When Dr Jane Greacen established a medical practice in Bairnsdale, local Elders helped shape everything from the environment patients would enter to the way care would be provided.
The result was Dr Jane’s Place – a mainstream general practice designed to be welcoming, culturally safe and respectful for First Nations patients.
After two decades of clinical care, advocacy and partnership with Aboriginal communities in East Gippsland, Dr Greacen has received the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) 2026 Outstanding Contribution to First Nations Healthcare Award.
Her contribution was celebrated at Rural Medicine Australia 2026 in Tarndanya (Adelaide), where she was presented with the national award during the conference held from 21–24 October.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Dr Greacen’s work demonstrates the importance of listening to communities and building trust over time.
“Jane did not decide what culturally safe healthcare should look like and then ask the community to accept it,” Dr Martin says.
“She listened to local Elders, built genuine relationships and worked alongside the community to create a service where First Nations people felt respected, understood and welcome.
“That trust cannot be manufactured. It has been earned through Jane’s consistency, humility and willingness to stand beside her patients both inside and outside the consulting room.”
Dr Greacen spent almost 20 years caring for First Nations patients through the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative. In 2008, she worked with local Elders to establish the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Health in East Gippsland.
She opened Dr Jane’s Place in Bairnsdale in 2017, with First Nations patients comprising a significant proportion of the practice community.
Her commitment has extended beyond clinical consultations. Dr Greacen has visited patients at home during times of need and Sorry Business, supported patients in hospital, participated in NAIDOC Week events and advocated for First Nations people through her roles in healthcare and local government.
Gunaikurnai Elder Roderick Mullett has described Dr Greacen as “our community voice and champion”.
Her work has also helped create a pathway for future Rural Generalists. In 2024, ACRRM accredited an Advanced Specialised Training program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health involving Dr Jane’s Place, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust.
Dr Greacen says culturally safe care begins with listening.
“Working with the First Nations community has taught me never to make assumptions,” she says.
“Healthcare services must listen to the people they serve, respect their knowledge and experiences, and be prepared to change the way care is delivered.”
The ACRRM award recognises Dr Greacen’s enduring contribution to culturally safe healthcare and improved health outcomes for First Nations people.