17 Mar 2021

There is a gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. There's a health gap. An infant mortality and life expectancy gap. A physical and mental health gap. An education and employment gap. A family and community wellbeing gap.

Action is long overdue. That's where the Closing The Gap campaign comes in, to tackle issues disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and achieve equality. 

Closing The Gap is aimed at reducing disadvantage among Indigenous peoples. For example, while Australia enjoys one of the highest average life expectancies of any country, the same is not true for many Indigenous communities. In general, non-Indigenous Australians have greater opportunities to obtain better housing and healthcare and have higher rates of employment.

What's up with that? And how can we help close the gap?

Educate yourself

Did you know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is the oldest living culture in the world? It spans back to at least 50,000 years, some arguing 65,000 years! Did you know that more than 250 Australian Indigenous languages exist - and Australian English borrows more than 400 words from Aboriginal languages.

Learn about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, including ‘the Dreaming’, country, language, law, the environment, family and kinship. Be inspired by the breathtaking spirituality. Learn from their relationship with nature. Listen to their stories and be respectful.

One of the best ways to be an advocate for change is to educate yourself. Learn about the tragic historical events that occurred in our shared history. Learn about persistent and ongoing health issues. Learn about the gap so that you can...

Join the movement

Sign petitions that create buzz online. Browse, like and share the Close The Gap Facebook page, and see if there's anything happening you'd like to be involved with. Spread awareness and tell your family and friends about the current state of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples by reposting articles and facts on your social media channels.

This only scratches the surface. There is so much you can do, so what are you waiting for? Close the gap.