Sunshine Coast Health is recognising the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, at a series of NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Events are being held at each of Sunshine Coast Health’s facilities this week, to encourage both the community and health staff to embrace the spirit of NAIDOC Week together.
Senior Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Sharon Barry said Sunshine Coast Health has a particularly important role to play in forging a future where everyone can access culturally appropriate care.
“Healing is not just about treating illnesses; it's about fostering wellness and restoring harmony between people and the environment,” Mrs Barry said.
“NAIDOC Week is a call to action for us all to advocate for the health and wellbeing of not only our patients but also the land and environment that sustains us all," she said.
This year’s national NAIDOC Week theme is 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud', which honours the enduring strength and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“Fire is a symbol of our passion for our culture and connection to Country and to each other.”
“Our Culture gives us knowledge, wisdom and purpose.”
“‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and standing tall - it is our responsibility to maintain, practice and pass on our fire to our future generations.”
“This theme resonates deeply with our role as healthcare providers.”
Sunshine Coast Health is committed to providing culturally safe and inclusive healthcare, in alignment with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Strategy 2022-2031.
One of the actions is a public-facing space which has recently opened in Sunshine Coast University Hospital, where patients and families can easily access tailored support, while they’re in hospital.
The strategic placement and design of the space makes the services provided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health team more accessible to the public.
“The area has been developed in response to our community’s needs and we are already seeing it make a difference for our patients to have a dedicated culturally-safe space, to have important health conversations in.”