Strengthening health career pathways for First Nations students

The Bupa Foundation has announced $150,000 in funding for three First Nations-led organisations working to strengthen education, career and health pathways for First Nations students entering the health sector.

Malpa, Weenthunga Health Network and the Deadly Ed Foundation will each receive $50,000 to support initiatives that improve health, education and employment outcomes for First Nations communities. The funding builds on Bupa’s partnerships with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Brien Holden Foundation.

Bupa APAC Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Roger Sharp said the donations reflect Bupa’s vision for an Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience equity and equality and enjoy longer, healthier and happier lives.

“Supporting First Nations health organisations is a major priority under our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which aims to deliver tangible social, cultural and economic benefits for First Nations peoples around Australia.

“By learning from and alongside these organisations, we also empower our people to deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures, and to reflect on the true histories and ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities,” Mr Sharp said.

Malpa CEO Tracey Thompson said partnerships like this help young people make healthy choices and create generational change.

“Support from the Bupa Foundation means a lot to our organisation and the communities we work with in building strong foundations in health, wellbeing, literacy, leadership, and reconciliation,” Ms Thompson said.

Delivered in partnership with local Elders and Aboriginal health workers, Malpa’s Young Doctors Program is a 15-week school-based initiative that supports children through culture, health education and leadership development.

Weenthunga Health Network works with First Nations students from secondary school through to university by delivering mentoring, academic support, wellbeing care and connection to community.

“Supporting First Nations health organisations is a major priority” – Roger Sharp

Deadly Ed Foundation’s Improve Country program embeds Aboriginal knowledge, connection to land and community leadership into everyday learning guided by Aboriginal educators.

As part of its commitment to enhancing mental health outcomes in First Nations communities, Bupa is also supporting seven First Nations delegates from underfunded communities to attend the National Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Conference helping to build expertise and leadership in this critical national health priority.