This week marks Refugee Week 2025, Australia’s annual opportunity to raise awareness of the experiences, challenges and contributions of refugees within our communities.

Refugee Week is not only a time to reflect on global issues of displacement, but also to recognise the courage, determination, and strength shown by those who have sought safety and built new lives in Australia.

This year’s theme, ‘Finding Freedom’, highlights the importance of welcome and belonging in the refugee journey. For many refugees, freedom is not just the absence of conflict or persecution, but the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive environment where their stories are heard, their skills are valued, and their families can thrive.

The significance of this theme was powerfully brought to life at the Refugee Study Day held on Monday 16 June, where staff had the privilege of hearing a deeply moving lived experience presentation from Northern Health’s consumer S.J. Her personal story of displacement, resilience, and ultimately, hope, offers a powerful reminder of the real-life journeys behind the statistics, and the vital role health services like Northern Health play in supporting newly arrived families as they rebuild their lives.

I’m a Refugee

“The war in Syria began during my third year of university. Many innocent people lost their lives, including loved ones, and daily life became impossible. University studies stopped because it was too dangerous to leave the house, with constant threats of kidnapping or death. Access to basic needs like food, medicine, or medical care was incredibly difficult.

I lived through eight years of war before moving to Erbil, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. During those years, I lost what should have been the most beautiful time of my youth—my ambitions, dreams of a secure life, a career, and a hopeful future. I witnessed painful things I still prefer not to recall.

In 2018, my husband and I decided to leave Syria. We had lost hope that the war would end, and our lives were under continuous threat. We sought refuge in Jordan and applied for Australia’s Special Humanitarian Visa. Leaving our home was the hardest decision—it meant years of separation from our families. And so began a new journey of unknowns and challenges.

Life in Iraqi Kurdistan was not easy. We didn’t speak Kurdish, and language quickly became our biggest barrier. Finding housing, work, or even a doctor was overwhelming. I remember visiting an emergency room and being unable to communicate my condition because no one spoke Arabic or English.

We spent three years in Erbil, and then COVID-19 arrived. Lockdowns made life even harder, and our dream of a safe future in Australia felt more distant than ever. I often asked myself, “Why wasn’t I born in a safe country? Why can’t I live a normal life?”

The medical system in Syria and Iraq is very different from what we’ve experienced in Australia. You don’t need a referral – you rely on word of mouth, friends’ advice, or even social media to choose a doctor.

In 2021, I had my first child with the help of a Syrian doctor in Erbil. I had a C-section and because of COVID-19, I was discharged on the same day. I informed the Australian embassy in Jordan about the birth, and they guided me in adding my newborn to our application. I informed the Australian embassy in Jordan about the birth, and they guided me in adding my newborn to our application.

We finally arrived in Australia in March 2023. At Melbourne airport, AMES staff welcomed us and helped us settle into temporary accommodation. The very next day, my daughter developed a high fever. It was a public holiday, and I was told to call 000. I was so grateful they arranged for an Arabic interpreter and reassured me despite my English not being too bad.

Since our arrival, we’ve received a lot of support – Centrelink, Medicare, a bank account, guidance on public transport, and referrals to community services. We enrolled in EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes to better understand the language and community.

Now, I am a Master of Public Administration student, and I can’t wait to graduate and begin my career.

As a mother, my daughter’s health has always been a concern. She has a dairy allergy and needs regular monitoring. Our GP referred us to a specialist at Northern Hospital in Epping. It was our first experience with Australia’s referral system, and it took time to understand how it works. We received a letter with all the appointment details, followed by reminder messages.

What stood out was the availability of an interpreter, the kindness of the medical staff, and their understanding of our concerns. Pathology and test results were prompt, and the entire experience was supportive. My daughter now sees the specialist annually. The only challenge has been the long wait—sometimes over six months – for appointments after a referral.

We’re still learning every day about life in Australia. We are truly thankful to this country for embracing us and giving us the opportunity to rebuild the life we once dreamed of – safe, stable, and full of possibility.”

S. J’s story is a powerful reminder that for many refugee families, freedom is found not only in safety but in the kindness and support of the communities that welcome them, from housing and education to accessible healthcare, language services and compassionate care.

At Northern Health, we take pride in being part of this journey, with many of our staff coming from refugee backgrounds. Their unique experiences and dedication enrich our workplace and strengthen our ability to provide culturally sensitive care to the diverse communities we serve.

Throughout this week, the Northern Health Refugee and Asylum Seeker Sub-Committee, together with the Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) team, have organised a range of activities for staff and the community to deepen understanding and foster meaningful conversations about the refugee experience.

We encourage all staff to take part, reflect on these stories of resilience, and celebrate the rich diversity that strengthens our health service and community.

