At SMHS, diversity is part of who we are.

Our patients and clients come from many cultures, speak 137 languages and represent 205 ancestries. Our workforce is just as diverse, helping us better understand and respond to the needs of our community.

The SMHS Multicultural Action Plan 2026-2030 builds on the work already underway across SMHS and sets out seven goals to help us create more inclusive services, strengthen cultural responsiveness, and ensure everyone in our diverse community feels safe, welcomed, and respected.

Explore updates on the plan and opportunities to get involved below.

  • Action 2.1

    This action is about making sure people from multicultural backgrounds can help shape our health services.

    What progress have we made?
    We are developing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for consumers, carers and community members interested in joining the SMHS Multicultural Action Plan Working Group. Members will be able to share their experiences and ideas to help improve services.

    The EOI will be available in November. We will share it here so you can learn more and apply if you are interested.

  • Action 3.5

    This action is about developing guidelines to help staff communicate with patients, carers and community members in a clear and easy to understand way.

    What progress have we made?
    We are collecting feedback about what information should be included to help staff communicate more clearly.

    You can help by taking part in our Put it to the People activity and sharing your ideas.

    Click here to get involved and share your ideas 

  • Action 5.1

    This action is about bringing staff and community members together to guide and support the delivery of the MAP.

    What progress have we made?
    We have established the SMHS Multicultural Action Plan Implementation Working Group. The group includes representatives from across SMHS and meets regularly to monitor progress, share ideas and support the implementation of actions in the plan.

    We are also working to include consumer, carer and community voices in the group (see action 2.1).

  • Action 6.1

    This action is about providing easy access to information, updates and resources about the SMHS Multicultural Action Plan.

    What progress have we made?
    On this page you can find information about the plan, track our progress, access resources, and learn about opportunities to get involved. We have also developed a staff resource hub.

    Click the 'Follow' button at the top of the page

  • Action 7.1

    This action is about improving how we collect information about the language our patients speak at home and their cultural background. This helps us understand our community, plan services that meet your needs, and connect patients with interpreter services.

    What progress have we made?
    We have set up a group to review training for clerical staff. The group is exploring ways to improve education and increase training completion so we can collect this information accurately and consistently.