Published on 6 July 2022

Western Health respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our sites stand. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Western Health is committed to the healing of country, working towards equality of health outcomes and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

From 3-10 July, Australia marks NAIDOC Week, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

At Western Health, we marked NAIDOC Week today with a stall at Sunshine Hospital run by Wilim Berrbang (Aboriginal Health Unit) to raise awareness and funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service. The Wilim Berrbang team shared information – and NAIDOC-themed cookies – encouraging all Australians to get up, stand up and show up for First Nations communities.

As a health service, we are doing more to get up, stand up and show up for the estimated 7000 residents in the western region of Melbourne who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Western Health is an official signatory to the National Close the Gap Statement of Intent and we are committed to equality of health access and outcomes and ensuring an equitable voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Last year, Wilim Berrbang and Internal Specialist Medicine opened an Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Outpatient Clinic to create a culturally sensitive environment where patients feel safe and supported to attend their medical appointments. Earlier this year, we appointed proud Wiradjuri woman and nurse Ashleigh Vandenberg to the new role of Journey Walker, otherwise known as Aboriginal Care Coordinator. In this role, Ashleigh works within the Advice Coordination Expertise (ACE) Team inpatient team and Wilim Berrbang to create the most appropriate care plan for each patient. And in March, we welcomed Dr Kunal Dhiman as Research Fellow in Aboriginal Health to drive Indigenous-led research to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Dr Dhiman will use his research capabilities and strengths in relationship building to undertake research to support the health service to provide care that is culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming to First Nation peoples.

Excitingly, in the coming weeks, we’ll launch our Aboriginal Health Cultural Safety Plan 2022-2025 – developed in consultation with our staff, stakeholders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community – that will further guide our actions and priorities in providing culturally safe care to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families.

Regards,

Shane Crowe
Executive Director, Nursing & Midwifery