Tuesday June 17, 2025
Aunty Lou Baulch has been inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll for her extraordinary contributions to cultural preservation, community leadership and health equity across the eastern region and beyond.
Aunty Lou is a deeply respected Aboriginal Elder whose lifelong dedication to fostering understanding, unity and cultural pride has had a lasting impact on individuals and systems alike. Through storytelling, mentoring and tireless advocacy, she has helped preserve and pass on Aboriginal culture and traditions, ensuring these vital legacies endure for generations.
Her influence within Eastern Health has been transformative. Aunty Lou has actively contributed to numerous committees, including the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee, the Closing the Health Gap Committee and the Aboriginal Health Advisory Committee.
Her wisdom and guidance have been instrumental in shaping culturally safe practices, embedding reconciliation into organisational values and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In 2024 Aunty Lou was recognised as an Eastern Health 2024 RAP Champion during National Reconciliation Week and continues to have a profound impact on our shared journey toward reconciliation.
Since 2011, the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll recognises First Nations people for their achievements across diverse fields including health, education, justice, sport, the arts, community leadership and military service.
The Honour Roll acknowledges the influence of First Nations leaders who have helped create a fairer and better place for all Victorians and provides a platform to celebrate their cultures, languages and excellence.