Peel Health Campus celebrates 50 Years of NAIDOC Week
Peel Health Campus (PHC) was alive with dance, art and culture recently, as campus staff celebrated 50 Years of NAIDOC Week.
“It was wonderful to see so many staff taking part in the events organised by our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO) team and the engagement team,” said PHC Executive Director Kellie Blyth.
“NAIDOC Week gives us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal cultures, histories and perspectives, while reflecting on the role we each play in providing culturally safe and inclusive healthcare for our communities.
“A big thank you to Shannon Kearing for her Welcome to Country, and to Matty Bennell and the Bibbulmun Koordas dance group, who brought so much energy and meaning to our celebrations.
A highlight of the celebrations was the bush medicine workshop facilitated by Nan Vivienne Hansen from Binyaarns Bush Remedies, the workshop gave staff a meaningful opportunity to slow down, listen and learn about the old ways, including the healing properties of native plants, traditional remedies, bush foods, and the deep knowledge passed through generations.
Throughout the session, Nan Viv shared stories and practical knowledge about the way Aboriginal people learned from Country, including by watching birds and animals to understand what was good to eat, what could be used for healing, and what was best left alone.
Staff heard about a range of plants and their traditional uses, from sandalwood nuts used in skincare and exfoliants, to saltbush and ruby saltbush seeds that can be collected and used to make bread. The workshop explored the many uses of the balga, or grass tree, including its resin, which can be used to harden spear tips, and its role in making food, fire and even finding water.
Nan Viv also shared knowledge about traditional remedies, including marri gum as a mouthwash and sore throat gargle, eucalyptus tea and vapour for colds, and native lemongrass tea for earaches and headaches.
For many staff, the workshop was a chance to learn about bush medicine in a way that was practical, generous and grounded in respect for culture and Country. It was also a reminder of the richness of Aboriginal knowledge systems, and the importance of creating space for that knowledge to be shared and celebrated in our PHC community.
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