October 2024 edition
A message from Aunty Helen Bnads
Welcome to the latest edition of the WirriGirrinewsletter. Enjoy reading about the great things that Peninsula Health staff have been doingover the last couple of months within the First Nations'space.
I would like to bring to your attention the Cultural Awareness training that Peninsula Health have been running throughout the year, I encourage all staff to book in. These are run by Jillian West, a proud Bunurong and Palawa woman with a lengthy career supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplein work, education and their life journey.Increase your knowledge of Australia’s First Nations people in a safe environment of trust and respect.
The session outline the following topics:
•Increased understanding of the issues past and present
•Provide information that will help to communicate sensitively and effectively and
•Look at the impact past policies and practices have had on Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people, cultures, and practices.
Upcoming training dates: Tuesday 15 October and Tuesday 22 October
Click here to book into a session
Keeping our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients’ safe is our priority
Aboriginal Health staff roles:
Elder and Cultural Lead
Aunty Helen Bnads
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers (AHLO)
Nadine Mallah
Cliff Morris
KoorieMaternity Service (KMS)
Danielle Cameron
Aboriginal Healthy Start to Life
Jessica Taylor
Welcome Cliff Morris Position: AHLO
We are excited to introduce our newest team member, Cliff Morris, who has joined us as an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer. Cliff brings a wealth of experience and cultural knowledge to our team, and we are thrilled to have him on board to support our ongoing efforts in providing culturally safe and inclusive care.
Let’s get to know Cliff a bit more…
What isyourjob title and what sort of duties do you have at work? What are you most passionate about this role?
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer -to supportAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers with social, emotional and cultural support who access Peninsula health.
Where did you work before Community Care?
I worked at MurrumbidgeeLocal Health District in WaggaWaggaas an ALO for the past 9yrs.
Who inspires you?
My mum, she has been a great role model for myself and my 5 siblings. Iadmire her strength, resilience and determination with whatever life has thrown her way.
What's the best place you have travelledtoor what isyourdream destination?
To travel around Europe and America is on the bucket list.
Do you have some hidden talents and hobbies?
Love watching rugby league and AFL and don't mind a game of golf here and there.Also, I love spending timewith my 4 dogs and 4 cats, they take up most of my time
Pics are of myself with my two nephews and my dogs.
Cultural Immersion Tours
Throughout July and August, our health service hosted several Cultural Immersion Tours.
These tours offered a unique and authentic insight into Aboriginal culture, history, and practices, enabling staff to experience the rich heritage and traditions of the local Aboriginal community on the MorningtonPeninsula.
Each session provided opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations, enhancing our staff’s ability to deliver culturally sensitive care to our patients.
Participants were encouraged to take part in various activities, including learning about traditional Aboriginal dance, material culture, traditional huts, and exploring the KoorieBush Tucker Trail.
The response to these tours has been incredibly positive, with staff reporting that they gained valuable insights.
New dates have been confirmed for 2025, and will be promoted in SharePoint early in the new year so keep an eye out for the booking details and we will see you there!
NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, we showcased 17 Aboriginal artworks purchased through The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation, providing cultural and arts support to Indigenous people in Victoria.
Displayed in our dedicated Community Mental Health and Wellbeing site, TarnbukCentre, the artworks bring Aboriginal stories to life, conveying knowledge, events and beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It has been an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Thank you to those who joined us for a special night of cultural immersion.
NAIDOC Week
This year's NAIDOC Week celebrations were highlighted by the vibrant Dinner and Dance event at the MorningtonRacecourse, organised byNairmMarr Djambana. The evening was filled with cultural richness, community spirit, and festivities.
The dance floor came alive with performances by talented Indigenous artists, whose music and dance honored the theme of this year's NAIDOC Week: Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, highlighting the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The event provided a wonderful opportunity for the community and Peninsula Health staff to come together, celebrate, and reflect on the importance of NAIDOC Week. It was a night of unity, pride, and appreciation for the contributions of Indigenous Australians.
Bay Mob Expo 2024
At the recent Bay Mob Expo at NairmMarr Djambana, the Community Care, Children’s Services, and Community Dental teams from Peninsula Health came together to celebrate and support the well-being of families in our region. The event was a wonderful gathering of community members, health professionals, and local organizations, all united in the spirit of collaboration and care.
Our teams created an inviting booth that showcased the variety of services we offer, from dental health education to essential community support programs. We engaged attendees with informative brochures and interactive materials, ensuring everyone walked away with practical knowledge and resources to enhance their family’s health.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the opportunity to connect with families. We listened to their stories, answered their questions, and provided personalized guidance. This meaningful interaction reinforced our commitment to the community we serve.
Additionally, the event opened doors for networking with other local organizations, laying the groundwork for future partnerships that will further benefit our community.
Overall, the Bay Mob Expo was a resounding success, and we are truly grateful for the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Update on the Aboriginal Health Innovative Initiative: Culturally Safe Diabetes Care
We are excited to share an update on the Aboriginal Health Innovative Initiative, a partnership between Peninsula Health and First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing. Since the launch of this culturally safe diabetes specialist care program, we have made significant strides in supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Our dedicated team, which includes endocrinologist, diabetes educator, dietitian, and podiatrist, has been working tirelessly to provide comprehensive care tailored to our peoples' needs. We are pleased to report that we are currently supporting a diverse group of diabetes patients, along with individuals who are prediabeticor at high risk for developing diabetes.
Patients are receiving thorough check-ups and care in a culturally safe environment, ensuring that their unique needs and preferences are respected. This approach is making a real difference in their health outcomes and overall well-being.
We believe that by raising awareness about this initiative, we can encourage more individuals to take charge of their health and access the support they need. Together, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing.
Congratulations Women’s Health team
We are incredibly proud to announce that our health service has been nominated as a finalist for the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards in the following category:
Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing: The Women’s Health team has been recognised for its partnership with local Aboriginal Gathering Places to provide cervical and bowel cancer screenings in a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal women. The team also engaged a local artist to facilitate a class, creating an informal setting that empowers Aboriginal women to take charge of their health and supports their self-determination.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday 19 November, at the 18th Annual Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night.
Congratulations to our dedicated staff who made this nomination possible; the amazing work you do each day does not go unnoticed.
Pharmacy Update
Community Care Pharmacist, Olivia Miles connected with mob at the latest Bay Mob Expo promoting the health and wellbeing of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through facilitating access to affordable medications on discharge from hospital.
A card has been was given out to community members to keep easily accessible and will assist when in hospital to receive their free medication on discharge (please note: must be an inpatient).
It is also a great reminder to identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander when asked the question during the admission process.
If you require education and / or are having difficulty managing your medications, contact Community Care on 9788 1700 for referral to the Community Care Pharmacist. This is a free service.
Community News
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Event
hosted by Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited (DDACL)
Join the team from DDACL to have a yarn about breast health. Free resources will be available that will equip you with the basic knowledge you need to prioritise your breast health.
Breast Cancer Awareness Event
Tuesday 29 October
Starts at 11am, lunch at 12.30pm
NairmMarr Djambana
32 Nursery Avenue, Frankston
More information contact pushpa@ddacl.org.au