Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, who hold the healing traditions, lore, memories and hopes of First Nations peoples. Peter Mac recognises the continuing connection to land, waters, and community and the role these connections play in strengthening approaches to First Nations peoples’ health and wellbeing. We honour the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people, Dja Dja Wurrung people, and Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nations, on whose lands we meet and work each day.
Peter Mac is committed to building an organisational culture which values and deepens our understanding of, and commitment to, First Nations staff, patients, families and communities. We acknowledge that policies, laws, and practices since colonisation have affected First Nations people and caused harm and distrust. We also acknowledge the ongoing dispossession and intergenerational trauma which continue to impact First Nations people today. We recognise that this journey requires space and time to listen, build meaningful connections, and work alongside First Nations people. As Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer treatment, research, and education, our responsibility to deliver culturally safe care and promote self-determination for First Nations people is essential.
At Peter Mac, our approach to reconciliation is underpinned by our three organisational values – Compassion, Excellence and Innovation. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe space, where all people can access the very best cancer treatment and care – Professor Jason Payne, CEO
We are guided in our work by Peter Mac’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, who have oversight of our Reconciliation Action Plan and First Nations Employment Strategy.
Programs and services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees
As a world leader in cancer care, education, and research, we aim to lead the way in providing a culturally safe experience for First Nations people, both those who work with us and those we serve as patients and their families – Sean Curtain, Executive Director, People and Culture
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network
Run by the balit murrup balit gurri Aboriginal Health Unit, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff network provides an opportunity for First Nations staff to come together from across the hospital in a safe space.
balit murrup, balit gurri
Meaning ‘Strong Spirit, Strong Health’ in Woi-Wurrung language, this is Peter Mac’s cultural space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community (including staff), located on Level 1 opposite the Wellbeing Centre.
Dedicated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and cultural supervision service
Peter Mac's EAP provider, Converge, offers a range of services run for and by First Nations people. These include:
- First Nations helpline
- First Nations professional supervision
- Yarning Circles
- Wellbeing checks
- Manager coaching
Cultural leave
Peter Mac has a dedicated leave policy for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff that allows for three paid days of ceremonial leave and one day of paid leave during NAIDOC week each year, as well as paid attendance of community meetings during working hours.
Read more about the benefits of working at Peter Mac.
Our workplace culture
Work experience
Aurora Education Foundation partnership
Peter Mac partners with the Aurora Education Foundation to host interns interested in cancer care and cancer research.
Research Work Experience
Peter Mac’s Year 10 work experience program has five dedicated places each year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Contact usIf you are interested in speaking with our People and Culture team about an application, you can contact Read more information about our recruitment process and how to apply |
