Recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people |
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This week we proudly celebrate NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) – a time for all Australians to come together to recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal people.
This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC week. The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, honours the enduring legacy of First Nations ancestors, celebrates the strength of today’s leaders, and highlights the bold vision of young people shaping the future. NAIDOC Week offers an important opportunity to reflect on how we can further embed cultural respect and understanding into our work and daily lives.
As Australia’s largest public health system, we play an important role in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities. That’s why NSW Health is committed to co-creating and designing culturally safe, respectful, and accessible services in partnership with Aboriginal communities and Organisations. By embedding cultural safety in our care and continuing to listen to Aboriginal voices, we can build a more inclusive and equitable health system.
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The stories in this edition highlight some of the powerful work happening in our system and celebrate some of our incredible Aboriginal colleagues working across NSW.
I also want to take this moment to say thank you to the Centre for Aboriginal Health, our many Aboriginal Health teams, and all our dedicated Aboriginal colleagues.
I hope you take part in NAIDOC Week – whether it’s attending a local event, learning more about Aboriginal history and culture, or reflecting on how we can contribute to better health outcomes for Aboriginal communities. |
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Kind regards, Susan Pearce AM
Secretary, NSW Health |
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Making a difference from day one |
“Being an Aboriginal Health Practitioner isn’t just a job – it's a responsibility and a privilege. We carry culture, support our mob, and pave the way for healthier generations to come," said Renee Leigh, Aboriginal Health Practitioner. |
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Working in the Hunter New England Local Health District, Renee brings her cultural knowledge and deep community connections to every aspect of her role. “My culture grounds me. It shapes how I listen, how I advocate, and how I support families in a way that feels safe and respectful,” she said. Renee supports Child and Family Health Nurses during home visits. She helps complete Blue Book checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies. Her work also includes developmental screenings, health education, and advocacy for families navigating the healthcare system.
“We are often the first point of contact for families, helping build trust and ensuring continuity of care. “Every day brings something different in my role – there's never a dull moment." |
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Renee sees firsthand how early support, education, and culturally safe care can set a strong foundation for a child’s health and development.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch families grow in confidence when they feel heard and supported. Every baby check and conversation plays a part in closing the gap in child health outcomes.” |
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Get involved in NAIDOC Week 2025 |
NAIDOC Week (6-13 July) is a time for all Australians to come together in recognition of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
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This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC Week and looks ahead to a future shaped by strong young leaders, community vision, and the enduring legacy of First Nations ancestors. By celebrating NAIDOC Week, we help build a more inclusive, respectful workplace and support better outcomes for Aboriginal communities. To get involved, find a local event on the NAIDOC website. |
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Martin hits the right note |
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Inviting Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Martin to perform at Macksville Hospital helps to share the healing power of music, while also strengthening bonds – between staff and the community. |
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Community-led care for the better |
For Aboriginal communities living in the Northern Sydney Local Health District, accessing culturally safe care often meant travelling long distances. Bungee Bidgel is a health clinic at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital that brings care closer to home. |
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Bungee Bidgel is a partnership between the district, local Aboriginal community and supporting organisations. Guided by a community-led steering committee, the clinic provides culturally safe care services in hearing, optometry, paediatrics, and more.
“The name combines ‘Bungee’ (Guringai for ‘I’m’) and ‘Bidgel’ (Dharug for ‘better’). It reflects the clinic’s mission to support healthier, stronger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” said Elizabeth Marles, Director, General Practice Unit. |
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Smoking ceremony at Bungee Bidgel |
| “Word gets around and we now see Bungee Bidgel patients six days a week and do health checks on two days,” she said.
With the clinic’s increasing popularity, plans are underway to introduce diabetes support and child psychiatry assessments. The clinic is also recruiting an additional nurse to expand its services. “Looking after community and keeping people well is our aim.” |
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They say the team with the best defence wins championships – and with the State of Origin on this week, it’s a timely reminder that defence matters off the field too. Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District has laid out the game plan to take on this flu season. Watch the video below and hear from the “coach” on how to stay ahead of the game this winter. Influenza is serious, but it isn’t as scary if you’re vaccinated. Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months and over. Book your flu vaccine at your GP or pharmacy today via the healthdirect website. For more information, visit the NSW Health website. |
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Culture at the heart of care |
Having an open conversation after a patient safety incident can be challenging. When an Aboriginal patient is involved, it requires culturally specific and appropriate care. |
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To support staff in these situations, Caron Shaw and Jacqui Sullivan from the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) developed the Guidance for NSW Health staff on Aboriginal Cultural Engagement during the Open Disclosure Process. This resource helps practitioners approach these conversations with honesty, empathy, and timeliness.
