Next week, we celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2022 which is themed: “Be Brave. Make Change.”

This theme is a challenge to all Australians — you, me, our families, our communities, organisations and government — to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.

We commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

I encourage you to take the time to learn about our shared history, to have conversations on what achieving reconciliation means and recognise the strength and resilience of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community.

Visit the Reconciliation Week website for great resources, yarns and much more.

COH Reconciliation Shield

Our Community and Oral Health Reconciliation Shield Barefoot Bowls is opportunity for many of you to pop in for a short chat, enjoy the celebrations or participate in the competitive lawn bowls after all you have done in dealing with the pandemic and sever weather event.

Our COH Reconciliation Week celebrations will be held on Friday 3 June, 2022 at the Brighton Wellness Hub, Corner Nineteenth Ave and Hornibrook Hwy, Brighton from 12.30 – 4.00 pm.

All staff are welcome to attend. Nominate your team or join a team on the day, or just come over during your lunch break to share in the celebrations.

If you want to nominate a barefoot bowls team email hayley.renouf@health.qld.gov.au

Shining Star Award for May

We again had some very thoughtful and high calibre nominations for the May Shining Star Award.

Nicole Hutchinson, Nurse Practitioner

“I’m writing to thank Nicole Hutchinson from SPACE for taking my call last night when I was with a resident that had a catastrophic cardiac event while I was seeing him for another condition.

“Nicole was incredible in her clinical support and guidance over the phone to ensure the best possible outcome for this patient, while respecting his and his daughter’s wishes.

“The patient passed away in a very peaceful and comfortable way.”

Jasmine Hodges, Clinical Nurse, Cooinda House

“While only visiting four hours each fortnight our work is made so much easier by the super organised approach Jasmine takes to maintaining referrals as needed, managing the Malnutrition Screening Tool implementation monthly, keeping the supply of prescribed oral nutrition supplements in order and all the other things she does. 

“Her passion for the nutrition area ensures staff are kept up-to-date, supported and encouraged to not just monitor weights and nutrition but to think critically about the data they collect. 

“Nothing is ever too much trouble and we REALLY appreciate her help in optimising our resident’s nutrition care and food enjoyment!”

Clinical Assistants, Child and Adolescent Oral Health Program

“With over half of adults experiencing some form of dental anxiety, imagine how scary it can be for a child!

“The Child and Adolescent Oral Health Service cohort of Clinical (Dental Assistants) are unique to Metro North Oral Health Service as they assist with the provision of our services to some of the most vulnerable, anxious, uncooperative, unpredictable and dental phobic patients on a daily basis – children. 

“They exhibit ‘superhero’ skills in managing both the child’s and parent’s anxiety with confidence and ease to ensure a successful outcome for all, including their sometimes-demanding clinicians!

“They also provide an all-round service for our patients and parents with most working in isolation without administration and cleaning support teams. We couldn’t do our job without them.

Shining Star winner for May

The Shining Star winner for May 2022 is:

Clinical Assistants, Child and Adolescent Oral Health Program

A big congratulations to this team for their outstanding work!

Community and Oral Health Staff Excellence Awards

The 2022 Community and Oral Health Staff Excellence Awards are now open!

It is with great pleasure I open the Community and Oral Health Staff Excellence Awards for 2022.

And this year we will be announcing the 2022 Shining Star Award based on all of those monthly winners from last financial year.

In 2022, the excellence awards are open to all staff and teams from oral health and community services. Please submit a short 200 – 300 word synopsis of why the team or individual deserves a nomination.

This can be done through the online Nomination Form.

And, don’t forget that you can still nominate staff and teams for the Shining Star Award (which has its own shorter nominated process via the online Nomination Form).

Nominations are open until COB Friday, 15 July 2022.

Quote to ponder

Richard Branson said: “Colleagues should take care of each other, celebrate success, learn by failure, look for reasons to praise not criticise, communicate freely and respect each other.”

Glynis Schultz

Executive Director Community and Oral Health