Sherry Holzaphel, ED, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Adj. Prof. Jane Hancock, Acting Chief Executive
Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June). Every year National Reconciliation Week acts as a reminder that together we are stronger. By building strong, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community we can create a nation that values and acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ histories, cultures and futures.
National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey with the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.
This year’s theme Now More Than Ever serves as a crucial reminder that now is the time we come together and stand up for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.” – Reconciliation Australia
The first National Reconciliation Week event at Caboolture Hospital this morning.
Pictured: Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Sherry Holzapfel, Acting Chief Executive Jane Hancock, CKW Reconciliation Action Plan co-chairs Janita Adam and Parker Michaels, and Executive Director Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford Karlene Willcocks.
These words hold great significance and are key to how we move forward as an organisation to create a healthcare service that meets the needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and should provide guiding principles in how we achieve health equity.
We would like to share a short clip from Reconciliation Australia that we hope encourages reflection and conversation within your workplace on how reconciliation can be achieved together.
Yesterday was another key date, in which we honour National Sorry Day, also known as the National Day of Healing (26 May). This special day is held to remember and acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations and the trauma and hurt experienced by them, their families and communities, but also the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation.
To celebrate National Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day, facilities across Metro North Health will be hosting local events. We encourage all staff to take the opportunity to attend these events to participate in knowledge sharing and walk alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues.
“In the end, reconciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more than a legal framework. It has to happen in the hearts and minds of people.” – Nelson Mandela.
Warm regards,
Jane and Sherry.