Spirit of NAIDOC Week
Last week we all came together to recognise NAIDOC Week, and it felt truly amazing to see everyone across the Armadale Health Service actively participate in the many events.
The celebrations held throughout the week perfectly aligned with this year’s theme “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” and was a great way to acknowledge, preserve and share the cultural heritage of our First Nations Peoples.
NAIDOC Week is always a special time for East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS), but this year, it was especially moving to see all the meaningful ways that our staff – both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal – came together to honour the occasion.
EMHS is especially proud to honour the sentiments behind the occasion not just during this special week, but beyond.
This past year, EMHS has been actively learning how to add its voice to the mix and speak up for our Aboriginal patients, their families, and our colleagues.
Our Aboriginal Health Champions Program has been warmly embraced across our East Metro sites, with staff from all backgrounds standing up to take part, as well as members of our Area Executive Group.
As a proud and committed Aboriginal Health Champion, EMHS assures you that the interests of our Aboriginal consumers and our Aboriginal staff will always remain a leading priority.
Ellen Ahwong (Left)Dietitian, Armadale Health ServiceI am proud to be part of a First Nation’s family. I have great respect for the people and culture. I feel that we all play a role and have responsibility to ensure First Nations culture and knowledge is maintained for future generations, NAIDOC week is a great way of doing this. As I watch my children grow-up, I want them to be proud of their culture and share it with their friends and family, loud and proudly! Kate Thorne (Right)Occupational Therapist, Armadale Health ServiceTo me, NAIDOC week means being able to acknowledge my cultural background as an Aboriginal Australian in a positive manner. I am proud of what I have achieved today, and proud to represent my community with my accomplishments. NAIDOC week allows us to showcase our cultural to others, and provide further education within the community. |
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Donna “Red” CzirrEnrolled Nurse, Kalamunda HospitalNAIDOC Week provides the opportunity to come together to celebrate, yarn and share what we have achieved and what we would like to hopefully change in the coming year. It’s a time to educate, guide and draw people closer by helping others gain an understanding of where our people came from and what they have proudly achieved. |
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Sarah LongmanA/Manager Patient Support Service and Aboriginal Health Champion, Armadale Kalamunda GroupTo me NAIDOC Week is a significant celebration that honours the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an opportunity for everyone to learn about their rich heritage and contributions.I was so thrilled to be nominated as an Aboriginal Health Champion. With this badge I have been a part of many crucial conversations about Aboriginal Health across our community. I wear my badge proudly. Craig and his team, by creating thought-provoking displays and the NAIDOC celebrations, contribute to fostering awareness and understanding within the community. It's wonderful to see such efforts that promote dialogue and appreciation. |
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The rousing sentiment of “Blak, Loud and Proud” roared through the NAIDOC Week celebrations across EMHS, with highlights from the week captured in this video.