Some staff members at our NAIDOC week themed meeting
This year’s NAIDOC theme ‘Always Was. Always Will Be.’ emphasises the unique spiritual and cultural connection that Indigenous Australians maintain to this great continent. Prior to European settlement, the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations managed the land sustainably based not on ownership, but off the fact they belonged and were a part of the land.
NAIDOC week invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country, which dates back thousands of generations. It’s about seeing, hearing and learning the First Nations history, which forms an enormous part in the history of Australia.
The Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN) region is home to one of the largest urban Indigenous populations in Australia. WSPHN continues a proud tradition of working across the primary, acute and community sectors to provide holistic and culturally appropriate support to the local Aboriginal community. WSPHN has a strong history of collaborating with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within our region. We also commission a range of health services specifically to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In light of this, we would like to shine a spotlight on some of the inspiring local services within Western Sydney that serve a main purpose on strengthening this spiritual and cultural connection in order to both heal and improve the quality of life for the many members of Western Sydney’s Aboriginal community.
Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation was founded by five Aboriginal elders from Western Sydney and the word Baabayn means Ancestral Woman. The Corporation serves to support the local Aboriginal community in healing from the past and building towards the future. They work to build the community’s sense of belonging and empower individuals with a pride for their culture and connectedness to the land.
Some of the programs Baabayn run include:
- Kurung Homework Club: Every Tuesday with tutors and mentors helping students with their studies, and even obtaining driver’s licenses.
- Young Mum and Bubs: Runs every Wednesday for young mothers and their babies to gather and build relationships to support them through their journeys.
- Family Group Gathering: Every Tuesday, this group provides people in the community a place to meet new friends, have a yarn and seek some assistance with personal or community issues.
For more information about Baabayn visit their website.
Marrin Weejali provides culturally safe alcohol, other drug and non-acute mental health counseling, referral and advocacy services to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Western Sydney and extend these services to other communities in need of assistance.
Marrin Weejali has been established for a very long time and continues to be a crucial support service for many members of the community who struggle in the battle against substance abuse.
Some of the programs Marrin Weejali run include:
- Waluwin Chronic Care Program: Designed to coordinate care for Aboriginal patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. The program reaches out to patients and supports them in navigating the confusing world of chronic disease management.
- Aboriginal Family Planning Circle: Supporting the needs of individuals and young families with the purpose to enhance safety and assist them with reaching their long-term goals. This could be through addressing substance abuse, addiction or other health issues.
Visit the Marrin Weejali website to find out more about their services.
Improving and supporting Aboriginal health in Western Sydney is of critical concern for us and forms part of our health priorities for the region as a primary health network.
We have also adopted the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) framework to develop and strengthen relationships within the organisation and the Western Sydney community. To find out more about our RAP journey, visit our RAP webpage.
You can learn more about the history of NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme at naidoc.org.au
We also encourage you to get involved in local and online events happening this week.