Talk-About The official newsletter for the Aboriginal and Islander Health Unit April/May 2017

Metro North Hospital and Health Service Aboriginal and NAIDOC CELEBRATION Torres Strait Caboolture Family Fun Day Islander Family Fun Day PROGRAM 10am–10.30am Welcome to country and official opening A family fun day will be held at St Columban’s College as 10.30am–11.30am part of NAIDOC Week Celebrations (2-9 July 2017). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancing 11.30am onwards The 2017 NAIDOC theme – Our Languages “It provides an important opportunity for Sausage sizzle and lunch from food vans Matter – aims to emphasise and celebrate our staff, community members, local elders, 11.30am–12.30am the unique and essential role that patients and visitors to all come together to Cultural workshops: language, basket weaving and Indigenous languages play in cultural recognise the contributions that Indigenous face painting identity, linking people to their land and Australians make to our country and our 12.30pm – 1.30pm water, and in the transmission of Aboriginal society,” Mr Drahm said. Emergency services presentation, sports clinics and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality “There really is something for everyone at and Indigenous games and rites, through story and song. our family fun day and I encourage our staff, 2pm The event, to be held from 10am – 2pm patients and local communities to come Event closure on Tuesday 4 July, is designed as a family together as one to celebrate our unique and • A FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE • JUMPING CASTLE fun day for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait diverse Indigenous culture in ”. PLUS • ANIMAL FARM • TRADITIONAL GAMES Islander communities on the north side • SPORTS CLINICS The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander including Zillmere, Caboolture and Redcliffe. Health Unit will also be supporting two The event is proudly supported by the MNHHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit,Community, Indigenous and Hospital and health staff will also be invited community events – Kilcoy NAIDOC Subacute Services and St Columban’s College to attend, and key stakeholders will be Celebration on Sunday 2nd of July at Yowie invited to participate by holding a health Park and the Northside NAIDOC Event promotion stall at the event. held on Koobara Kindergarten grounds in Zillmere on Thursday 6th of July. The event will feature a Welcome to Country, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancing, art and cultural workshops, traditional games, language and storytelling. The event will feature a Welcome to Country, Aboriginal and Torres MNHHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit Director Paul Drahm said Strait Islander dancing, art and cultural workshops, traditional NAIDOC Week was an important time of the games, language and storytelling. year to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. Contact information

Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officers

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Fax: 3646 2284 Floor 5, Ned Hanlon Building

Wendy Lewis Ph: 3646 7489

Bernadette Bird Ph: 3646 1696 or 3647 4171

Tyler Lea Ph: 3647 4178

Dell Hagan Ph: 3646 4154

Patricia Kennedy Ph: 3647 9535

After Hours Service (RBWH) Friday and Monday 3.30pm to 8pm Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6.30pm

Enquiries (Hospital Switch) Ph: 3646 4154 or 3646 8111

Aunty Janet Layton Ph: 3647 4183 or 3646 5106

Candice Simpson Ph: 3647 4171 Give us The Prince Charles Hospital, Ground Floor, Fax: 3139 5810 corridor leading to the Coronary Care Unit) feedback Aleacha Hopkins Ph: 3492 1818 or 0439 082 908 Mark Budd Ph: 3139 5165

Talk-About Caboolture Hospital, Allied Health Fax: 5433 8730 We welcome your feedback, Department, Ground Floor contributions, story ideas and details Stella Laidlaw Ph: 5433 8249 on any upcoming events. Please contact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Redcliffe Hospital, Safety Quality and Fax: 3049 6767 Health Unit Communications Manager Performance Unit, West Block Renee Simon at Renee.Simon@health. qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3139 3231. Rox-Anne Currie Ph: 3049 6791

Improving the Patient Journey Email: Improving_the_Patient_ Aboriginal and Torres Strait [email protected] Islander Health Unit Rayna Cowburn Ph: 3646 5612 or 0408 023 733 If you have any feedback regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander After Hours Liaison Officer (RBWH) Friday and Monday 12 noon to 8.30pm Health Unit services, programs and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6.30pm initiatives, you can contact the following: After Hours, Robert Brown Ph: 0409 583 967 Mail to: The Prince Charles Hospital, 3139 6429 or 0429 897 982 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Temiah Henaway: Health Unit, Building 26, Chermside Community Health Centre, 490 Hamilton Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Ph: 3646 5612 or 0439 274 152 Road, Chermside QLD 4032. Ronald Agie

