Respiratory Care WA’s vision is for every Western Australian facing a respiratory condition to have access to personalised care.
There are more than 1 in 9 Australians impacted by asthma and 1 in 4 over the age of 65 facing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but we know these rates are much higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. The community are twice as likely to have asthma and twice as likely to die from asthma, whilst the prevalence of COPD is 5.6 times.
Respiratory Care WA is committed to addressing this inequity. We are the only organisation in WA offering free, personalised diagnosis, support and education for people impacted by respiratory conditions. We have a vision that everyone in WA with a respiratory condition can live their best lives.
Respiratory Care WA recognises the importance of understanding the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by respiratory conditions and in developing approaches to managing their condition and providing health services that are culturally safe. We are striving to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders be empowered to determine what is needed by way of safe, culturally appropriate, and effective approaches to healthcare and healthy communities.
We are committed to learning from, engaging with and working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, organisations, and communities to build awareness and education to create a better quality of life.
Respiratory Care WA recognises that sovereignty was never ceded and that this was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. We are committed to an equitable and reconciled Australia.
We launched our three-year road map in 2023 and will soon be announcing our updated Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), please stay tuned for this announcement.
Reflect RAP Artwork By Harley Richards
The left side of the artwork symbolises the different services and health professionals that can assist in achieving a better quality of life with asthma.
The right side the artwork speaks to the feeling of having asthma and the journey to better health and wellbeing.
The earthy tones support the calmness and interconnectedness of nature and biology.
Artwork by Harley Richards.
About The Artist
Harley Richards is a Noongar man living & working on Whadjuk Country. Brought up around his mother’s art practice, he thrives on exploring his visual expression through the storytelling & symbolism of his culture. His work spans canvas paintings, graphic design & murals.
Richards worked as a graphic designer for 6+ years at AHCWA creating mostly Aboriginal style graphics and content relative to Indigenous peoples. He is currently working as a freelance artist and designer. Richards also lives with asthma.