On National Close the Gap Day 2026, 19 March, Cancer Council WA staff came together to hear a discussion panel exploring how the Closing the Gap targets relate to our work and to improving the cancer outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap sets targets across health, education, housing and employment, recognising that these areas all influence life expectancy and wellbeing.
The panel featured both members of Cancer Council WA's Aboriginal Advisory Group - Binjarep Nyoongar and Palyku woman, Leanne Pilkington, and Liz Wilkes, a Wadjuk and Ballardong woman - as well as our own staff, and was an incredible opportunity to hear perspectives on how Closing the Gap targets relate to Cancer Council WA's work, including our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, launched last year. Importantly, staff were invited to reflect on the role that each of us have to play in this vital work.
Conversations like this help build understanding across our organisation, and we will aim to translate that understanding into action through our prevention, support, and advocacy work. Closing the Gap was also highlighted in our recent organisational survey as a topic staff are keen to learn more about – a reminder that this work matters not just externally, but within our own organisation too.
We recognise the role our organisation can play in improving equity through prevention, early detection, support services and culturally appropriate care. Cancer Council WA stands firmly behind the Closing the Gap targets and will continue to champion health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The 2026 Close the Gap Campaign Report - released on the same day as the panel – is an important report that explores justice, equality, and healing, and reinforces how social, cultural, and institutional factors shape health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The report also shares success stories, showing how reforms have made a real difference in people's lives.
