How EMHS celebrated NAIDOC Week 2026

NAIDOC Week 2026 was celebrated across East Metropolitan Health Service’s hospital sites, with smoking ceremonies, dancers, yarning circles and even a few traditional menu items!

At Royal Perth Hospital, celebrations kicked off with a traditional smoking ceremony, Aboriginal dance and the haunting sound of the didgeridoo.

Noongar Elder Uncle Nick Abraham then delivered a Welcome to Country before EMHS Director of Aboriginal Health Sharon Clews and Chief Executive Joel Gurr took the podium to shine the spotlight on EMHS achievements in Aboriginal-led decision-making and cultural governance.

Staff at Bentley Hospital got into the spirit of the occasion, joining in a special series of yarning circles led for the first time by members of EMHS’ Aboriginal Consumer Advisory Group.

In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, yarning is a structured, relational and culturally safe way of learning, sharing and connecting with others through narrative, stories and experiences.

Staff who took joined the circles were invited to share what was important to them in their delivery of culturally appropriate care.

At Armadale Hospital, damper and Kangaroo stew was served after a heartfelt Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, led by Uncle Nigel Wilkes and Aunty Alice Kearing.

Drizzling rain didn’t manage to dampen the spirits of attendees at Kalamunda, with the sun eventually breaking through as a new generation of young Aboriginal dancers told their stories.

The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week was 50 Years of Deadly, marking half a century of the struggles and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

EMHS Manager of Aboriginal Health Ken Nicholls said NAIDOC Week was a time of reconnection, reflection and slowing the pace. 

“I think about the countless unsung heroes who quietly show up every day and they ask nothing for it, in return,” Ken said. “What comes next is shaped by all of us here.”