Each year in July, NAIDOC Week celebrations highlight the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Here at Metro South Health we would like to learn more about some of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and what NAIDOC Week means to them.
Meet Brian Blow, Cultural Capability Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Directorate, Metro South Health.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Brian Blow, Mununjali / Kombumerri and Australian South Sea Islander my mother’s father was blackbirded from Ambrym Island approximately in the 1890’s to Australia to cut sugar cane. For more information at: https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/across-seas-tracing-australian-south-sea-islanders
I was born in Beaudesert, one of 11 children (9 brothers and 2 sisters, I am number 8 in the family), my dad fought in Borneo, he had extended family members and had three brothers and a sister also with extended family members.
In my role at Metro South Health (MSH) as Cultural Capability Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Directorate, I provide cultural education within MSH and work with Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital – QEII Hospital delivering Cultural Capability training, provide resources and advice to Executive, Clinical, Administration and other staff.
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud. What does this theme mean to you?
That all staff celebrates NAIDOC Week, we do not forget the past, have healthy lives for the future and create better health outcomes for all our mobs. That Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still here, working together to enable our history, stories and traditions resonate through connection, with local Elders and communities and with other staff.
How will you be celebrating NAIDOC Week?
I will be working during NAIDOC Week celebrations at QEII Jubilee Hospital on Monday 8th July 2024 and will be celebrating other NAIDOC Week activities and events across MSH facilities and attending local community events.
Thanks Brian!