We are excited to be finalising the new South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) Multicultural Action Plan 2026-2030. This initiative represents a significant advancement in our efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. This project has provided an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to inclusivity and cultural safety, ensuring we address the needs of our multicultural community.

By focusing on the needs of culturally diverse populations, the plan aimed to enhance patient experiences, develop and provide meaningful opportunities for staff, and strengthen our connections with the community and partners. It was also designed to support our vision to deliver excellent health care, every time.

Thank you to the staff who participated in the survey, interviews or focus groups. Your feedback and shared experiences have been valuable in informing the development of our Multicultural Action Plan. The staff and community engagement is now completed and a snapshot of the voices heard through our engagement is captured below.

The engagement process identified key priorities for action that stakeholders felt should guide the development of the new Multicultural Action Plan. These suggestions and ideas broadly fell into the following categories:

By 2030, SMHS will be known for providing culturally responsive care, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, and cultivating a culture of respect and inclusion. Every person – consumer or staff - will feel welcome, safe, and empowered.

The SMHS Multicultural Action Plan will feature 7 strategic goals that will provide a roadmap for driving improvements across SMHS based on the opportunities for action you identified. Click the follow button at the top of the page to be notified when the endorsed Multicultural Action Plan is launched in early 2026.