For more information on Refugee Week activities at NH – click here

Our very own Laura Prendergast, Health Psychologist with the Broadmeadows Persistent Pain Management Service, and Tom Collins, Advanced Practice Physiotherapist at Northern Hospital Epping, demonstrated exceptional organisational and public speaking skills at the recent Australian Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting (APS ASM) held in Melbourne this April.

Their involvement provided a strong conclusion to Northern Health’s impressive Allied Health contributions to the conference. These efforts complemented the valuable input from our medical, nursing, and pharmacy teams throughout the event.

Laura played a pivotal role in organising the Psychology Pre-Conference Workshop: Navigating the Complexity of Neurodivergence and Pain. This thought-provoking session brought together a multidisciplinary panel and offered attendees critical insights into the assessment and management of pain in individuals with neurodivergent conditions.

Later in the program, Tom Collins presented alongside colleagues from medicine and nursing on non-pharmacological approaches to acute pain management in the Emergency Department, further showcasing Northern Health’s commitment to innovation in pain care.

Laura’s leadership within the Australian Pain Society was also on display when she hosted a plenary session in her role as President-Elect. The session featured esteemed speakers including Adjunct Professor Ian Olver, Dr Caitlin Jones, and Professor David Bennett. Discussions spanned a range of topics, from telemedicine in supporting cancer survivors with chronic pain, to emerging treatment targets for neuropathic pain. Laura’s thoughtful facilitation fostered a dynamic and engaging Q&A session.

“As a Northern Health employee, it was so motivating to see colleagues contribute to the APS ASM program,” said Jessica Hill, Physiotherapist, Persistent Pain Management Service. “I’m already looking forward to seeing what Northern Health will bring to next year’s APS ASM in Adelaide.”

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Caitin Jones (APS Rising Star Award Winner, USyd), A/Prof Ian Olver (University of Adelaide), Dr Laura Prendergast (Northern Health), and Professor David Bennett (Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences).

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) occurs annually on June 15 and is celebrated globally to provide an opportunity for communities to stand together against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people.

Elder abuse is a recognised form of family violence and comes in many forms. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial and social abuse. Elder abuse can occur once or repeatedly and can vary in severity from subtle through to extreme. It can include one or a combination of the different types of abuse.  Elder abuse can also lead to serious physical injuries, long-term psychological consequences and even death.

Elder abuse is most often perpetrated by someone known to the older person, with two-thirds of perpetrators being an adult child.  Elder abuse affects people of all genders and all walks of life but it disproportionately affects women.

The World Health Organization describes elder abuse as a violation of human rights and the significant cause of illness, loss of productivity, isolation and despair.  Elder abuse is a serious and prevalent health issue that has a profound impact on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victim-survivors. Victim-survivors are among our community and frequently present to our health service.

The health sector is a critical entry point for people affected by elder abuse which presents as an opportunity to provide medical care, support and pathways to specialist support.

Tanya Ellis, Program Manager for Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program, Northern Health, says, “Elder abuse is a health issue that exists in both developing and developed countries, yet it is significantly underreported.”

“The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries experience rapidly aging populations. Elder abuse is a global issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older people around the world. It is an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.”

“The warning signs of elder abuse may include an older person seeming fearful, anxious or isolated, or they may have injuries or an absence of personal care. Unexplained changes to legal documents or finances are also of concern. Elder abuse mainly occurs behind closed doors, so it is important to notice the signs and risk factors and offer support,” she adds.

To help prevent elder abuse, Tanya encourages older people to have their financial, medical, legal and other affairs in order.

“It is crucial that older adults are empowered to recognise the signs of abuse and seek help when needed. WEAAD is an important opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people, by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic issues affecting older people.”

Tanya reminds staff to please ensure to use the Family Violence MARAM Screening & Identification Tool when working with a patient who is at risk of family violence/elder abuse. The Tool is best practice in identifying and responding to all forms of family violence and is located on EMR (AdHoc Forms Section) and PROMPT.

The SHRFV Program is also available for specialist family violence consultation and to deliver family violence training. Please contact the SHRFV Program if you need to consult or to organise training in your area (8405 8519).

Click here for more information on WEAAD.

 Support Services:

• Safe Steps: (24/7) State-Wide Crisis Response Service Ph: 1800 015 188
• Seniors Rights: Ph: 1300 368 821
• 1800 RESPECT: (24/7) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Counselling Service Ph: 1800 737 732
• Disclose to your health professional today to access support and safety

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Sandra Brown, Geriatrician and Divisional Director-Subacute Services, Dr Yana Sunderland, Geriatrician and Divisional Director-Medicine and Tanya Ellis, Program Manager for Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program.

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Tim Butters, Podiatrist, Foot Procedure Unit, Craigieburn Centre, Northern Health.

