Grampians Health launches inaugural Intercultural Action Plan to advance inclusivity and cultural diversity
Grampians Health has today (Friday 10 October) officially launched its first Intercultural Action Plan, marking a major step forward in its ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and culturally diverse healthcare environment.
The plan reinforces Grampians Health’s broader commitment to delivering high-quality, consumer-centred care, workplaces where people thrived and partnered with communities to improve health outcomes.
CEO Dale Fraser said the Intercultural Action Plan would help position Grampians Health as a healthcare service that listened, learned and led with inclusion.
“By aligning our intercultural priorities with our strategic goals, we are strengthening our vision to be a trusted, progressive and inclusive healthcare service,” Mr Fraser said.
“It is a timely and strategic response to the evolving cultural landscape of both our workforce and the communities we serve. As of April 2025, about 25% of Grampians Health staff were born overseas, representing over 100 countries worldwide. The largest groups include staff from India and the Philippines.”
The Intercultural Action Plan consolidates existing and future initiatives under three key priority areas of Safe and Inclusive Workplace; Community Connections, Representation and Accessibility; and Cultural Change.
Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Committee Chair Veronica Furnier said the framework provided clear direction for building a culturally safe and capable organisation.
“This plan supports Grampians Health being an employer of choice for culturally diverse candidates and ensures all staff feel respected, safe and included,” Ms Furnier said.
“It also strengthens engagement with multicultural communities and embeds their voices in how we plan and deliver services.
“Ultimately, the plan will also help to normalise diversity and inclusion as core elements of how we work – not as add-ons – with a focus on building a culturally capable, accountable and empowered workforce.”
Edenhope Nurse Unit Manager and Infection Control Lead Christian Vidal, who was born and raised in the Philippines, said he welcomed the new Intercultural Action Plan.
“I’ve been living in Australia for six years now. When I first came to Australia, I lived in Sydney, but after moving to a rural area in Victoria, where there are more sheep and cattle than people, I’ve fallen in love with Edenhope,” Mr Vidal said.
“You can’t buy the peace and serenity that’s on offer here. What makes it even more special is feeling part of a community that values diversity and inclusion.”
Mr Vidal said his background and culture had played a significant role in shaping the person he was today.
“Filipino people are known for our deep respect for elders and our strong sense of community. We treat everyone like family and are always ready to lend a helping hand,” Mr Vidal said.
“That’s why the Intercultural Action Plan means so much to me. It creates opportunities for us to share our cultural values, strengthen understanding and build connections across our teams and communities. I’m looking forward to helping bring some of these initiatives to life.”
The Intercultural Action Plan was developed through extensive consultation with staff and community representatives and will continue to evolve through ongoing engagement and feedback.
It will be implemented and monitored by Grampians Health’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, with clear measures in place to track progress across key initiatives. These include improvements in access, inclusion and cultural capability across the organisation.
Visit www.grampianshealth.org.au/intercultural-action-plan/ to read Grampians Health’s first Intercultural Action Plan.