Email to: After Hours Liaison Officer (TPCH) Friday and Monday 12noon to 8.30pm [email protected] Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6.30pm Alternatively, call and ask for our Safety Indigenous Acute and Primary Care Team and Quality Officer on 3647 9531. Manager: Robyn Chilcott Ph: 3492 1823

Sexual Health Team

Manager: Robyn Chilcott Ph: 3492 1823

Indigenous Strategic Development Team

Manager: Isaac Simon Ph: (07) 3139 4912 or email [email protected]

Page 2 Executive Director’s message Community, Indigenous and Subacute Services

The RAP will form part of our public A brilliant example of this was our touch commitment to undertake practical actions football match held last year with the within the health field to contribute to CISS All Stars and Aboriginal and Torres reconciliation in . This will outline Strait Islander Health Unit teams as part of our actions to build strong relationships Reconciliation Week. Not only was the game and enhanced respect between Aboriginal a fun opportunity to get to know each other, and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other all of our services and community came Australians. As the CISS RAP sponsor, I together as one. I still have vivid memories hope to build more opportunities for our of our food services staff dressing as Indigenous workforce and to contribute to cheerleaders in the Aboriginal flag colours, enhanced partnerships to help close the gap cheering us all on from the sidelines. on life expectancy outcomes. This year we will again hold a special Chris Seiboth This statement of the commitment is just the Reconciliation Shield match with our staff on Executive Director, Community, first step. We want to take time to carefully Friday the 2nd of June. All staff are invited Indigenous and Subacute Services plan the RAP through working groups with to take part. If you would like to register a Metro North Hospital and Health Service staff and executive leadership. Rather than team or to even enjoy the match from the just say what we are going to do within the sidelines, please contact (07) 3139 4117 or This month we will celebrate National RAP, we want to show what we can achieve email [email protected]. Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) together as a service by building a culturally by officially signing our Statement of responsive and safe environment for all. Our Chris Seiboth Commitment to Reconciliation as a service. workforce development and planning will Executive Director, Our Executive Team will gather on Tuesday occur with clear targets and deliverables Community, Indigenous and the 30th of May for the signing at Brighton over the next 24 months. I’m committed to Subacute Services Health Campus as a first step in our path achieving real and meaningful change as we of developing a CISS Reconciliation Action walk the path towards reconciliation. Plan (RAP).

A word from the Acting Director

I was pleased to see a commitment across • Launching our statement of commitment Metro North Hospital and Health Service to as the first step in our Reconciliation recognise Close the Gap day on March 16th. Action Plan. • Working towards our new models of care Our unit hosted a special event for staff at for Ngarrama Child Health, Sexual Health, Brighton Health Campus with Aunty Brenda Acute and Primary Care and our Hospital Kanofski sharing her healthcare journey Services. story. Something pertinent from Brenda’s words was that ‘we are all in this together’ • Improving our cultural integration within and improving the gap on health outcomes CISS core business and framework. is a journey we must take as one. This commitment ensures Indigenous influence and participation within all At the event I told the audience that models of care and dedicated cultural Brisbane will have the highest population education schedules for all CISS staff. of Indigenous people across Australia, with Paul Drahm the 2031 population projected at 133,189, I’d also like to acknowledge the commitment Acting Director, Aboriginal and Torres almost double all other states in Australia. from our staff during the recent CISS Strait Islander Health Unit accreditation. Our Safety and Quality As you can see, with this growth, we now Manager Tracy Grant coordinated all of our more than ever, play an integral role in accreditation requirements and ensured the health of our people. Over the next 12 In March we held a farewell morning tea for we were fully compliant with our mandatory months we will be committing to: the former Director of the Aboriginal and training status. This is no easy task and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit, Angela • A further roll-out of our Identification I would like to thank Tracy. The Cultural Scotney. campaign. Just a few weeks ago MNHHS Capability Officers also delivered multiple endorsed a new policy for Accurate face-to-face training sessions to a total of I’d like to acknowledge Angela’s Indigenous Identification, meaning 450 CISS staff members. We continue to commitment to the role over the past 6 years staff at all levels now have the tool to receive positive feedback from the sessions and her achievements, including improved ensure our Aboriginal and or Torres Strait and this further enhances our commitment hospital access for Aboriginal and Torres Islander patients are correctly identified. to making Indigenous health everybody’s Strait Islander patients and growing the Correct identification of Indigenous business. cultural capability of our services from 6 status is fundamental to understanding staff to now over 50 identified positions. and measuring their personal health On behalf of all the Aboriginal and Torres needs, service monitoring, evaluation Strait Islander Health Unit, I wish her well for and planning in a culturally appropriate the future. manner.

