The Physiotherapy Department won first prize in the NAIDOC Week display competition.
TPCH staff came together late last year to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture during the hospital’s annual NAIDOC Week event.
NAIDOC week occurred during November following the decision by the National NAIDOC Committee to postpone the week from the original July date due to the impacts and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic across the community.
As part of the celebrations, wards and departments were invited to enter a NAIDOC display competition by decorating their local work area based on the theme of this year’s NAIDOC week – Always was, always will be.
The competition received a positive response from staff with several areas and wards entering to demonstrate their commitment to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
The Thoracic Ward also held a colouring activity and special bush tucker morning tea for patients as part of its Eat Walk Engage program.
Director or Nursing and Chair of TPCH’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee Cherie Franks said it was great to see so many areas using their creative efforts to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“TPCH is committed to providing a culturally appropriate, respectful and sensitive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, as well as all patients we care for,” Cherie said.
The displays were judged by TPCH Executive Director Michele Gardner, Director of Nursing Cherie Franks and local elder Uncle Clifford Dunn.
Competition winners were:
1st prize: Physiotherapy Department
2nd prize: Ward 1G
3rd prize: Thoracic Ward
Highly commended: Ward 1A
The winner received a painting donated by artist and TPCH Indigenous Liaison Officer Michelle Pieper. All other winners were awarded a framed print of TPCH Aboriginal and Torres Strait Artwork designed by Elaine Chambers.
Another highlight of TPCH’s NAIDOC Week celebrations was a historical display showing NAIDOC week posters from the 1970s until 2020.