Grampians Health launches inaugural Intercultural Action Plan to advance inclusivity and cultural diversity
Grampians Health 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.”
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.
Quotes from staff across our campuses who proudly serve as ambassadors for our new Intercultural Action Plan.
Ballarat Care Assessment Officer Elizabeth Joseph – born in Kerala, India.
“At Grampians Health, we have employees at every level who come from many different parts of the world. I believe the Intercultural Action Plan will ensure equitable access to services, foster an inclusive workplace and build cultural competence among staff,” Ms Joseph said.
“I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful colleagues who have helped me to settle in Australia, especially those who have taught me some useful Aussie slang words.
“Australia offers so many opportunities, and the people here are so welcoming. Just like back home in India, it’s all about showing respect and valuing the cultural beliefs that make this country special.”
Edenhope Nurse Unit Manager and Infection Control Lead Christian Vidal – born and raised in the Philippines.
“I’ve been living in Australia for six years now. You can’t buy the peace and serenity that’s on offer here in Edenhope. What makes it even more special is feeling part of a community that values diversity and inclusion,” Mr Vidal said.
“My background and culture are an important part of who I am. 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.
“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.”
Dimboola Registered Nurse Saramma Issac – born and raised in Kerala, India.
“An Intercultural Action Plan is important not only for organisations like Grampians Health but for everyone. It gives an outlook on what the cultural differences are in different countries. This helps us understand each other better and promotes unity,” Mrs Isaac said.
“Understanding each other’s culture helps build harmony. I believe every culture is important. The key is to respect, respect, respect. As the saying goes, give respect and take respect.”
Horsham Registered Nurse Navya George – born and raised in Kerala, India.
“I was born and raised in Kerala, India, where compassion, respect and community values shaped my journey into nursing. Australia attracted me for its high standards of healthcare, cultural diversity and peaceful natural environment,” Ms George said.
“An Intercultural Action Plan provides staff with training, resources and guidance to improve cultural competence. It helps them understand and respect the diverse cultural practices, beliefs, and values of patients. This reduces misunderstandings, enhances communication and increases staff confidence in providing care, while also creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
“Patients benefit from culturally safe care where their language, values and preferences are acknowledged and respected. This builds trust, encourages engagement with healthcare services and improves adherence to treatment plans. Patients feel valued, understood and comfortable.”
Horsham Registered Nurse Joseph Gregory – born and raised in Kerala, India.
“The reason I came to Australia was to expand both my professional and personal depths, gaining more useful experience in this industry while being able to enjoy the beauty that Australian culture has to offer,” Mr Gregory said.
“Though my culture has many traditional values that I feel have been significant in shaping who I am, I feel one of the most important values that I continue to practise is showing respect.
“I think it is crucial to have an Intercultural Action Plan in place as it will create a workplace where, not only will staff and patients alike feel respected and valued but they will also feel seen.
“I’m proud to contribute to this journey and look forward to seeing how we continue to grow together.”
Dimboola Nurse Bimba Wickramasinghe – born in Sri Lanka.
“My culture is deeply influenced by Buddhism which guides the way we live. Practicing mindfulness, praying daily and celebrating important Buddhist events such as Vesak (Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing) are meaningful to me,” Mrs Wickramasinghe said.
“Respecting elders and living with kindness and compassion are core values that shape how I interact with others.
“I hope this plan will create a space where people are seen for who they truly are. By promoting awareness and understanding, the plan can help staff provide better care, make patients feel more respected and strengthen trust within the wider community.”
Visit www.grampianshealth.org.au/intercultural-action-plan/ to read Grampians Health’s first Intercultural Action Plan.
