Wesfarmers Health - Reconciliation

As a business focussed on health and wellbeing, Wesfarmers Health has a unique opportunity to support efforts towards closing the gap in First Nations health outcomes.

Investing in reconciliation with First Nations people aligns with Wesfarmers Health’s purpose of building better lives through better health, including our mission to provide health, beauty and wellness experiences that are simpler, more affordable, and easier to access.

In support of the broader Wesfarmers Reconciliation Action Plan, the business’ efforts will focus on four areas: cultural awareness, employment, engagement and procurement. This includes increasing First Nations representation in the workforce, building culturally safe workplaces, and working alongside First Nations business owners.

In March 2024, Wesfarmers Health onboarded a First Nations Affairs and Enterprise Manager to establish key actions and initiatives that align to the broader Wesfarmers Reconciliation Action Plan and to each of the four focus areas.

Cultural awareness

In the 2024 financial year, Wesfarmers Health offered online pre-recorded cultural awareness training modules for all new team members. As at the end of the financial year, 2,611 instances of online pre-recorded cultural awareness training were delivered using these modules.

Employment and training

In further strengthening workplace cultural safety for First Nations team members, the business has also provided the opportunity for First Nations team members to self-identify, resulting in 11 Nations team members self-identifying. Moreover, Wesfarmers Health is proudly supporting two team members’ participation in the Wesfarmers Indigenous Leadership Program (WILP).

Engagement

Wesfarmers Health is committed to improving its approach and better understanding how it partners with and builds reciprocal relationships that support local First Nations led organisations, communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Procurement

Supporting First Nations businesses is at the heart of self-determination. Partnering with First Nations businesses enables direct economic benefit through higher levels of household income that support higher standards of living, including better health outcomes.

Wesfarmers Health will look to identify further opportunities with First Nations owned businesses in the future, and to strengthen these relationships over time.