March 28, 2025#WeAreNorthern
Meet Andrew Morrison, Aboriginal Cultural and Employment Advisor, Northern Health.
Q: Firstly, let’s start with your coffee order.
A: I’m a straight-up long black kind of person – no fuss, just strong and to the point. It keeps me going through the busy days!
Q: Tell us about your new role with the Narrun Wilip-Giin Aboriginal Support Unit. What does it entail?
A: My role at Northern Health as the Aboriginal Cultural and Employment Advisor is all about driving Aboriginal cultural safety and employment opportunities for First Nations people. I work closely with leadership, staff, and the community to embed Aboriginal cultural awareness into the hospital’s practices, ensuring better healthcare outcomes and stronger workforce representation.
Q: What does a typical day on the job look like for you?
A: No two days are the same! I could be running Aboriginal cultural awareness training, supporting Aboriginal employees, working with HR on recruitment strategies, or engaging with the local community to strengthen partnerships. A big part of my role is making sure Aboriginal patients and staff are culturally safe and feel seen, heard, and supported within Northern Health.
Q: How would you describe Northern Health?
A: It’s a fast-paced, diverse, and evolving health service that’s committed to improving healthcare access and outcomes for all communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There’s a lot of work happening to embed cultural safety and self-determination into the organisation, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.
Q: Tell us something not many people know about you?
A: Not many people know that I’ve had a broad career spanning Aboriginal health, governance, and community engagement. I was the Aboriginal Liaison Officer here at Northern Health 18 years ago, the Practice Manager at an Aboriginal health service, the co-chair of the Whittlesea Aboriginal Gathering Place Advisory Committee, and even involved in broadcasting through my radio show called “Deadly Health “on 3KND local Aboriginal Community radio.
Q: Favourite place to travel and why?
A: I love travelling to my country—Gunditjmara Country, in particular. It’s a place of deep cultural significance, with incredible landscapes and history. Seeing the Budj Bim cultural landscape, where my ancestors engineered sophisticated aquaculture systems, is always grounding and inspiring.
Q: Who is your favourite book character?
A: I’d have to say Stan Grant himself, especially through his book Talking to My Country. His words are powerful, raw, and deeply personal, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of being Aboriginal in Australia. He speaks with wisdom, resilience, and honesty, challenging people to listen, learn, and reflect. His storytelling is a reminder of the strength of our people and the importance of truth-telling.
