How NSW Health is supporting Aboriginal health, staff and communitites, and celebrating NAIDOC Week 2023 |
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NAIDOC Week starts this Sunday – a celebration held across Australia in the first week of July each year to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The week is an opportunity for all of us to learn about Aboriginal cultures and histories and to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth. Below you can hear from some of the incredible Aboriginal staff and read about some of our services for Aboriginal people throughout NSW Health.
This year’s theme is For Our Elders and recognises the prominent place and important role Elders have played, and continue to play, across every generation in our communities and in Aboriginal kinship ties. Personally, I have loved learning more about Aboriginal customs and practises from Elders across the many Aboriginal lands in NSW and beyond. There is much to learn. |
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On another but also very important note, today we are launching the Time for Care survey, aimed at understanding how, as a health system, we can reduce the amount of time spent on non-clinical and administrative tasks that take clinicians away from what matters most; patient care.
The survey is open to all staff, no matter where you work in the health system – we all have a role in supporting the care of our patients.
You can complete the survey here. Your responses will remain anonymous and the survey is open for three weeks, from today Wednesday 28 June to Friday 21 July. Kind regards,
Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health
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To celebrate this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, we asked Elders in our community what this means to them and how NSW Health can learn more about the cultural knowledge of Elders. |
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| Proud Wiradjuri man and loving father, Ronnie Bamblett, is using his experiences with the health system both as an Aboriginal Health Worker and as an inpatient, to be a voice for Mob.
“I love coming to my job every day. It’s about supporting and advocating for my community and Elders so they have a voice and feel heard and feel like they matter, because they do,” said Ronnie.
Ronnie understands the challenges Aboriginal people face and is helping to implement positive change. “The experience can be confusing and frightening, so my people often just nod and agree with what the doctor is saying so they can go home to their community.” |
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Ronnie is using his voice to ensure people are receiving culturally appropriate care.
“We can relay medical jargon in their lingo, and they feel more confident to raise their concerns and issues,” said Ronnie.
“We have built good relationships with the hospital staff so they can refer people to us if they’re concerned. It means we‘re getting better outcomes for our patients and that is really important to everyone here.” Ronnie is using his voice to share a few ideas for the Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment. “Cultural connection to family and country is central to our lives and there is no shame in that and never should be,” said Ronnie.
“I came up with the idea of putting a big Gugaa (Goanna) in the courtyard because it is our totem, and to have all native plants surrounding it to give us a good connection to the area.” |
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Painting the patient journey |
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In the 1940s and 50s, Aboriginal women in Bowraville, a small town on the Mid North Coast of NSW, were not permitted to give birth at the local hospital.
Instead, they walked more than 30 kilometres over rugged mountain ranges to Bellingen for medical assistance during their labour, with many babies born in the bush, on their way to the hospital.
Today, this sad but significant story in Bowraville’s history has been immortalised with a mural painted on the Bowraville HealthOne facility. Jasmine Stadhams, an artist from Nyami Gawbarrigam, a local women’s group, said the community helped to decide what stories to illustrate throughout the artwork. |
| Bowraville HealthOne mural |
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“We held meetings with community, and they told us local stories, like how women used to travel along the birthing walking track to Bellingen. It’s an important story to tell because it shows how strong and resilient the women were,” said Jasmine Stadhams, Nyami Gawbarrigam artist.
The mural is historically and culturally significant for the community and staff alike. Mila Rokodakunivosa, Aboriginal Health Worker, Mid North Coast Local Health District, shares just how important it is to hear the stories of Aboriginal people and Elders. “To watch these women come together to create this beautiful artwork from stories which have been passed down from generation to generation is inspiring. The mural is a way of documenting history and local culture and I am so proud of the artists for having achieved this,” said Mila.
“I am also a proud Gumbaynggirr Woman and every day I get inspired by my community. They have persevered and struggled to carry on our history as being the oldest living culture in the world,” said Mila. |
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Yarna Buchanan, Jasmine Stadhams, Yaara Straede, Rebecca Stadhams & Ellie Hannon |
| Jasmine and Penny Stadhams holding babies Maverick and Magnolia Stadhams |
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Name: Matthew Trindall Role: Director Aboriginal Mental Health, NSW Ministry of Health Now, let’s get to know you a little better…
What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you? Big friendly giant.
Last great TV show or movie you watched? Bluey, creative geniuses behind the show, so many life lessons unpacked in a children’s show. My parenting techniques are benchmarked against Bandit and Chilli. Favourite book or podcast? Conversations with Richard Fidler podcast. A long-term travel companion, very engaging and articulate. I like the diverse range of guests on the show. Richard is captivating in his approach and well researched in many topics.
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If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Japanese woodworking. I'm always fascinated by the level of detail, discipline and technique used. Building structures using techniques that have been passed down from one generation to another is a lesson in itself on preserving culture and practices.
If you’re cooking dinner, what will everyone be eating? BBQ, simple, low fuss and caters for all.
