit murrup, balit gurri provides a welcoming and private place for First Nations patients, families and community. It includes custom furnishings, swipe access and culturally informed design. The official opening with a Smoking Ceremony led by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Zeta Thompson during NAIDOC Week was well-attended by Peter Mac staff and partners. Peter Mac’s Aboriginal Health Unit team now works from the space, improving the visibility and accessibility of Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers.
Culturally safe cancer care projects
We progressed the first of two multi-service projects supported by an Australian Government and Cancer Australia grant. The ‘Partnerships for Culturally Safe Cancer Care’ projects are a collaboration between Peter Mac, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), the Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, and WCMICS. The first project focuses on lung and breast cancer screening, and psycho-oncology care, with an Aboriginal Patient Navigator role now supporting First Nations patients as they attend the three hospitals. Both projects aim to place the First Nations health workforce, alongside patients and families, at the centre of efforts to improve outcomes and experiences.
Connecting our First Nations workforce
In line with the goals of Peter Mac's First Nation's Employment Strategy, a new Aboriginal Workforce Consultant position has been created. The newly appointed consultant will formalise a Peter Mac First Nations Staff Network, creating a strong community for peer support, social activities, and advocacy. 
Reconciliation Week across our campuses
During National Reconciliation Week, RAP Supporters and the Aboriginal Health Unit delivered learning sessions to 180 staff. The 15-minute sessions introduced key programs for First Nations patients, and families, offered advice on delivering an Acknowledgement of Country, and shared guidance on seeking Community feedback on projects. The conversations helped ease cultural load on First Nations staff and empowered more people to engage with reconciliation efforts.
New partnerships
Peter Mac signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service in December. The collaboration is now in the planning stages, with the aim of strengthening coordinated cancer care and culturally safe pathways across the state. Work on a similar agreement with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has also progressed, setting us up for a collaborative 2026.
Sector leadership in culturally safe cancer care
Throughout the year, Peter Mac helped shape national conversations about First Nations cancer care. Peter Mac hosted a major Cancer Australia First Nations Showcase in July, drawing hundreds of participants from across Australia. We also hosted the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health’s Aboriginal Health Showcase, which highlighted co‑design, innovation and community leadership in Aboriginal health.
You can view Peter Mac's Reconciliation Action Plan here. Learn about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committe here.