The Social Justice Commission for the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba is urging all community members to commit to “Closing the Gap” between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the wider population.   In 2005 the then Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma called on Australian governments to commit to achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Life Expectancy Equality within 25 years. From this Social Justice Report the Close the Gap Campaign was born.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can expect to live substantially shorter lives than other Australians – up to 20 years less in some cases. Babies born to Aboriginal mothers die at twice the rate of other Australian babies. And they experience higher rates of preventable illness such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.  “In a nation as wealthy as ours these statistics are shameful,” stated Executive Officer Dr Mark Copland. “And international experience tells us that it doesn’t have to be like this.  Both Canada and New Zealand have made great progress in “Closing the Gap” for Indigenous peoples in their countries.”

The Social Justice Commission is working with a local “Close the Gap” committee to create a regional postcard of social indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander residents.   It is also promoting “best practice” in the fields of health and education.  One example of this is the “New Directions Mothers and Babies Service” run by the Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health. This initiative offers support and education to young Aboriginal mothers assisting them with child-birth, parenting and skills for healthy living. The “New Directions” service is evidence based – aimed at providing good health outcomes for young children. It also draws on local culture and knowledge with an elder employed to share her wisdom with Cunnamulla young women.  “The New Directions Mothers and Babies Service” is broad and holistic in its approach.   It works with other agencies to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of Indigenous babies and young children. It has a particular focus on the most marginalised and its long term goal is to break the cycle of disadvantage.”

Ann-Marie Thomas, Chief Executive of Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health has already seen a difference in the children who are a part of the programme. “In five years time all of our kids will be going to school with no hearing problems, no sight problems, no speech problems and if there are, they’ll have aids to help them in their journey to a good education and a good start in life.”

Here are some useful links to find out more about the 'Close the Gap' campaign.  To learn more click on the links below.

Close the Gap Campaign

OXFAM Close the Gap Campaign

The Federal Government's Close the Gap Strategy