Page 3 OUT & ABOUT What’s inside Close the Gap Day...... 12 Harmony Day...... 13 April/May 2017 Angela Scotney Farewell...... 13 IN FOCUS A word from the Acting Director...... 3 Creating a ripple to start a change...... 9 Contact information...... 2 Connecting services to benefit the patient ...... 10 Executive Director’s message...... 3 Boxing their way to good health...... 11 PROGRAM UPDATES Word of the month: Sorry Business/Sad News...... 11 In the News...... 14 Safety and Quality...... 4 Upcoming Events...... 16 Indigenous Acute and Primary Care Team...... 5 Indigenous Hospital Services...... 8 STAFF FEATURE Indigenous Sexual Health Team...... 6 A Day in the Life of Caley Malezer...... 15 Indigenous Strategic Development Team...... 7 Recipe: Beef Cabbage Stew...... 17 Ngarrama Child Health...... 7 Back Page: Indigenous Cultural Capability Services...... 17

Safety and Quality with Tracy Grant

The past 6 months leading up to Accreditation has been a very eye opening experience for me in my role as Indigenous Safety & Quality Officer. I have gained so much knowledge which is just the beginning in the Safety & Quality world. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support from all staff in A&TSI Health Unit and the ladies in CISS Safety & Quality Unit and CISS Education in the preparation, participation and celebration of this event. Those who participated in the A&TSI Health Unit interview at Chermside Community Health Centre with the Surveyor – Virginia West were: • A&TSI HU Management represented by phone conference Paul Drahm – Director • The Adult Acute Primary Care Team represented by Laurel Lincoln and consumer Aunty Faye Gundy • The Indigenous Hospital Service represented by Natasha White – Program Manager and Aleacha Hopkins – Team Leader • The Indigenous Strategic Development represented by Isaac Simon – Program Manager • CISS Safety & Quality – Gai-Maree Cain The A&TSI Health Unit staff worked • The Ngarrama Project Team represented and A&TSI HU Indigenous Safety & together with persistence to demonstrate by Kelly Smith – Project Lead Quality – Tracy Grant our participation in Accreditation. I look forward to what the future holds.

Page 4 Indigenous Acute and Primary Care Team with Manager, Robyn Chilcott

Clients often see how their experiences in the group have created a special bond and identity between group members. By sharing feelings, accomplishments, losses, and humour known only to those who experience chronic illness on a daily basis, community members can develop strong emotional ties to one another. Clients who may already have a highly supportive network of family and friends can find that a group provides a place to continue to share feelings without overburdening loved ones and by offering a safe The Indigenous Acute and Primary Care place to express and explore their Team have a primary goal of improving, feelings. maintaining and supporting clients in the community and post discharge from Learning to Develop Effective hospital services ensuring they can safely Coping Skills return home from hospital with services Support group participants to provided to support their health needs. learn to regain previous levels The team follow up with regular home visits of coping or to develop more L-R: CISS Occupational Therapist Michelle Kearney, Indigenous to support clients in the community and effective coping skills. By sharing Community Liaison Worker Sandra Markwell and client Aunty Loraine Franks. Michelle presented to the group on ways to prevent falls as coordinate care required to avoid hospital information and resources, part of ‘April No Falls’ month. readmission. learning how others have coped with similar problems, and CLIENT MORNING TEA / SUPPORT witnessing the coping styles of others, A sense of emotional strength can return GROUP clients can improve their own problem- as clients gain a sense of control and their solving abilities. Our client morning teas/ own capacity to make decisions during a As a result of community feedback, the difficult crisis. team hold regular morning teas/ support support groups offer realistic feedback groups for clients of the service who have as they learn new coping skills, learn Emotional energy can help clients cope complex chronic illness. These groups to be more assertive with health care with other life issues and challenges as provide an opportunity for feedback and a professionals, and share their health they become more confident in managing safe environment for clients to share their journey with significant people in their lives. their own health. stories. Enhanced Self-Esteem For further information, please do not At the April morning tea; the team invited hesitate to call : Robyn Chilcott, Manager, The morning tea also creates an an Occupational Therapist from CISS Indigenous Acute & Primary Care Team & environment where clients benefit from to present to the community on how to Sexual Health Team, (07) 3492 1823. enhanced self-esteem when they improve prevent falls and to educate the group their coping abilities. on further support services that were available. This was well received by the client group and education on health concerns is a regular part of our client morning tea/support groups. Apart from providing education on health issues and awareness in the community; these groups support our clients in a number of ways:

