Making Change Happen: NAIDOC Week 2011
NAIDOC Week 2011 – 3-10 July
Hunter New England Health will recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island staff across our district with NAIDOC Week 2011, which is next week.
In communities from Newcastle to Narrabri, Moree to Taree, health staff will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations is ‘Change: the next step is ours’.
Aboriginal Health Director Tony Martin is looking forward to seeing all staff take a step in the right direction this NAIDOC Week.
“This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate the history and culture of Indigenous Australians while we also look towards the future.
“We must take responsibility and take action to make the future better for all Australians,” Mr Martin said.
He said it was pleasing to see so many staff were keen to observe the importance of NAIDOC Week.
“Hunter New England Health is trying to boost the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people we employ, with more than 400 Indigenous staff currently working with us,” Mr Martin said.
“There are a wide range of Aboriginal Health staff working across our district including hospital liaison officers, health education officers and other health professionals and support staff who work in a variety of settings,” Mr Martin said.
“These roles are integral to achieving our aim of reducing the health disadvantage that is experienced by Indigenous people in Australia.
“However, the health service also recognises that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health workers must stand together – united in the spirit of reconciliation – to bridge this gap,” Mr Martin said.
Staff from across the district strive to provide culturally sensitive care as a demonstration of the belief that Aboriginal health is everybody’s business.
NAIDOC Week activities at HNE Health facilities (media welcome):
Guyra
A ceremony will be held at Guyra Community Health Centre on Thursday 7 July at 10am. The event will include a flag raising, morning tea and a welcome to country ceremony presented by Nellie Blair.
Taree
Manning Hospital staff will host a Bush Tucker Morning Tea on Thursday 7 July from 10am and all are welcome to attend. A welcome to country ceremony will be presented by Aunty Kath Morcome and Aunty Wilma Morcome. The event will take place in the Staff Education Room.
Gloucester
Gloucester Hospital invites all to the barbecue area on Wednesday 6 July at 10:30am for a welcome to country ceremony and traditional morning tea.
Inverell
Inverell District Health Service staff invite all to a NAIDOC Expo on Tuesday 5 July from 9:30am. The event will include a welcome to country ceremony, flag raising and morning tea. The celebration will continue with cake cutting and didgeridoo playing.
Tamworth
A flag raising ceremony and morning tea will be held on the grounds of Tamworth Hospital on Monday 4 July at 10.30am.
Newcastle
Newcastle Foreshore will be full of sound for the NAIDOC Week Solidarity Concert, held on Monday 4 July 2011 between 10am and 3pm on Wharf Road. The event will host many entertainers, rides and other activities. At John Hunter Hospital, artworks by local Aboriginal artist Murray Belford will be displayed to celebrate NAIDOC Week, along with a selection of Arnhem Land artefacts in the Little People’s Gallery.
Quirindi
Quirindi Health Service staff will provide health checks at Quirindi Sports Ground on Sunday 10 July between 10am and 2pm.
Moree
A flag raising ceremony and morning tea will be held on the grounds of Moree District Health Service on Tuesday 5 July at 10am. Artworks will also be revealed on the day by local Kamilaroi woman, Margaret Adams. Margaret’s artworks are part of the Aboriginal Patient Journey Project.
Gunnedah
All are invited to enjoy a free morning tea at Gunnedah Health Service at 10am, Monday 4 July. The morning tea will be held in the gazebo on the health service grounds, just off Reservoir St.
Muswellbrook
Staff at Muswellbrook Hospital invite all to a flag raising ceremony in the grounds of Muswellbrook Hospital on Tuesday 5 July at 10.30am.
Cessnock
Cessnock Hospital staff invite members of the community to a NAIDOC celebration on Wednesday 6 July from 10am. Free health screenings, sausage sizzle and activities for the kids will be available on the day.
Contact: Abbey Wright
Phone: (02) 4921 4477