We want you to walk the path of reconciliation with us.
The theme of this year’s Reconciliation Week challenges you to “Be brave. Make change.”
As part of National Reconciliation Week, we spoke to people across Monash Health about what reconciliation means to them. Here’s what they had to say:
“Reconciliation is about walking along side Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia’s healing journey. This isn’t as simple as asking us to meet you half way, you need to meet us where we are, walk with us in our world and experience life from our perspectives. Our people have had to walk in your world for over 200 years and it’s time for you to take a walk with us.”
– Alix Parsons, Project Lead – Reconciliation Action Plan
“To me, reconciliation week is a time to consolidate and reflect and to continue to understand history and impacts this has on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Families and how we can continue to support the improvement of Health outcomes with them and work on this Journey in partnership with them.”
– Sam Challands, Program Manager
“Reconciliation means slowing down and remembering how we have come to be on this land. This exact spot under our feet. To me, it involves thinking about the depth of history. Everyone who has passed over this spot has their stories and today all of those stories interconnect. Let’s approach reconciliation as our shared story.”
– Kathryn Sullivan, Project Lead
“To me, it means recognising our shared history and understanding that this history continues to impact on current health outcomes. We’re committed to adapting our care delivery to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
– Martin Keogh, Chief Operating Officer“We shouldn’t just be recognising Aboriginal history and reconciliation during Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation and Aboriginal history need to be recognised 365 days a year.”
– Tracey Stephens, Aboriginal Midwife Coordinator
“Reconciliation is a responsibility, and we all need to continue the journey together. Important things that we do every day, like asking our patients if they identify as Aboriginal, take us one step closer to reconciliation.”
– Adjunct Professor Katrina Nankervis, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer“To me, it’s about recognising our history and how we can work together towards a more equitable future.”
– Christine Power, Project Manager“My ancestors may not have come from this land, but I have, and I love it and want to be at one with it, its history, and its people. Unless we recognise the past and what happened and what was done, we cannot learn from it. Nor can we learn from this land and the people who know it best. I want to learn, I want to know this land and its people and their cultures. I also know that we need to apologise for the past to develop a relationship of respect to learn from the custodians. Reconciliation is important to keep this land alive. Reconciliation is important to keep the people alive. Reconciliation is important to keep history known, and from history we learn.”
– Rebecca Woodfield, Facility Manager“To me the essence of Reconciliation is unity; Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal working towards the truth, respect, self-determination, justice, equity and healing.”
– Kellie Hammerstein, Diversity Team Leader
“My role in the COVID-19 pandemic at Monash Health’s Public Health Unit has highlighted the necessity to develop my own personal knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and experiences. Our Monash Health Community Engagement team is connecting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and arranging opportunities to visit local gathering places beginning with Casey and Willum Warrain. This week we are excited to visit Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and will share a meal at Big Esso, giving thanks and learning about Indigenous food and culture.”
– Katie Costello, Senior Advisor
On National Sorry Day, we paused to recognise the injustices that Aboriginal people continue to experience. For National Reconcilation Week (27 May – 3 June) we encourage you to take the time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Reconciliation Week can be an especially difficult time for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander colleagues and patients. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of the emotional significance of this time. Remember to contact the Aboriginal Health team if you, or your Aboriginal patients and colleagues need support.
Approved by Annette Davis – Acting General Manager Community