Decreased Sense of Isolation Perhaps one of the most important benefits of participating in a support group is a decreased sense of the isolation so many people feel when they are experiencing chronic illness. In a culturally appropriate support group environment, feelings of anger, depression, guilt and anxiety can be expressed, validated by others and accepted as a normal response to dealing with chronic illness. Members of the Acute and Primary Care Team (back) with Local Indigenous Elders (front row)

Page 5 Indigenous Sexual Health Team with Program Coordinator, Ronald Abala

Vision The Indigenous Sexual Health Team, based If you would like further information To ensure that all Aboriginal at Pine Rivers Community Health Centre, regarding the outreach programs, please delivers services to communities within contact the following staff members: and Torres Strait Islander the Metro North Hospital and Health Team Leader/Health Worker people within the Metro North Service (MNHHS) catchment area and offer Hospital and Health Service referral to service providers who can meet Ron Abala – 07 3492 1822 or 0437 692 632 catchment and beyond, have the needs of the community. equitable access to health The team regularly visits community (CNC) Clinical Nurse Consultant centres and areas where marginalised Dene Campbell – 07 3492 1807 services that are culturally and potentially high risk people reside. or 0448 946 566 appropriate and culturally safe. Education is offered as required and may be group or one to one addressing Advanced Health Worker individual needs. Condom distribution is Kim Wedel – 07 3492 1803 provided at each venue and provision of or 0439 983 051 culturally appropriate support. Mission What is Contact Tracing – a The ISHT provides innovative services to To increase health services for commonly used term in Sexual the wider community via various mediums, Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait including the following outreach programs: Islander peoples within the Contact tracing is the identification, • New Farm Neighbourhood Centre – diagnosis and tracing process of sexual MNHHS area and to urban, and weekly attendance partners of infected individuals, testing rural and remote communities • Aspley Acres Caravan Park (Art them for infection, treating the infected Workshop) across Queensland in order and tracing their contacts that may have • Sandbag Sandgate – fortnightly come into contact with the infected to improve health outcomes attendance person. • (KYC) Kids Youth Community – as and contribute to the Council This process is undertaken with due care, required of Australian Governments’ respect and confidentiality towards any • The North West Aboriginal and Torres individual in these circumstances. (COAG) Close the Gap Strait Islander Community Association initiatives. (NWAICA) – education programs are We undertake this process contact tracing delivered on a needs basis – these when requested by other Sexual Health We will do so by delivering programs generally are delivered over services and workers, GP’s, Public Health high quality and culturally 6 weeks Units, Syphilis Register and other service safe holistic health care to our • 139 Club – request for male staff to providers. provide sexual and reproductive health Aboriginal and Torres Strait education and supports to men’s group Islander patients, families and (weekly) their communities accessing our hospitals and facilities. Core Values • To be committed, honest and work together for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people • To advocate for positive health outcomes • To display respect and dignity to our patients and their communities • To respect our patients cultural beliefs and understand their needs

Page 6 Indigenous Strategic Development Team (ISD) with Manager, Isaac Simon

Over the past two months, the Cultural • Staff wearing Indigenous lanyards and Capability Officers have been busy pins conducting cultural audits throughout • Comfort of the environment internally all of our Community, Indigenous and and externally Subacute Service (CISS) facilities, 13 in • Friendliness of staff total. A comprehensive assessment of • Resources available environmental factors that contribute to the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Topics for systems and process included: Islander consumers, as well as identifying • Indigenous versions of mainstream systems and process that will enable a publications available better service to be provided to Aboriginal We are also seeing a direct improvement of • Accurate Identification processes and identification rates across our services due and Torres Strait Islander consumers was FAQ displayed for staff completed. to the mandatory policy being introduced • Training needs of staff across MNHHS. The main topics for environmental factors • Support mechanisms in place for included reviewing: Indigenous consumers Our patient identification over the past 3 months is: • Visual representation and • Quality assurances of processes Acknowledgement of Indigenous ensuring consumers are not missed • 41.1% Male (1596 patients) Australians (flags displayed, plaques through the Identification process • 58.9% Female (2283 patients) with Acknowledgements to country and • 90.3% Aboriginal (3482) A series of recommendations will be provided artwork) • 6.3% Torres Strait Islander (242) to the Executive Director on ways to improve • Indigenous healing gardens and the cultural safety and appropriateness • 2.4% both Aboriginal and Torres Strait relaxing spaces of the facilities and to ensure a consistent Islander (94) • Welcoming language and statements service is provided to our Aboriginal and • 1% Other (31) – partner or child of upon arrival to facilities Torres Strait Islander Patients. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander • Ngarrama Child Health The Importance of consulting with elders By Maddie Mitchell, Ngarrama Indigenous Social Worker

