{"id":19889,"date":"2024-03-21T15:38:57","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T05:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/extranet\/?p=19889"},"modified":"2024-05-23T13:01:31","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T03:01:31","slug":"ed-ckw-20240321","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/extranet\/facility-messages\/ed-ckw-20240321","title":{"rendered":"Message from the Executive Director \u2013 Harmony Day"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Karlene

Karlene Willcocks, Executive Director<\/p><\/div>\n

Did you know that Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world?<\/h4>\n

We come from more than 200 countries and speak 300 languages, as well as more than 100 Australian indigenous languages.<\/p>\n

Welcome to Harmony Day, which is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, age or socioeconomic status.<\/p>\n

As healthcare workers, each day we unite to treat patients from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

We ensure all people have access to the right care, at the right time and in the right place, to ensure they have the best possible health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n

We are committed to ensure that our patients, families, carers and communities from culturally and linguistically diverse, refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds are provided with culturally safe, respectful and equitable services.<\/p>\n

We must also speak up against behaviours that do not align with our values and support our colleagues, family and friends to do the same.<\/p>\n

For me, this is dear to my heart as many of you know I am from New Zealand, which may not seem that far or that different. However, it has been a noticeable difference throughout my journey.<\/p>\n

I have been lucky to have people around me who welcomed me in and acknowledged those differences with kindness and compassion to help me assimilate and feel included and welcomed.<\/p>\n

So, for people who come from so many much further and different cultures I can imagine how important this is.<\/p>\n

I encourage you to celebrate the diversity across CKW, where everyone belongs. Here are a few suggestions on how to celebrate:<\/p>\n