OUR RAP – INNOVATE
As the RAP Champion for Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH), I am honoured to introduce our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), launched in March 2025. This marks the next stage in our commitment to reconciliation between Australia’s First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
Our first RAP, a Reflect RAP, laid the foundations for our reconciliation journey. Through it, we deepened our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and perspectives—particularly in relation to mental health and wellbeing. Now, with our Innovate RAP, we take the next step: moving from reflection to action.
At QAMH, we recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to be disproportionately affected by mental health challenges. Systemic barriers, historical and ongoing colonisation, and the lack of culturally safe models of care all contribute to these disparities. As the peak body for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector in Queensland, we have a responsibility to advocate for and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, self-determination, and culturally safe service delivery.
The Innovate RAP sets out tangible actions to embed reconciliation in our work. It strengthens our commitment to listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, building genuine partnerships, and advocating for systemic change. Through this plan, we seek to create meaningful opportunities within our sphere of influence—whether through procurement, employment, or policy advocacy—to contribute to reconciliation in a lasting way.
I am proud to lead this work alongside our RAP Working Group and our team, Members, and partners. Reconciliation is a shared journey, and we invite all within our network to walk with us as we continue this important work.
Chloe Jesson
QAMH Deputy CEO & RAP Champion
QAMH acknowledges and pays deep respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters across Australia. We honour their Elders past and present, whose knowledge, leadership, and cultural practices have sustained these lands for millennia.