Dr Mick Creati will cycle more than 30,000 kilometres across six continents over the next 10 months to raise $150,000 for Aboriginal children and families at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). 

This morning, Dr Mick Creati, Clinical Lead of the RCH’s Wadja Aboriginal Family Place, set off on a 10-month cycling adventure around the world to raise funds and awareness for Aboriginal children and families. 

The Longest Lap to Close the Gap fundraiser will see Mick cycle more than 30,000 kilometres across six continents, with the RCH doctor also attempting to set multiple world records along the way. 

The challenge aims to raise $150,000 to support the capacity and capability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, strengthening Wadja and culturally safe care for Aboriginal children and families across the hospital. 

Mick marked the beginning of his journey this morning with a commemorative ride from the RCH in Melbourne through neighbouring Royal Park, joined by colleagues, hospital staff, supporters, friends and members of the Wadja team. 

“Closing the health gap is complex, and it won’t be achieved through a single cycling fundraiser. But I hope this journey can inspire action, raise vital funds, and spark important conversations about the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and families.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the difference culturally safe, holistic care can make. When children and families feel safe, supported and respected, we can build trust and create better health outcomes,” Dr Creati said.

Established in 2009 following a pilot program funded by the RCH Foundation, Wadja provides culturally safe, respectful, holistic and timely care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people at the RCH. More than 8,000 episodes of care were delivered through Wadja in the past year, supporting children and families with medical, social, emotional and cultural needs.   

The Longest Lap to Close the Gap will take Mick from Melbourne through Australia, Aotearoa, the United States, Patagonia, Morocco, Europe, Central Asia and China before returning to Melbourne. 

The community is invited to get behind Mick’s journey by riding alongside him, hosting a fundraiser, donating, or sharing his story.

To find out more or support The Longest Lap to Close the Gap, visit: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/the-longest-lap-to-close-the-gap

Further background on Dr Mick Creati

Mick has dedicated more than 35 years to caring for children and families. He has served as the Clinical Lead of Wadja for almost five years and has spent most of his career working with and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.  

Prior to joining the RCH, Mick worked at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) for 14 years, stepping down from this role earlier this year. He commenced his paediatric training at the RCH in 1990, and remains deeply committed to advancing equity and excellence in Aboriginal healthcare. 

Further background on Wadja Aboriginal Family Place  

The Wadja Aboriginal Family Place (Wadja) can provide culturally safe, timely and responsive services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families at the RCH. Through its various services, Wadja’s multidisciplinary team works to address each patient’s complex medical and social needs, ensuring that both the family and child feel supported and culturally empowered. Over the past year, Wadja has delivered over 8,000 sessions of service delivery, improving the overall patient experience.

You can find out more about Wadja here.