People & Country

Stories from Country

A smoking ceremony begins the Managers' Commissioning each year, with Aboriginal Services Manager John Lochowiak lifting our spirits to imbue wisdom and confidence in leadership roles.

This year the ceremony was held on Kaurna land, in the courtyard garden of the National Wine Centre. Seventy staff were commissioned as leaders to inspire, guide and encourage.

John spoke about the significance of family, and of welcoming staff to Country.

"It's an honour for me to do that because once we welcome you, we have a duty of care to make sure you are safe and taken care of. That's really important to us," he said.

The smoking ceremony preceded the Managers' Development Forum where each manager was commissioned in their role and gifted a wooden cross.

The forum had a focus on Aboriginal Cultural Awareness and the ongoing development of Centacare's next Reconciliation Action Plan.

John delivered training on the Tjukurrpa, the body of lore that imparts knowledge across the human, sacred and physical worlds.