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07 Sep 2022

Embedding an equity-first mindset at our core

  • VCCC Alliance
  • VACCHO

Since its inception in June 2022, the health equity program at the VCCC Alliance has gone from strength to strength. We are pleased to now be able to highlight some of our work on the VCCC Alliance website.

Equity Advisory Group in full swing

The Equity Advisory Group (EAG) has convened and is meeting bi-monthly. In addition to overseeing project support funding for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer control project, the EAG is working on the development of a Cancer Equity Framework to provide practical guidance for those wanting to embed an equity approach in their research, education and health service work. The EAG is made up of a diverse group of ‘experts by experience’.

Read more about membership, Terms of Reference and Principles.

System-level collaboration for system-level change

The health equity program has been developing relationships with mission-driven organisations. Two key relationships are with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and with the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative (the Collaborative), an initiative of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia.

As a member, the VCCC Alliance will harness the expertise and experience of our alliance members to advocate for equitable cancer experiences and outcomes to be embedded within the work of the Collaborative.

Assessing the state of play

Pleasingly, VCCC Alliance members have been actively pursuing equity initiatives for many years. As part of the health equity program, we undertook scoping to determine the depth and breadth of work being conducted across the alliance.

We identified in excess of 40 active projects focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse communities. As innovative work continues, we plan to update this dashboard annually.

The health equity program continues to share information about its methodology and work through various forums. A key piece of work has been developing a shared language and understanding of health equity.

Read more about our definitions, submissions and presentations.

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