National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a significant time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. It takes place annually from 27 May to 3 June.

The theme for NRW 2024 is ‘Now More Than Ever’. Now more than ever, the work continues — in treaty making, truth-telling, understanding our history, education, and tackling racism. We need connection, respect, action, and change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

Northern Health provides essential services within the traditional lands of the Woi Wurrung Wurundjeri people, covering the City of Whittlesea and the City of Hume. Additionally, it extends its care to the Taungurong Country in the Shire of Mitchell. These regions collectively form part of the Kulin nation.

The Narrun Wilip-giin (meaning “Spirit Keepers” in Woi Wurrung language) Aboriginal Support Unit plays a crucial role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their carers throughout their hospital journey. However, this essential work wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of every staff member involved in patient care.

Recognising the exceptional efforts of these dedicated staff members, the Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit has established the Spirit Keeper Champion Appreciation Award. This award aims to honour colleagues who exemplify the following core values:

1. Going Above and Beyond: These individuals consistently demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile, ensuring that the unique needs of Aboriginal patients are met. They exceed expectations and willingly take on additional responsibilities.

2. Supportive and Empathetic: Their interactions with patients and their families are characterised by deep empathy and compassion. During challenging times, they provide comfort and reassurance, fostering a sense of trust.

3. Genuine and Respectful: These staff members engage with Aboriginal patients authentically and respectfully. They build trusting relationships through sincere communication, acknowledging the cultural context and individual experiences.

4. Creating Culturally Safe Environments: They actively contribute to culturally safe spaces within the hospital. Aboriginal patients feel valued, respected, and free from discrimination or judgment.

5. Caring and Compassionate: Above all, their care is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve. Their compassion, kindness, and concern for Aboriginal patients’ well-being shines through.

“Aboriginal health is everyone’s business,” says Karen Bryant, Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer. “This award came about because Narrun Wilip-giin wanted to acknowledge those staff members who went over and above to provide culturally safe care, often on multiple occasions.”

To date, eight staff members have been nominated across various departments, including EMR, Legal, Nursing, and Cancer Services. They are : Cheryl Murray, Andrew Lang, Awash Prasad, Virginia Grant, Birat Sharma, Jane Delos, Simone Cariss, Angeline Llewellyn and Mia Chatz.

Awash Prasad, Director of Legal Services, was one of the recipients of this award and says “I am deeply humbled to receive the Spirit Keeper Champion Award from the Aboriginal Support Unit. I see this award as more than a reflection of my work; it is an incredible honour to be part of our collective efforts toward compassionate and culturally sensitive care.”

“Working with the Aboriginal Liaison Office (ALO) team and our Aboriginal consumers has been a profoundly enriching experience. I have learned invaluable lessons from their resilience, wisdom, and deep connection to cultural heritage. Most importantly, I have learned to listen with an open heart and mind, to respect cultural practices, and to ensure that Northern Health is positioned as a leader in our efforts toward reconciliation. To me, reconciliation is our shared journey. It is a journey of being authentic, genuine, and fostering mutual respect and collaboration.”

Cheryl Murray, Breast Care Nurse Consultant, was another of the recipients. She says, “To be awarded the Spirit Keeper award was such a lovely surprise. Working alongside Northern Health’s ALO team is always a rewarding experience. They are a hard-working team, passionate and professional to achieve positive outcomes for our Indigenous patients. I find it incredibly thought provoking, to learn about our Indigenous rich history, our shared history and culture. Reconciliation Week is a reminder of the inequities between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander’s and the wider community. It showcases how important it is to keep moving forward to work towards to fixing historical exclusion, end discrimination and strengthen our relationship with the First Nation people.”

Pictured in featured image (from bottom left): Birat Sharma, Simone Cariss with Tya Fry, Joanne Quinn, Aboriginal Health Practitioner with Awash Prasad, Cheryl Murray with Karen Bryant, Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer and Andrew Lang, Virginia Grant, Jane Delos