By Mob, for Mob, with Mob
On a sunny late winter’s day, overlooking beautiful Bidjigal Sea Country, staff and Community came together to launch Healthy Mob, Strong Community: SESLHD Aboriginal Health Plan 2024-2026.
The Plan, co-designed with Aboriginal Community and staff, outlines the vision to see improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in SESLHD, and ensure people feel safe, respected and empowered in our care. This can only happen by walking alongside Aboriginal people and listening to their voices to improve our services.
Much like the Plan itself, Aboriginal culture and voices were front and centre of the launch event, and it’s fair to say a deadly day was had by all.
The day was grounded in the wisdom of respected Elders Aunty Barb Simms, who gave a beautiful welcome, and Uncle Dean Kelly, who led the smoking ceremony.
Uncle Dean acknowledged that children are the future, and nothing is more important than their health and prosperity. In that spirit, it was only fitting that the next generation were part of the day’s events; the Saltwater dancers of Chifley Public School showcased their culture so proudly.
Healthy Mob, Strong Community is a direct result of community consultation, and close engagement with the newly-established Aboriginal Community Council.
Community have welcomed the dedication of SESLHD’s Aboriginal workforce, and the introduction of services such as the Bulbuwil Aboriginal Support Lifestyle Program and look forward to seeing their voices translated into action.
Skye Parsons, SESLHD Director of Aboriginal Health, says this Plan is an important step in the right direction.
“This plan was developed with community, for community via consultation and yarning to understand where our opportunities for improvement may be, as determined by local people accessing our services.
“In a system that for many is full of fear and mistrust, this plan enables all staff to support improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.”
SESLHD Chief Executive, Tobi Wilson, paid tribute to the wisdom of Uncle Dean and Aunty Barb, and the Aboriginal voices who are at the heart of Healthy Mob, Strong Community.
“This plan, and its implementation, will be key in ensuring our Aboriginal Community and staff feel safe, respected and empowered, and trust SESLHD as a partner on their journey to healing.”
Healthy Mob, Strong Community commits SESLHD to six strategic directions:
- Community Informed Decision-Making: Improve community connection and engagement
- Equity and Access: Provide services where people are, reducing barriers, and improving consistency of services
- Working in Partnership: Integrating care with partner organisations
- Aboriginal Workforce: Increase Aboriginal workforce across our sites and services, provide opportunities for growth, support Aboriginal people to become leaders in healthcare
- Cultural safety: Improve the provision of culturally-safe spaces, improve cultural awareness and responsiveness to the needs of Aboriginal people
- Data Sovereignty and Governance: Ensure Aboriginal people have ownership over their own data.
A key takeaway from the event is that Aboriginal health is everyone’s business, and we all have a role to play.
Healthy Mob, Strong Community aligns with the NSW Aboriginal Health Plan 2024-2034, which has recently been released.
