Children, young people, and families from multicultural, refugee, and low English proficiency backgrounds face significant barriers to accessing equitable healthcare, including language challenges, limited health literacy, and systemic discrimination. These issues contribute to poor health outcomes and reduced trust in healthcare services. To address this, the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) launched the Community Ambassadors Program (multicultural), connecting with trusted community leaders to foster culturally safe, two-way communication.

In 2024/25, eight Ambassadors received training to identify concerns, facilitate consultations, co-develop events and initiatives. This relationship-focused program supports CAHS to better understand and respond to the unique healthcare needs of diverse communities.

Key Takeaways: 

• Aim of the Community Ambassador Program
• Building the foundation: recruitment, training and support
• Achievements and early impact
• Lessons learned from the program to date