Sherry Holzaphel, ED, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Adj Prof Jackie Hanson, Chief Executive
Today marks 16 years since Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the trauma caused by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation, and especially to the Stolen Generation who were directly impacted and hurt by these actions. The grief, suffering and loss felt within the Stolen Generation and their families continues to create inter-generational impact and long-lasting effects. We would like to share a powerful short clip created by the Healing Foundation sharing a story from Gwen Schrieber on how the forced removal of children affected her family. Through these stories we can learn and grow together.
Significant and life changing acts like this leaves a ripple effect, contributing to the impact of the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and so much more. Through Metro North Health’s commitment to improving the health inequity experienced by community, we all need to work together as an organisation to make a difference in the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Each and every staff member can have a profound and positive impact within their role. This is our opportunity to create change.
Caboolture and Redcliffe Hospitals and STARS are hosting events today to acknowledge and pay respects to this historic and significant day in solidarity with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and community. All staff are welcome to attend these events, details below:
Caboolture Hospital: 10.00am – 12.00pm at Lecture Theatre, Education Centre
Redcliffe Hospital: 11.00am in Staff Courtyard (Yarning Circle)
STARS: 12.30pm – 2.00pm Level 4, Room 476 (Yarning Circle)
Another opportunity for our workforce is participating in Courageous Conversations about Race training. Metro North Health has partnered with the Courageous Conversation South Pacific Institute to deliver impactful and educational workshops to talk about race, intentionally and effectively. Together, these tools help to create a space that is authentic, safe, and generative for conversations about race that are insightful and compassionate.
Virtual Workshops dates and sessions are as follows:
Monday 19th February – Block one and two: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Tuesday 20th February – Block three: 9.00am – 12.00pm
Tuesday 12th March – Unpack Session: 9.00am – 10.30am
Email the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team at ATSILT_Capacitybuilding@health.qld.gov.au to learn more.
Kind regards,
Jackie and Sherry.