Any hidden talents? I would like to say yes, but I don’t have any hidden talents.
What is one of your proudest moments as Director for Aboriginal Mental Health?
I've had many highlights so far in the role, but the proudest moment is seeing the commitment to Aboriginal mental health and making it everyone’s business. It shifts the narrative from the deficit discourse to a strengths-based approach. So many Aboriginal led programs currently underway in mental health and I look forward to seeing the outcomes and improving services for the community. What does NAIDOC Week mean to you?
Always a great time in the annual calendar of events. It allows me to spend more time in the community and attend the many events that occur throughout the week. I make the trip home also to celebrate and reconnect with culture, country and community.
The week is about celebrating the success, recognising those who came before us and improving awareness and engagement with all community members. I love the idea of showcasing our rich culture and experiences, and to see communities embracing NAIDOC week is a very important milestone for reconciliation. Why is NAIDOC Week so important, especially this year’s theme, For Our Elders?
Perfect theme for this year's event and recognition of those who came before us. Celebrating and acknowledging the contribution that our Elders have made for future generations is the biggest mark of respect for our communities.
Our Elders have advocated for generations to improve our rights for self-determination and creating opportunities. I would encourage us all to reflect and actively spend more time embracing our rich history and celebrate Aboriginal culture, not just during NAIDOC week but every week. |
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'At the CORE' of cultural safety |
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Our CORE values are at the heart of everything we do at NSW Health. At the CORE showcases the teams, initiatives, and achievements from around the system that display our values in action. |
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Openness: Staff from the NSW Ministry of Health, the NSW Health Professional Councils, and the Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) have launched a strategy to improve cultural safety for Aboriginal people within the NSW health system.
The Councils and HPCA Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy 2023-24 was developed by the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Working group, comprised of 50 percent Aboriginal membership. |
| Launching the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Strategy |
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The group provided a forum for open discussion about the experiences of Aboriginal people when interacting with our health system.
“I was humbled to be part of the working group and so grateful to the members for generously sharing their expertise, lived experiences and knowledge to inform the strategy. When I look back on my career, I am certain that this experience will be one of the highlights,” said Ameer Tadros, Director, HPCA.
The strategy is informed by the understanding that cultural safety is determined by Aboriginal people, and outlines how everyone within the health system can take action to eliminate racism.
Gay Lose, Principal Advisor at the Centre for Aboriginal Health, shared that collaboration was at the centre of the working group and the strategy.
“It is a truly co-designed strategy that was developed through collaboration and partnership using deep listening, learning, and reflection. Now we have a clear vision and set of actions to embed and improve cultural safety in the NSW regulatory system,” said Gay.
For Ameer, these words from Gay best capture the vision of the strategy: “When we get it right for Aboriginal people, we get it right for everybody.” |
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Health Care in Secure Settings
Hosted by Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, the annual conference is returning to the International Convention Centre in Sydney to explore the niche field of health care in custodial and forensic mental health settings.
Over two days, from 10 to 11 August, international and local experts will discuss topics from Norway’s approach to the prison system, to a former inmate’s perspective.
Find out more and register here. |
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Join a local NAIDOC Week event Throughout NAIDOC Week (2 - 9 July) events are held across the state to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Check out the NAIDOC Week website to learn more about this year's theme, For Our Elders, and find a local event to get involved. |
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Keeping healthy and staying deadly |
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The new service at St Vincent’s Hospital is helping Aboriginal patients better manage their chronic conditions to stay deadly – to stay healthy and well!
Damien Davis Frank, the first Aboriginal Chronic Care Coordinator at St Vincent’s Hospital, is proud to be part of the team who are working to improve Aboriginal health outcomes.
“My role is to educate and advocate for Aboriginal patients when they are an inpatient and an outpatient, by helping to make the hospital a culturally safe place and giving them the tools and support to manage their own health,” said Damien.
Damien works closely with the Aboriginal Health Unit and together they have seen a significant positive impact in just the first year. |
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“One of my patients had more than 90 presentations to the Emergency Department in a year. Once we started working together, we were able to halve his emergency presentations in just six weeks,” said Damien.
A big part of the Chronic Care Service is ensuring patients can stay healthy when in the community.
“I navigate both internal and external clinicians so patients can access support when out in the community, and I make sure to educate patients to improve their health literacy so they can achieve their health goals.
“Identifying the barriers that exist for Aboriginal patients and finding solutions like the Chronic Care Service, or creating roles like mine, has made the hospital a safer place for everyone,” said Damien. |
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The Northern NSW Local Health District Swim Safe Program, ‘Little Jarjums’, is doing more than just teaching little ones to swim.
It is also caring for their families by getting parents to complete an Aboriginal health assessment at the local Bugalwena General Practice before enrolling their child into the program. The program has reminded Aboriginal Health Worker, Kitty Fisher, just how important it is to have culturally safe services. |
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Swimming instructor with two kids at
Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre |
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“Being able to come to work and see families smiling and enjoying themselves while learning the fundamentals of safe swimming really reminds me of how important my role as an Aboriginal Health Worker is to my community,” said Kitty.
