National Reconciliation Week 2024
Mark Da Silva, Work health and safety director
What does reconciliation mean to you?
"Reconciliation means Australians coming together, to bring truth-telling and justice to light. It is a journey of learning, understanding country and culture, as well as healing time to actively listen to ensure Indigenous and First Nations people are being heard and continue so.
How do you work towards achieving this in your department?
"Part of my journey at Barwon Health for reconciliation has been representation, acknowledgement and inclusion. My first interaction at Barwon Health was with the Aboriginal Health Unit to represent and support indigenous culture by wearing an indigenous lapel and lanyard. The next was an invite to the work health and safety (WHS) team meeting to learn about the team and what they do. Lastly, in my service to Barwon Health, I focus on an acknowledgement of country at the meetings I chair or attend to ensure I pay my respects to the land in which we live, Wadawurrung Country, and how grateful I am to be part of it."
Julie Mitchell, Elective Surgery Access Unit (ESAU) manager
What does reconciliation mean to you?
"In my work, reconciliation means our First Nations consumers can receive individualised care and support, allowing them to engage with the health service for timely and equitable access to planned surgery."
How do you work towards achieving this in your department?
"It is important for all First Nations consumers on our planned surgery waiting lists to be offered links into the services of the Aboriginal Health liaison officer (AHLO). Consumers on the waiting list have an opportunity to contact the AHLO, and the AHLO is also able to reach out to those awaiting surgery. Engaging early with the AHLO allows Barwon Health to offer support at every step of the process, including completing health questionnaires, pre-surgery appointment tests, reinforcing medication management, fasting advice, admission and discharge planning, and making sure consumers have adequate social and mental health support, as well as transport access."
Dennis Baker, Barwon South West surgery recovery and reform lead
What does reconciliation mean to you?
"Reconciliation is the process of making two people or groups of people friendly again after they have argued seriously or fought and kept apart from each other. Whilst this is core to enabling our society to be successful, it has a deeper meaning, which is the cultural and spiritual connections that are inherently essential to our First Nations people. It is essential to fully appreciate and understand these differences and how they can be integrated into our society."
How do you work towards achieving this in your service?
"I have recently had the opportunity to work closely with our Aboriginal Health Unit, which has helped me gain a better understanding of our First Nations people. These learnings will inform and guide my decision-making in future interactions and work, which will include a more inclusive approach to project management."
Nicole McCallum - Baxter Wing 7 nurse unit manager
What does reconciliation mean to you?
"Reconciliation to me is about acknowledging the past, and overcoming division and inequality to work towards creating a better future for all."
How do you work towards achieving this in your service?
"On Baxter Wing 7, Angela Shelley has recently been appointed as our Aboriginal Health Champion and is working with the Aboriginal Health Unit to create an awareness of their services to improve patient care on the ward. We are also hosting an afternoon tea during National Reconciliation Week, so our staff are looking forward to cooking and tasting some delicious indigenous dishes with ingredients used by First Nations people."
"On Baxter Wing 7, Angela Shelley has recently been appointed as our Aboriginal Health Champion and is working with the Aboriginal Health Unit to create an awareness of their services to improve patient care on the ward. We are also hosting an afternoon tea during National Reconciliation Week, so our staff are looking forward to cooking and tasting some delicious indigenous dishes with ingredients used by First Nations people."