General News
12 June, 2024
Health team celebrates reconciliation
Grampians Health has celebrated National Reconciliation Week with events across its campuses led by the Aboriginal health team, sharing histories, cultures and achievements and exploring ways to contribute to achieving reconciliation.
Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser said National Reconciliation Week was a timely reminder of the work happening across the organisation since its reconciliation action plan was launched.
"The week is a reminder of the importance of our role in building relationships and communities that value First Nations peoples, histories, culture and futures,” Mr Fraser said.
"The gap between good and bad health care is far too great."
Staff members were treated to a didgeridoo demonstration by Uncle Al, a proud Noongar man, and Grampians Health’s new First Nations health advisor Jessica Payne, a proud Yuwaalaraay woman, led a weaving circle for women.
"A weaving circle is central to Aboriginal culture as it goes beyond creating beautiful things to sharing knowledge, storytelling, connecting to Country, inviting mindfulness and much more," Ms Payne said.
"Both weaving and the didgeridoo are powerful ways that we can keep First Nations
culture alive and share that culture with others."
The First Nations health advisor role is new to Grampians Health, providing strategic cultural advice to the executive and clinical teams and key stakeholders.
Staff across all campuses were also invited to participate in a "sea of hands".
Team members could decorate and write their personal commitment to reconciliation on a cutout in the shape of a hand and display it for their colleagues to view.
The Grampians Health executive team and members of the organisation's reconciliation working group joined a yarning circle with local Elders and the Aboriginal health liaison office to commemorate Sorry Day.
The leadership team listened to stories and experiences from Elders, the First Nations community and staff.
Grampians Health also officially opened a new community space at Wimmera Base Hospital providing comfort and security for First Nations people visiting the hospital.
The office was previously located in Arnott Street but was moved last November.
It is now adjacent to the Aboriginal health liaison office at the main entrance of the hospital.
"It was not fit for purpose at the back of the site," Mr Fraser said.
"Having the community space right next to the office means First Nations people can meet there and feel culturally safe."
Grampians Health Aboriginal health liaison officer Danae McDonald said the new location was perfect for all First Nations people.