Australia’s First Nations' peoples deserve access to healthcare that respects their culture, history and community values. Yet delivering culturally appropriate care in remote and regional areas continues to be a challenge across the country. At Vanguard Health, our work through programs like IRIS (Indigenous and Remote Eye Health Service) has offered important insights into what it means to truly meet the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—not just medically, but culturally.
Why Culturally Appropriate Care Matters
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians face significant disparities in health outcomes, with life expectancy, chronic illness, and access to services all disproportionately affected. But clinical outcomes are only part of the picture. Healthcare that doesn’t understand or respect cultural perspectives risks deepening mistrust and disengagement.
Building culturally safe environments isn’t just good practice - it’s essential to closing the gap.
Lessons from the Field: What Works
1. Listening First
The most powerful healthcare initiatives begin with listening. In our IRIS programs, community engagement comes before clinical planning. Before any service is implemented, we work with community leaders, health workers and other key community members to understand the unique needs of each region.
2. Partnerships with Local Indigenous Health Workers
We collaborate closely with local Indigenous health professionals and community-controlled health organisations to ensure all services are community-led and culturally grounded. These partnerships help embed services in the local context and support employment and leadership pathways for First Nations peoples in healthcare.
3. Flexibility in Service Delivery
Rural and remote communities are diverse—not only geographically, but culturally. This means adapting the model of care to meet local customs and rhythms.
4. Respect for Language and Communication Styles
Effective communication goes beyond translation. It’s about understanding how information is shared, what terms resonate (or alienate), and how to build shared understanding. Many of our teams receive training in cultural communication styles and work alongside community liaisons to co-deliver health education and consultations. Vanguard Health has implemented multiple pictorial health resources designed in conjunction with local Indigenous artists, community members and health workers with traditional learning styles in mind, some of which have been translated into language.
5. Continuity and Consistency of Care
One of the most commonly cited frustrations in rural health is the “fly-in, fly-out” model. While specialist visits are crucial, long-term engagement is key. Through IRIS, we aim to provide reliable, repeat care - often delivered by the same clinicians - to build rapport and consistency over time.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Cultural Safety in Health
True cultural safety is not a checklist—it’s an ongoing process of reflection, collaboration, and accountability. Our journey is shaped by the voices of First Nations communities who generously share their stories and guide our practice.
As we continue to expand programs like IRIS, we remain committed to listening, learning, and evolving our services so they reflect not only clinical excellence, but deep cultural respect.
Want to learn more about IRIS or partner with us on Indigenous health initiatives?
📩 Contact us at jennifer@vanguardhealth.com.au
