Dhelkaya’s Aboriginal Health Liaison team partnered with Mount Alexander Shire Council to bring a much-anticipated event to Castlemaine – the very first Welcome Baby to Country ceremony, held last Wednesday at the Botanic Gardens during NAIDOC Week.
The Maternal and Child Health staff, along with the Midwifery Group Practice staff, all contributed to this cultural welcoming.
Thanks to Uncle Rick and Aunty Kerri, a large number of local families brought their babies and toddlers along to be welcomed to country and community, and to be blessed with a spot of ochre on their foreheads.
Each family was also given an indigenous plant in commemoration of the event. Ellery House was a hive of activity this week as staff got behind the NAIDOC week celebrations to show support of their First Nations staff and residents. With many of the staff in bold and bright indigenous print scrubs, they hosted a barbecue for residents one day, and followed up with an afternoon tea the next day where residents were treated to delicious fare including wattle seed scones, lemon myrtle slice and river mint chocolate brownies.
In the lead up to NAIDOC week, more than 30 staff were involved in Cultural Humility training at Dhelkaya Health.
Local artist Arkeria Armstrong and her business partner, Gamilaroi woman Lee Couch, brought their workshop to the team, delving into such themes as fostering partnerships with First Nations communities, understanding colonisation, recognising power and privilege and addressing racism and discrimination.
Staff were also encouraged to explore the healing potential of First Nations aromatherapy for staff wellbeing and its application in workplace practices.
Staff at Ellery House in their Indigenous print scrubs with Peter and the barbecue in the background.