Q. Tim, could I start with your coffee order, please?
A: Latte with full cream milk, no sugar.

Q. Tell us about your journey at Northern Health.
A: I began my journey with Northern Health Podiatry in 2004, when we were a small team of just five clinicians based at Bundoora Centre, back when our office was located outside PCW (Percy Cleland Wing), in the area that is now home to the X-ray department and orthotics workshop.

Over the past 21 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching our service grow and evolve across multiple sites and specialities. Throughout that time, I’ve worked across a wide range of settings, from GEM@Kilmore and home therapies to acute inpatient care at Northern Hospital Epping, and everything in between.

Today, I am proud to be a Grade 3 Senior Clinician based at Craigieburn Centre, where I work across the Foot Procedure Unit, CTS SACS, and the VACS Paediatric/Musculoskeletal service.

Q. What do you like most about your role?
A: I would say helping the clients to achieve their goals and following their journey from what is possibly one of the hardest times of their lives, to healing their wounds and being able to walk again in regular footwear.

Q. What are some things people don’t know about you?
A: I am a mad keen Essendon supporter and just attended an event at the club to celebrate 30 years of being a member. I love my desserts and when I have time have been known to make lemon meringue pie, Portuguese tarts and macarons.  

Q. Do you have a bucket list item? Something you would love to do.
A: Looking to one day take a trip on the Ghan, I think that would be pretty spectacular.

Q. If you were a superhero, who would you be and why?
A: I would say Superman or anyone who has x-ray vision, as I find myself a lot recently telling my clients that I would love to have this power for when we are trying to offload different areas of the feet within footwear and CAM boots, for now the good old lipstick marking will have to do.

Northern Health is excited to announce Simone Jervies, Acting Unit Manager for Birthing Suite and Maternity Assessment Care, as the winner of the BankVic Nursing Scholarship.

To celebrate International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses Day (12 May), Northern Health Foundation partnered with BankVic to provide a $5,000 scholarship to a Northern Health nurse or midwife. This scholarship was in recognition of valuable service and dedication to the role of a nurse or midwife.

The scholarship could be used towards further education, attending a national based conference, or a professional development activity.

Simone said she will use the scholarship to attend the Leadership Series for Midwives – a program that aligns with her passion for sustainable leadership in maternity care.

“With this support, I will build on the work I have already led by designing a structured leadership development framework within our unit – one that cultivates leadership at every level,” she said.

“This will include identifying and mentoring leaders, creating opportunities for them to lead projects, supporting formal clinical midwife consultant roles to guide innovation in care models, and embedding peer-led quality improvement initiatives.”

Simone is also keen to create a mentorship program to nurture early-career midwives, with a focus on reflective practice, compassionate leadership, and confidence building.

“This program will help cultivate a culture of care where midwives feel safe to grow, speak up, and lead,” she said.

Simone knows the importance of empowering our nurses and midwives to lead with care in order to create a safer, more connected, and sustainable outcomes for staff and Northern Health patients.

“I would place the power of care – relational, respectful, and person-centred, at the heart of every decision,” she said.

“In the past two years, I have led key changes grounded in the values of care and collaboration. I have introduced midwifery standing orders to strengthen clinical autonomy, and developed a third trimester ultrasound screening procedure to support midwives.”

“I have also led postpartum haemorrhage working groups to enhance emergency care, and restructured workflows to support burnout prevention in team cohesion.”

This is the second year BankVic has partnered with Northern Health Foundation to provide the scholarship. A committee comprising Northern Health Executives and BankVic representatives chose the successful submission.

Featured image: Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Simone Jervies, and Jacinta Anderson, BankVic representative.

Northern Health was proud to welcome 76 new graduate nurses and midwives on 26 May, joining the 73 graduates who commenced in February – bringing the total to 149 for our 2025 Graduate Nurse and Midwifery Program.

These fresh faces are spread across our campuses at Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, and Bundoora Centre, and are participating in one of four tailored program streams. While some are familiar with our health service, with five having previously worked at Northern Health, the vast majority are stepping into our organisation for the very first time – and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.

The diversity and talent of this group are truly impressive. Our graduates hail from a wide range of universities, including Australian Catholic University, Federation University, RMIT, Victoria University, La Trobe, Deakin, Swinburne, University of Tasmania, Western Sydney University, Monash, Griffith, and Flinders. The midwifery graduates have completed a double degree in Nursing and Midwifery at either Victoria University or La Trobe University.

Over the next 12 months, these programs will provide a structured and supportive transition from student to professional, helping these new nurses and midwives grow in confidence and capability. Their journey begins with a three-day orientation, specifically designed to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. This is followed by time in the clinical environment in a supernumerary capacity, allowing them to observe and learn before stepping into their roles independently.

“It’s a cohort rich in both youth and life experience, with graduates ranging in age from 21 to 50. Many are local to Melbourne’s northern suburbs – including Wollert, Epping, Thomastown, Reservoir, Mernda, and Preston – and one graduate was even born right here at Northern Hospital,” says Kate Duggan, Graduate Program Co-ordinator, Nursing and Midwifery, Northern Health.

