'Keep the Fire Burning' this NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a time of celebration. Across our sites, there are so many opportunities to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their rich culture, and many achievements.  

From Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital (SSEH) on Gadigal country, to The Sutherland Hospital (TSH) on the lands of the Dharawal people, this year’s NAIDOC Week activities are not just an opportunity to observe; they’re an invitation to participate.  

Prince of Wales Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Women on Bidjigal Country kicked off SESLHD’s celebrations with a Smoking Ceremony, dance, stories, food and a yarn. 

Staff have come together at St George Hospital, also on Bidjigal Country, for a powerful day of events starting with a Ceremony at the hospital’s Yarning Circle followed by a Cultural Workshop, led by Wiradjuri man and artist Wayne Visser. 

SSEH is celebrating NAIDOC Week in a similar fashion with Aboriginal Health Promotion ‘goodie bags’ and an Aboriginal dancing lesson – no experience necessary! TSH are celebrating the local Aboriginal community with a morning tea and a yarn and our first sprinkling ceremony which welcomes babies born in the last year at TSH onto country 

“My message to staff this NAIDOC Week is to get involved,” says Skye Parsons, Director of Aboriginal Health. 

“These events are an opportunity to experience our local Aboriginal culture up close, and yarn with our Aboriginal community and our Aboriginal workforce. This is an opportunity to celebrate alongside us."

“I encourage everyone to think how they can continue to support our local Aboriginal community beyond NAIDOC Week, and keep the fire burning.” 

Pictured: NAIDOC Week celebrations at Prince of Wales Hospital on Bidjigal Country.