Northern Health staff came together for Aboriginal Study Day on 9 September 2026, creating space to listen, reflect and strengthen our shared responsibility to provide culturally safe care for Aboriginal patients, families and community.
Held at the Whittlesea Aboriginal Gathering Place, the day was grounded in culture, connection and learning. Holding the event in an Aboriginal community space was an important part of the day, ensuring Aboriginal voices, knowledge and lived experience remained at the centre of the conversation.
Staff explored the cultural significance of the Gathering Place, connection to Country and community, Aboriginal health data across Northern Health’s catchment, aged care, the social determinants of health, and the work of Narrun Wilip-giin, Koori Maternity Services and Djirra.
Interactive scenarios encouraged staff to reflect honestly on their own practice and consider how everyday decisions, language and interactions can either strengthen cultural safety or contribute to further harm for Aboriginal people.
Culture was woven throughout the day, with bush tucker, didgeridoo and cultural storytelling providing opportunities for staff to learn through listening, sharing and genuine connection.
The day concluded with a panel of Aboriginal health experts who spoke openly about their experiences working within the health system. Staff heard directly from Aboriginal voices about what culturally safe care looks and feels like in practice, as well as what still needs to change.
“Cultural safety is not something we achieve by attending one study day. It is shown through how we listen, how we treat our mob and whether Aboriginal voices have genuine influence over the care we provide,” said Andrew Morrison, Aboriginal Employment and Cultural Safety Advisor, Northern Health.
“Holding the day at the Gathering Place mattered. Staff were not simply learning about Aboriginal culture from a presentation, they were learning through culture, connection and the voices of Aboriginal people.”
“A great day to share our culture with Northern Health staff and create a space for learning, connection and understanding,” added Karen Bryant, Narrun Wilip-giin Manager, Northern Health.
“The Aboriginal Study Day provided a powerful reminder that self-determination must sit at the heart of Aboriginal health — in how we govern, design, co-design and deliver care. Achieving genuine health equity demands genuine listening, respecting Aboriginal voices and embedding cultural safety in every aspect of the care and services we provide,” said Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, Northern Health.
Aboriginal Study Day was a strong reminder that meaningful education must lead to action. Greater knowledge and understanding are important, but cultural safety will ultimately be measured by the experiences of Aboriginal patients, families, staff and community when they walk through Northern Health’s doors.
The responsibility now is to take this learning back into our workplaces, challenge culturally unsafe practices and continue building a health service where Aboriginal people feel culturally safe, respected, heard and supported.