“As our newest health professionals embark on their careers, they bring fresh energy, curiosity and commitment to patient care. We are proud to be fully recruited for another year and look forward to supporting our graduates as they grow into confident, compassionate clinicians,” adds Annabel Milionas, Director of Education, Nursing and Midwifery at Northern Health.

A warm welcome to Northern Health!

Northern Health’s Residential In-Reach (RIR) service hosted a highly successful Education Day on 30 April, bringing together 81 nursing staff from Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) across the Northern catchment.

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing aged care, the RIR team, a seven-day service supporting 37 RACFs, provides rapid, in-home medical responses aimed at reducing avoidable emergency department presentations. In 2023, the service expanded with a virtual model (VRIR), extending support to aged care facilities across the Hume region and other parts of regional Victoria.

The Education Day featured a series of engaging presentations and practical workshops led by RIR Geriatricians, a Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Consultants. Topics covered included:

• Diabetes and heart failure management

• Managing behavioural and psychosocial symptoms of dementia

• End-of-life symptom management

• Structured clinical communication using the A to E Assessment Framework

The sessions combined lectures with hands-on clinical skills training, equipping attendees with practical tools to apply in their daily practice.

Feedback from 65 participants highlighted the event’s success, with attendees reporting increased confidence in clinical assessment, communication, and intervention strategies. Many expressed a strong desire for similar education opportunities in the future.

Janet Cain, RIR Clinical Nurse Consultant, reflected on the day, stating, “The Education Day provided a fantastic opportunity to build our confidence in delivering education and sharing knowledge with our aged care colleagues.”

Katherine Jones, RIR Nurse Practitioner Candidate, added, “The skills day allowed us to strengthen our relationships with facility nursing staff across the Northern catchment. It really felt like one big team working together—even though we represent different organisations.”

Participants also shared positive feedback:

• “I’ve gained confidence and knowledge in assessing patients.”

• “All the topics were valuable, especially in palliative care and wound management.”

• “It’s empowering to truly know your residents and effectively communicate their care needs and goals.”

• “I’ll remember to always do proper handovers using ISBAR.”

The event fostered collaboration between RACF nurses and the RIR team, while providing insight into existing knowledge gaps. This deeper understanding will help ensure that care is delivered safely, effectively, and at the right time and place—reinforcing Northern Health’s dedication to excellence in aged care.

Pictured in featured image: Residential Aged Care Nursing staff in the NCHER Lecture Theatre 

#WeAreNorthern

Meet Don Goonesekera, Manager, Cleaning and Waste Management, ISS Facility Services at Northern Hospital Epping.

Q. Don, could I start with your coffee order, please?
My mornings typically begin with a medium almond latte, it’s my go-to before the day gets going.

Q. Tell us about your journey at Northern Health?
I first began working at Northern Health in 2016 when ISS was awarded the contract. Shortly after, I relocated to Hamilton Island to pursue my career as a chef. In 2020, I returned to Northern Health and took on a variety of roles across several sites, including Food Services Assistant, Concierge, and Cleaner.

My dedication and versatility led to an opportunity to become a Cleaning Supervisor, followed by a promotion to Assistant Manager of Cleaning and Waste Management. I am currently serving as the Manager of Cleaning and Waste Management, where I continue to contribute to the delivery of high standards across our facilities.

Q. What do you like most about your role?
ISS Facility Services is involved in many different areas across Northern Hospital, playing a vital supporting role. There’s always something new and exciting happening, whether it’s furniture moves, sustainability initiatives, or advancements in innovation and technology.

But for me, the most meaningful aspect is the patient journey. Contributing to that journey as part of a dedicated team is something I deeply value. When my mother was undergoing cancer treatment at Northern, I saw firsthand how much of a difference it made to have the right support staff around her. That experience continues to inspire my commitment to making a positive impact every day.

Q. What are some things people don’t know about you?
Outside of work, I play cricket for GCC on the weekends, which helps me stay active and connected with the community. Earlier in my career, I worked in hospitality, where I had the privilege of working alongside some truly great chefs, an experience that taught me a lot about teamwork, discipline, and attention to detail.

Q. Do you have a bucket list item? Something you would love to do.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved wildlife, and going to Africa to see the Big Five is definitely a bucket list item for me. Hopefully, I’ll be able to cross it off by next year!

Q. If you were a superhero, who would you be and why?
Tony Stark (Iron Man) has always inspired me, not just because he was a billionaire, inventor, and philanthropist, but because he chose to become a superhero. He didn’t have to, he made a conscious choice to use his talents for the greater good. I believe that, like him, we all have the power to define who we are through the choices we make in life. It’s when we step out of our comfort zones that we truly grow and make a meaningful impact.