“As Aboriginal health professionals, our culture, values and ways of knowing are at the heart of how we care for our people. Reflecting on this is essential,” said Caron, Principal Aboriginal Clinical Safety and Cultural Advisor.
“Delivering culturally safe care is about recognising and respecting these cultural perspectives. This guidance helps staff practice open disclosure sensitively with Aboriginal families,” said Jacqui, Aboriginal Patient Safety Project Officer. |
| Caron Shaw and Jacqui Sullivan |
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“For Aboriginal families, it’s not just about what’s said – it’s about who says it, how it’s said, and whether their cultural obligations are respected,” said Caron. “This guidance is about walking alongside our families with honesty, empathy, and respect,” said Jacqui.
You can read the guidance on the CEC website. |
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Country, culture and connection |
For Catherine Noble, the best part of being an Aboriginal cancer care coordinator is engaging with different mobs and building connections with patients. One way she does this is through the What Matters 2 Adults (WM2A) measure at the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo. |
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| The WM2A measure, developed by Professor Gail Garvey and Professor Kirsten Howard was built electronically into the Cancer Institute NSW Patient Reported Measures system and initially piloted across four local health districts. It places Aboriginal people at the centre of culturally safe care by helping clinicians understand and respond to their wellbeing needs in a timely and meaningful way. Following a successful pilot, the measure is now being rolled out across the state. “The measure helps us understand their circumstances, including any changes since our last conversation. This means we can offer the right support. It allows patients to reflect on their lives and answer questions about Country, culture, pride, and connection,” said Catherine. |
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“There’s a big focus on identity and spirituality. From these conversations, we let the patient guide us on how we can support their social and emotional wellbeing through cancer treatment,” she said.
To learn more about this model, you can read the academic paper. |
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Inside the life of a Visiting Medical Officer |
Meet Dr Aliza Lord, a GP Visting Medical Officer (VMO) at Broken Hill Base Hospital, Far West Local Health District. For Aliza, starting out as a medical student in a small rural hospital meant lots of hands-on experience and a chance to develop her clinical skills early.
Watch the video below to see what goes on in a day in the life of a VMO in Broken Hill. |
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Apply now for a Junior Medical Officer (JMO) position in 2026. Early round applications are open now. Main round applications open on 15 July. Visit the NSW Health website for more information. |
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In focus with Geri Wilson-Matenga |
Q: What is the importance of this year's NAIDOC Week theme The Next Generation: Strength, Legacy and Vision, and what does it mean in healthcare settings?
A: National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week commenced on Sunday 6 July 2025.
The theme for NAIDOC 2025 invites our staff, patients, and communities to reflect on the enduring strength, vision, and legacy of Aboriginal people, focusing on the empowerment and leadership of the next generation. It calls for recognition of Aboriginal young leaders, their contributions, and the importance of supporting their growth and development.
In the context of health, the NAIDOC 2025 theme aligns seamlessly with our NSW Aboriginal Health Transformation Agenda commitments to empowering Aboriginal communities and nurturing Aboriginal leadership amongst the next generation. The Transformation Agenda is a strategic workplan developed by Aboriginal Health Directors and senior executives across NSW Health, aiming to transform Aboriginal health outcomes in line with the NSW Aboriginal Health Plan 2024–2034.
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By prioritising and embedding cultural safety, supporting Aboriginal governance, shared decision-making and accountability, and elevating the development of our Aboriginal health workforce, we are actively contributing to the strength, vision, and legacy of the next generation. We are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal voices are central in shaping health policies and services, leading to more effective and culturally affirming healthcare delivery. As we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, lets honour the next generation of Aboriginal leaders and continue walking alongside communities so we can together achieve the highest possible levels of health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people in NSW.
Geri Wilson-Matenga Executive Director, Centre for Aboriginal Health, NSW Ministry of Health |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit
The Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest highlights transformative clinical innovations.
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- Early DOAC initiation for acute ischaemic stroke and atrial fibrillation, digital decision aids for palliative and end-of-life dementia care, and generative AI in mental health
Subscribe for Wednesday morning updates or explore the CIU's living evidence table on AI in healthcare.
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Call for Abstracts
The Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) is now inviting submissions for abstracts from researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience to contribute to the conference program within one of four key streams: - Knowledge and innovation
- Influencing the context
- Sustaining the work
- Age-specific approaches.
For more information about each stream and abstract submission guidelines, visit the FASSTT website. |
| 2025 NSW Humanitarian Award winners
Congratulations to the Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS), Leissa West from Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, and Hunter New England Local Health District on receiving the 2025 NSW Humanitarian Awards.
These awards celebrate those whose tireless efforts have helped build a more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient society.
Read more about the winners and their achievements on the STARTTS website. |
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NSW Health acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of NSW and pays respect to Elders past, present and future. |
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