Rockingham celebrates NAIDOC week

Rockingham General Hospital celebrated NAIDOC Week on July 22.

The celebration was managed by our Aboriginal Health Coordinator Kirri Harper.

The Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony was performed by Stephen Jacobs, and a large number of staff attended.

Kirri said this year was special as it marked 50 years of NAIDOC Week.

“It truly is 50 years of deadly, celebrating our Elders, our communities, our young people and the legacy that continues to inspire future generations,” Kirri said.

“NAIDOC Week is also an opportunity for us all to reflect on how we can continue to build respectful relationships and create a more culturally safe and inclusive healthcare system.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank our South Metropolitan Health Service Aboriginal staff, our Aboriginal Health Champions, Elders, community members, performers, volunteers, and all of our community partners and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations for helping make today's celebration possible,” Kirri said.

Executive Director Ashiela Narang thanked Kirri for her work in making the day so successful. She also thanked Stephen Jacobs for his Welcome to Country and thoughtful words.

“More generally I want to acknowledge the contribution of our Aboriginal workforce and Aboriginal Health Team. Your leadership, advocacy and cultural knowledge make a real difference every day, not only for Aboriginal patients and families, but for our entire organisation,” Asheila said.

“For us at Rockingham General Hospital, NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our role as a health service and the responsibility we have to listen, learn and work alongside Aboriginal people, families and communities.

“We know that culturally safe healthcare is not created through policies alone. It is built through relationships, respect, trust and genuine partnership. It is shaped by the voices of Aboriginal staff, patients, Elders and community members who help guide us to do better,” she said.

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