July 8, 2024

NAIDOC Week: Keep the fire burning

This is NAIDOC Week.

At Northern Health, the celebrations kicked off in the morning of Monday, 8 July, with a didgeridoo performance by Matthew Weegberg followed by smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Perry Wandin at the entrance to Northern Hospital Epping.

Didgeridoo performer, Matthew Weegberg.


“At Northern Health, our vision is to be a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities feel welcomed in a culturally safe environment, ensuring that our services are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of our Aboriginal community,” said Associate Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, speaking at today’s event.

“This makes a profound impact on the quality of care we provide to our Aboriginal patients. To our Aboriginal staff, we celebrate your invaluable contributions to Northern Health.”

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate our culture and show the beauty of our culture,” said Karen Bryant, Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Northern Health.

“During NAIDOC week, we all come together and share our histories, cultures and celebrations and we invite all of Australia to be part of this, all of the allies, anyone trying to learn about the culture, to come together and celebrate with us,” said Toni Gabelish, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Northern Health.

A/Prof Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer.
Karen Bryant, Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer.

Inside the foyer, there was a mini market offering everything from candles, wax melts, emu feather earrings, cultural healing and spiritual empowerment coaching programs.

On Wednesday, 10 July, there will be a workshop on Aboriginal Art for staff in the Ideas Lab from 10 am to 2 pm. There are also sessions on Aboriginal Culture and History – staff are encouraged to register here. That same day, Northern Health will join the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Seymour.

On Thursday 11 July at 8 am, Dr Daniel Crompton, Director, Emergency Department, will speak at the NAIDOC Grand Round. Click here to join the Grand Round.

Look out for a display inspired by this year’s theme at Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre, Craigieburn Centre, Kilmore District Hospital and Northern Hospital Epping. There is also a display at the Northern Health Library and NAIDOC online library resources for staff.

Last but not least, click here to take the staff quiz (open till 12 July) to test your knowledge and potentially win some exciting prizes. Winners will be drawn on Thursday, 18 July.

Please join all of Northern Health as we celebrate NAIDOC Week and kindle a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.

Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Noel King.