Bupa has unveiled new First Nations-designed uniforms for staff at its Cairns and Mt Sheridan aged care homes.
The new designs included input from staff and represent the Gimuy-walubarra yidi people, featuring symbols and flags of the local tribe, as well as both the Aboriginal and Australian Flags.
Bupa Villages and Aged Care Managing Director, Andrew Kinkade said that the ultimate goal was to create the Bupa homes to reflect the local communities, which is fitting due to the large First Nations community in Cairns, Northern Queensland.
“We are also incredibly proud to see our Cairns-based homes bringing our First Nations employment plan to action through our new partnership with members of the Mornington Island community. As part of this partnership, members of the community will come to Cairns for paid work experience in our homes,” said Kinkade.
Kinkade added that the re-design aimed to provide the community with exposure to a career in caring, which can lead to other future possibilities within the aged care sector. The recruitment, retention and advancement of First Nations people is a major priority for Bupa’s locations in the Cairns area, as detailed in Bupa’s third Reconciliation Action Plan for 2023 through to 2026.
The Reconciliation Action Plan was developed in consultation with Bupa’s Plan Working Group, the First Nations Employee Network, and external First Nations consultancies to improve the health and equity of its workers and advance indigenous employment and procurement. The plan also aimed to educate the public about cultural awareness.
Kinkade added that the development of the latest Reconciliation Action Plan was important for Bupa.
“It is vital that we focus on empowering our people to grow our understanding and awareness of First Nations cultures and reflect on the true histories and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities.”
