Karlene Willcocks, Acting Executive Director
Cultural Capability Officer Jarrod Parter, Acting Executive Director Karlene Willcocks and Acting Director of Allied Health, Tamsin Mahoney at the NAIDOC Week morning tea celebration.
Firstly, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and the country we all live and work and pay respects to the Elders past and present. We recognise their connection, strength and wisdom.
This Sunday, 9 July ends National NAIDOC Week where communities from across Australia come together to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements.
On Tuesday at STARS we held a morning tea celebration on Level 7. Thank you for everyone who was able to attend and show their support for this very important week in our calendar. Jarrod Parter organised a very interesting display board about the history of NAIDOC Week.
This year we also had coffee cup lid stickers featuring the beautiful artwork of Bobbi Lockyer, the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023. If you would like to know more about Bobbi, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, you can watch this video
about the story behind the poster.
NAIDOC Week morning tea celebration
Coffee cup stickers
If you would like to know more about NAIDOC week you can go to the website which has a range of great educational information.
Spinal impact analysis sessions
We have had a great turn out for our staff engagement sessions this week. Thank you for everyone who attended a session in person or joined the sessions on Teams. I’d also like to extend my thanks to Leah Vegh and her team for organising and facilitating the sessions. There are further sessions scheduled for next week.
- Monday 10 July 10.00am, Room 476 or Teams Link
- Tuesday 11 July 12.30pm, Room 476 or Teams Link
- Wednesday 12 July 9.30am, Room 716 or Teams Link
- Wednesday 12 July 10.30am, Room 716 or Teams Link
If you are unable to attend a session you can also participate (anonymously if you prefer) via the staff survey.
Allison Welch viewed some of the engagement sessions this week to gain a better understanding of how staff are feeling and what some of their main concerns are. If anyone feels they need support please reach out to Allison (3647 6942 or Allison.welch@health.qld.gov.au). You can also talk to your line manager, Peer Responder Program at STARS or the Employee Assistance Program, Benestar (1300 360 364).
Partial road closures and exclusion zones due to crane operation
Please note that tonight there will be a crane lifting equipment onto the roof of STARS. There will be a partial road closure and an exclusion zone during this operation, from 6.00pm tonight until Saturday 6.00am. Please see the Notice of Impacting Activity email for more information.
As we finish NAIDOC week I am reminded that every person we encounter has had a journey that we have no idea of and we should always be kind and understanding in dealing with people. For those of you who have shared your stories with me in my short time at STARS, I thank you – every story is special and powerful.
“Never judge a man’s actions until you know his motives” Vika Swarup
Kind regards,
Karlene.