Dr Ed Poliness wins Closing the Gap Award for work with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative

A Geelong GP has been awarded a prestigious award for his work in Indigenous healthcare.

A Geelong GP has been awarded a prestigious award for his work with an aboriginal health co-operative.

Dr Ed Poliness was this week handed the Closing the Gap Award at the Victorian Rural Health Awards, for his “significant contribution” in providing care to aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients and communities.

Dr Poliness has worked with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative for the past decade, which he described as a rewarding experience.

Closing the Gap Award winner Dr Ed Poliness

“I’ve been working at Wathaurong for about 10 years and in Aboriginal health generally for about 20 years, and I love working in an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO),” he said.

“It’s about working for the community and working for the people and they get to decide the general pathways and structures of the health system looking after their health.

“You’re working with one of the oldest communities in the world – it’s a thrill to be part of something like that.”

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative health services executive manager Tony McCartney said the award was an acknowledgment of both Dr Poliness’ and the organisation’s success in helping their community.

“The initiative of Closing the Gap means more than just improving the health of First Nations people, it is about making sure that we as ACCOs are driving the decisions and delivery of programs to benefit our communities,” Mr McCartney said.

“This award recognises the contributions that Dr Ed has made as part of our Wathaurong health service in reaching those goals.”

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Originally published as Dr Ed Poliness wins Closing the Gap Award for work with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative