Dismal, drizzly weather couldn’t outshine Bairnsdale Regional Health Service’s NAIDOC Week community event on Tuesday, 9 July.
In fact, it made for a warm and inviting celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and achievements as the event was moved indoors.
The event was a chance for members of East Gippsland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, BRHS staff, other East Gippsland residents and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to meet in a spirit of positivity.
In her speech, BRHS Chief Executive Officer Robyn Hayles said members of the East Gippsland Healthcare Partnership – BRHS, Orbost Regional Health, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health and Omeo District Health – are working together on a shared Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
The aim, she said, is to examine each service’s practices, policies and relationships with indigenous people as a step to develop an ongoing dialogue that creatives positive change and addresses significant gaps in health outcomes.
Importantly, the plan is being developed in partnership with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC), with further guidance and support sought from the Moogji Aboriginal Council, the Lake Tyers Trust and the Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA).
Robyn said that she is proud of BRHS’ commitment to building a better, more culturally sensitive health service for Aboriginal people, but “more work needs to be done”.
“We must continue to listen, learn, and act in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to achieve health equity,” she said.
“For me, this week serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to Indigenous voices, understanding experiences, and working collaboratively towards healing and justice.”
Enrolled Nurse Jammie-Lee Piper, a young Aboriginal person who works in BRHS’ Flanagan rehabilitation ward and has spent time recently in the Aboriginal Health Unit, spoke powerfully about this year’s NAIDOC Week theme – Keep the Fire Burning: Blak, Loud and Proud – describing it as “a way of life” for Aboriginal people.
“It is a call to action, a reminder of our strength, and a celebration of our identity. Let us honour our past, embrace our present and forge a future where our voices are heard, our stories are told, and our culture is celebrated,” Jammie said.
“Let us be bold in our actions, fearless in our pursuits, and unwavering in our pride. Let us celebrate our culture, our heritage, and our future with the strength and resilience of our ancestors. Together, we are Blak, Loud, and Proud.”
The NAIDOC Week event was a team effort supported by the BRHS Executive and Aboriginal Health Unit, the Facilities and Food Services teams and many other staff.
Lisa Giblin from GlaWAC conducted a traditional smoking ceremony under a marquee to shelter the fire from the rain, while members of the Lions Club of Bairnsdale kept their barbecue dry and children from Aboriginal dance troupe Cultural Connect entertained the audience inside
Many BRHS staff members attended along with representatives from agencies including GEGAC, Moogji, GLaWAC and the Lake Tyers Trust, which gave the event had an enjoyable, positive vibe.
