National Close the Gap Day 2026
nib foundation acknowledges National Close the Gap Day, which advocates for health equity of Australia’s First Nations Peoples. It is a good chance to pause and recognise the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Today is National Close the Gap Day, which advocates for health equity of Australia’s First Nations Peoples. It is a good chance to pause and recognise the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It is an important moment that aligns with nib’s RAP vision,, opens in a new tab to contemplate on how we can all take meaningful action to create better and more equitable conditions in this country – individually, and within nib.
At nib, we recognise that achieving better health outcomes requires long term partnership, community leadership, and approaches that support people to navigate systems designed to keep them well.
With one of our partners supporting people living in the remote community of Bourke in a program seeing positive impact particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, today is an opportunity to share an update on this partnership.
We’re proud to partner with the NSW Outback Division of General Practice, opens in a new tab to support the Bourke Pathways Care Navigation Program, a community designed initiative that strengthens access to healthcare, social services, and supports for people across the Bourke region.
Since launching just over a year ago, Bourke Pathways has:
Helped 117 community members people confidently navigate health, legal, and social service systems that can otherwise be difficult to access in remote settings.
Offered culturally safe, person centred care with 65% of clients identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Fostered strong interagency collaboration, including developing a centralised Bourke Health Services Directory to make service information clearer and more accessible.
Bourke Pathways reflects the Closing the Gap movement with support that removes barriers, strengthens confidence, and helps communities access the care and services they choose.
What is today about?
Close the Gap Day is a national day of awareness and action focused on achieving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It calls attention to the gaps that still exist in areas such as life expectancy, early childhood development, education, and employment, shaped by longstanding structural barriers and enduring impacts of colonisation. The Closing the Gap movement, opens in a new tab is grounded in the belief that equitable outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say in shaping the policies, programs, and services that affect their lives. It emphasises community‑led solutions, shared decision‑making, and systemic reform as essential pathways to supporting strong, healthy, and thriving futures for First Nations peoples.
Partnering to improve health equity
nib foundation is proud to announce our two new Partners for Health Equity: People with Disability Australia and Down Syndrome Australia.
Improving youth mental health and wellbeing through The Kindness Institute’s kaupapa Māori mental health program
The Kindness Institute’s Atawhai program helps improve young people’s mental, spiritual and cultural wellness in Auckland, New Zealand
Awabakal Cultural Camp’s connecting youth to culture
Bush tucker experiences, local history and art workshops and dancing are just some of the activities taking place at Awabakal’s Cultural Youth Camps.