Little Jarjums is helping kids rid their fear of water, build self-esteem and have a positive understanding of health and wellbeing. While for parents, the program is allowing them to be part of the journey towards better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
“I am most proud of our families showing up each week and continuing to support each other through their learn to swim journey.” |
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Aboriginal women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than three times as likely to die of the disease than non-Aboriginal women.
The Cancer Institute NSW have launched a digital guide to help healthcare workers like Monique McEwan to promote cervical cancer screening in Aboriginal communities.
“As a busy Aboriginal Health Worker, having a step-by-step guide is really helpful because you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You can build on what has worked for others and tailor it to diverse communities,” said Monique.
The guide shows how to successfully engage with Aboriginal women and includes examples such as yarning circles, pop-up clinics and education sessions. |
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Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Tracie McNally performing a blood sugar test at the Cronulla Aboriginal Women’s Wellbeing Event |
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As the Aboriginal Women’s Health Coordinator at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Monique was happy to be involved in the project.
“It was a collaborative process where Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people came together to share their knowledge. We were able to consider various factors like location and access, and how to be culturally appropriate and safe when engaging with Aboriginal women,” said Monique.
Raising the awareness of cervical screening among Aboriginal women can have a generational impact as traditionally they are strong leaders, nurturers and caregivers in their community.
“We have reached women of all different ages, including some of our Elders. It is so important because our Elders are our guides and our cultural leaders and can empower younger generations,” said Monique. “They will teach their daughters, nieces, sisters and cousins to also care for their health and get screened.”
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Learning about Aboriginal culture and understanding history and the influence of colonialism today helps to give compassion and support to Aboriginal communities. |
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Respecting, knowing and being the difference at Southern NSW
Shirlena Gallagher used her experience as an Aboriginal Health Worker to refresh Southern NSW Local Health District’s Respecting The Difference (RTD) training.
“I put a lot of cultural insight, emotion and soul into the content and drew on my own experiences of unconscious bias and racism. I wanted the training to provide cultural understanding, awareness and truth,” said Shirlena.
The new training took nine weeks to create and is something that Shirlena is incredibly proud of. “It was really important to me for people to feel included and safe in their learning,” said Shirlena.
“I now get staff from different departments and positions ask me for advice and I feel pretty good about that. It’s a privilege to assist those wanting to make a difference.”
One aspect of the training that Shirlena has received a lot of positive feedback on, and is often asked questions about, is the concept of family and kinship in Aboriginal culture.
“I explain why you might find yourself with a room full of people who are the next of kin when you have an Aboriginal patient. It’s because family and kinship bind Aboriginal people together and is the foundation of our support systems.” |
| Health Education and Training Institute’s very own wellbeing warrior
The Wellbeing and Health In-reach Nurse Coordinator (WHINC) program, has 100 dedicated wellbeing nurses across the state who are working within schools to help kids improve their health and wellbeing.
At the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), Suzanne Kelpsa, a proud Gamilaroi woman and Senior Program Manager, is leading the education for the WHINC program.
“As a proud Aboriginal nurse and midwife, I really enjoy meeting and interacting with wellbeing nurses across the state and hearing how the program is supporting Aboriginal communities,” said Suzanne.
“It is great to be able to connect with wellbeing nurses about specialist education and training and how we’re connecting Aboriginal students and families with Aboriginal health services, and Aboriginal community organisations.” |
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New Chief Executive of Northern NSW Local Health District
Tracey Maisey has accepted the role as Chief Executive of Northern NSW Local Health District.
Tracey has led health services and brings significant expertise in health system planning, with a clear commitment to improving health outcomes, having held executive-level health positions in Australia, Qatar and New Zealand.
Tracey will commence in the role on 14 August 2023. |
| Delivering better healthcare insights - a new data warehouse Following extensive state-wide collaboration, the new Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDWARD) will go live on 1 July 2023. EDWARD will deliver high quality, integrated health data for monitoring and decision-making that will support improvements in patient care.
Thanks to the teams across the system who have contributed to achieving this milestone. For more information, visit this link. |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit Evidence Digest focuses on clinical innovations that have the potential to change clinical practice and delivery or organisation of care.
In the past weeks, the Evidence Digest featured: - Drugs for obesity and overweight, quality improvement strategies for diabetes care, SGLT-2 inhibitors and glucose monitoring and treatment of gestational diabetes.
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Interventions to reduce transfusions associated with hip fracture surgery, laryngoscopy, fruquintinib in metastatic colorectal cancer and self administered etripamil for tachycardia.
To receive the digest in your inbox on Wednesday mornings, please subscribe. |
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Updated refugee health resources New multilingual health resources are available to support staff working with refugee communities.
These resources include: |
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We acknowledge the Aboriginal traditional custodians of the land in which we live and work and pay respects to all Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff working with the NSW Government. |
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