Bayside Health Service staff, patients and visitors recently marked NAIDOC Week with a show of colour, culture and community.
A/Operations Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Directorate Sharne Iselin said Bayside Health Service had worked hard to create a culturally safe environment.
“Creating a culturally safe environment doesn’t happen by accident,” he said. “Bayside Health Service staff undertake cultural capability training, and it's one of the reasons Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel safe and welcomed when they come to this service.
“The future looks bright. We’re growing steadily, and it’s exciting to see our First Nations workforce continue to expand. Every new role strengthens our ability to provide better care for our community.
“We can’t do this alone. It’s only by working alongside our community and our partners that we can deliver quality healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Bayside Health Service Executive Director Greg Nolan said he was proud of the progress made across the Service.
“Today, instead of talking about what we’d like to do, I’m proud to be talking about what we’ve actually done to improve access to care and make our health service more welcoming for our community.
“We’re making Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture more visible throughout our facilities.
“Whether someone is coming here to receive care or to welcome a new baby, it’s important they can see a little bit of their culture reflected here too.”
Greg said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Directorate had been incredible, helping to build a real momentum, and excitement about what could be achieved together.
The event featured cultural performances and information stalls from community partners such as Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health.
This year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marked five decades of NAIDOC Week as a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.