July 8, 2024This is NAIDOC Week.
At Northern Health, the celebrations kicked off in the morning of Monday, 8 July, with a didgeridoo performance by Matthew Weegberg followed by smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Perry Wandin at the entrance to Northern Hospital Epping.
“At Northern Health, our vision is to be a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities feel welcomed in a culturally safe environment, ensuring that our services are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of our Aboriginal community,” said Associate Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, speaking today’s event.
“This makes a profound impact on the quality of care we provide to our Aboriginal patients. To our Aboriginal staff, we celebrate your invaluable contributions to Northern Health.”
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate our culture and show the beauty of our culture,” said Karen Bryant, Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Northern Health.
“During NAIDOC week, we all come together and share our histories, cultures and celebrations and we invite all of Australia to be part of this, all of the allies, anyone trying to learn about the culture, to come together and celebrate with us,” said Toni Gabelish, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Northern Health.
Inside the foyer, there was a mini market offering everything from candles, wax melts, emu feather earrings, cultural healing and spiritual empowerment coaching programs.
Please join all of Northern Health as we celebrate NAIDOC Week and kindle a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.
