“Be Brave. Make Change.” this Reconciliation Week

Last Friday, 27 May 2022, marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

This year’s theme was ‘Be Brave. Make Change’. A challenge to us all to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for all.

This year’s EMHS Reconciliation Week event was held at Armadale Hospital, beginning with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

Leading the Welcome to Country was Noongar Elder Vivienne Hansen and the Smoking Ceremony was led by Noongar Elder Mort Hansen, followed by speeches from AKG A/Executive Director Sandra Miller, Aboriginal Liaison Officer Marra Thorne and Aboriginal community member Brett Hill.

A morning tea was also served, with dishes featuring flavours from country like crocodile, lemon myrtle and desert spice.

In her speech, A/Executive Director Sandra Miller said the week provides an opportunity for EMHS to refocus its commitment to closing the healthcare gap for Aboriginal peoples.

“We must continue to build on the relationships we have established with our aboriginal communities – relationships of which we are very proud,” she said.

“This week is also about recognising the importance of continuing these efforts not only this week, but every week.”

In their speeches Marra Thorne and Brett Hill both spoke about the importance of remembering the past even as we move forward, as well as how their own roles in the community help our patients and services.

"Here at AKG we have a wonderful team of Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers," Marra said.

"Every day is different in this role. We take a lot of pride in working within our local community as advocates to promote better health outcomes for our people by assisting our patients lead their own discharge plan that works for them. We focus our supports on providing patient and families with emotional, social support and most importantly cultural."

You can learn more by visiting the Reconciliation Week website.