Northern Health celebrated our Indigenous community during NAIDOC Week with an exhibition in the foyer of Northern Hospital Epping throughout the week and a special event held on Wednesday, 11 July.
This year’s NAIDOC theme is ‘Because of her, we can!’ and the audience heard from a number of local Aboriginal women about the strong women who have inspired and influenced their lives.
The exhibition showcased and paid tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who fought and continue to fight for equal rights, country, law and justice, access to education, employment and to maintain and celebrate culture, language, music and art. They often did so while caring for their families, maintaining homes and breaking down cultural and institutionalised barriers and gender stereotypes.
Amongst the distinguished attendees were Kelli Hunter, Traditional Owner, Michelle Winters, Allara Pearce, Donna Wright, Jill Gallagher AO, Aunty Frances Gallagher, and other Aboriginal elders.
Northern Health Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah, said NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate our cultural diversity and this year, to acknowledge the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
“Northern Health is committed to providing holistic and culturally appropriate services, improving health and wellbeing and strengthening connections with our diverse community.”
“We are proud to support our Indigenous community with initiatives such as the Koori Maternity Service for Aboriginal families in the north. The service also provides linkages to pathways for community support services that improve the wider health and wellbeing of Aboriginal mothers, their newborns and families.” said Mr Sivarajah.
