INTRODUCTION:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience significant inequities in cancer care access, experience, and outcomes. These inequities are driven by systemic barriers, fragmented care pathways, and a lack of culturally safe service models. Safe Pathways was developed to address these challenges by embedding culturally informed, coordinated approaches to care that prioritise equity, inclusion, and sustainability across cancer services.

METHODS:
Safe Pathways is an Aboriginal-led, culturally governed model of care implemented within a large metropolitan health district. The program focuses on strengthening culturally safe discharge planning, improving multidisciplinary communication, and building cultural capability within cancer services. Governance is provided through Aboriginal leadership and partnerships with the Aboriginal Health Unit and Guunu-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program. Indigenous methodologies will be used to evaluate service data, staff feedback, and yarns with families for acceptability, and perceived impact across the care continuum.

RESULTS:
Findings indicate improved clarity and coordination of care pathways for Aboriginal patients and families, enhanced confidence among staff in delivering culturally safe care, and strengthened collaboration between Aboriginal Health Workers and multidisciplinary teams. Participants highlighted the value of clear role communication, culturally informed support, and consistent engagement across services. The model was viewed as inclusive, adaptable, and capable of being embedded within existing health system structures.

CONCLUSIONS:
Safe Pathways demonstrates how culturally governed models of care can address entrenched inequities in cancer services while supporting sustainable system change. By centering Aboriginal leadership, strengthening workforce capability, and embedding cultural safety into routine practice, Safe Pathways offers a scalable approach that aligns with global public health commitments to equity, inclusion, and sustainability. The model has relevance beyond local contexts, contributing to international discussions on culturally responsive healthcare without borders.