March 22, 2024This week, Northern Health celebrates Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day.
Harmony Day is held every year on 21 March, to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The message of Harmony Week is “Everyone Belongs” and it promotes inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background.
With more than 50 per cent of Australians either born overseas or having at least a parent born overseas – this is a week to celebrate the cultural diversity of our country.
As far as Northern Health is concerned, this cultural diversity is prominent amongst patients, staff and volunteers.
Henni Wade, Manager of Volunteer Services, explained that, “Northern Health volunteers represent 23 birth countries and 25 per cent of our volunteers speak another language. We very much appreciate the diversity they bring to our team. Volunteers who can speak another language can make a real difference to the experience of our patients.”
David Le, Manager of Transcultural and Language Services (TALS), says, “One in five appointments are conducted with a patient from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background with the assistance of an interpreter. This demonstrates how culturally diverse the Northern Health catchment is and our commitment to provide equitable and inclusive care.”
For Natalia Dewiyani, Spiritual Care Coordinator, being able to hold a sacred space for a rich and diverse group of patients, family and staff is a true honour.
“It is a beautiful and enriching experience. I am privileged to work with staff who strive to meet the different cultural, spiritual, and/or religious needs of our patients. We can all learn from each other’s perspectives, traditions, and experiences,” she said.
This year, Harmony Day brought with it a renewed sense of celebration and unity, marking a significant milestone, as we gathered in person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.
Displays were set up at the Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn Centre, and Kilmore Hospital. Staff from various departments worked together on the displays and this was also an opportunity to collaborate with a local Childcare centre and a local school. The Green Leaves Early Learning Centre in Craigieburn donated a beautiful painting made by the kindergarten children. The children worked collaboratively to create a Harmony masterpiece that was displayed at the Northern Hospital Epping during the Harmony Day celebration.
Pictured in featured image: Staff from the TALS Department.
