Published on 3 July 2023
Western Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our sites stand, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, Boon Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the greater Kulin Nation. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are committed to the healing of country, working towards equity in health outcomes, and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
Western Health is committed to respectfully listening and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and wholeheartedly supports their journey to self-determination.
It’s NAIDOC Week from July 2-9, an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Wilim Berrbang team invites staff and volunteers to attend two special events NAIDOC Week events at Sunshine and Williamstown hospitals.
Sunshine Hospital, pop-up information stall (outside the pharmacy)
Monday July 3, 10am-3pm
You can broaden your knowledge by chatting to members of the Aboriginal Health Unit about the purpose of NAIDOC week and what it means to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can also collect a limited edition Aboriginal designed notebook.
Williamstown Hospital, flag raising ceremony
Tuesday July 4 at 9:30am
If you can’t attend these events, here are some other ways to show your support for NAIDOC Week:
- Attend a NAIDOC week event. You can find an event in your local area by checking out the NAIDOC Event Calendar.
- Have a yarn with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in your community about what NAIDOC means to them.
- Watch a television show or movie made by a First Nations filmmaker.
Western Health is committed to providing culturally safe care and aims to become a workplace of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The community we serve is home to more than 7000 people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
One of the ways we can enhance employment outcomes is by supporting First Nations employees to thrive in their roles.
Recently we have held our first Community of Practice for staff who identify as Aboriginal and/Torres Strait Islander, to ensure they can provide meaningful input into areas such as: recruitment, retention, organisational policy, cultural events and cultural support.
We will also launch our new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, as well as their managers, in the second half of 2023.
You can find out more about Western Health’s actions and priorities over the next four years in the Aboriginal Health Cultural Safety Plan.
Regards,
Adjunct Professor Shane Crowe
Executive Director Nursing & Midwifery