Any new service addressing the needs of Ultimately the Elder’s can be the bridge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people between the community and the service. will always benefit from a consultative However, the most important step in an process with community Elders. In the Elder’s consultation process is showing initial development stage of a new service respect to the Traditional Owners and design, the Elder’s feedback can help the Elders by asking permission for the identify community expectations and new service to practice on their country. needs, gaps in services, other services Historically, the hierarchal structures or if there is any competing or conflicting of leaders in the Indigenous clans were interests in community. They can identify stripped away by colonisation. Facilitating the areas in which the needs are the most a consultation process will give a voice immediate and intensive support is critical to our leaders/Elders and the ability to and what the community consider to be determine support options, giving agency the most important and urgent issues. Ngarrama social worker Maddie Mitchell pictured back to the community. Adhering to The advantages to the service model at the recent Ngarrama Family Day held at Brighton Indigenous protocols can be the crucial integrating feedback from Elders can Health Campus. element in a successful service that is well strategically augment the new service, utilised by community members. as community has ownership and buy- The event will be lead by the Acting in, creating a sense of belonging. Elder The original Ngarrama Child Health Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait support of a new service is fundamental to Service went through a community Elders Islander Health Unit, Mr Paul Drahm with how the service is received in community consultation process in 2012, where it the Ngarrama Family Health Project Team, and consequently how well it is attended. was granted the right to practice under who will present the model of service to the the name “Ngarrama” by Aunty Barbarra Elders. Following this, there will be an open Hubbert. From the Yuwaalayaay language, discussion forum and time for the Elders meaning Guardian Birth Spirit, Ngarrama, to provide feedback on the new Ngarrama was a free antenatal and birthing service Family Health Service. for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander This was purposefully planned at this time families who choose to birth at the so the project team has opportunity to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, make the necessary changes to the model Caboolture, Kilcoy and Redcliffe Hospitals. of service in the design phase before the With the newly designed Ngarrama Family envisaged roll out later this year. There will be a morning tea and a light lunch Pictured are Elders consulted during the launch of the Health Service there will be an upcoming Ngarrama Maternity Services in 2012, including Aunty Elders Consultation event held in May at available at the forum. Barbarra Hubbert (centre right) who named the service the Brighton Health Campus. Ngarrama from the Yuwaalayaay language.

Page 7 Indigenous Hospital Services with Natasha White, Program Manager

We travelled to Woorabinda, Rockhampton Engagement Survey and Gladstone to talk about issues experienced. We would like to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who Throughout the meetings the following are travelling to Brisbane from rural and themes appeared to affect their community remote communities for medical purposes when traveling to Brisbane: and using the MNHHS hospital facilities, specifically The Royal Brisbane and • Cultural Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles • Financial Issues Hospital. By completing the survey you will • PTSS – Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme allow us to gain better knowledge of what Indigenous Hospital • Hospital Administration type of support you and your family require. Services Engagement • Discharge Summaries • Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital The survey will take 5-10 minutes to In March Rayna and I travelled to Central complete and all respondents will go into Queensland, to engage with health and Engagement throughout Central the draw to win a ‘Proud to Identify’ polo community based agencies in relation Queensland has highlighted the need shirt. If you have any questions, please to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to design and develop a consumer contact Rayna Cowburn, Indigenous population accessing Metro North induction kit for travel to Metro North Service Improvement Coordinator, Phone: Hospitals. The focus of these meetings Hospital, review PTSS approved listings of 3139 6622 OR [email protected]. was to gain some knowledge of the region accommodation services showing current gov.au. and the needs of our mob that travel to gap fees surrounding RBWH and TPCH and Brisbane for medical purposes. engage better with our communities. The survey can be found on our website https://www.health.qld.gov.au/ metronorth/atsi

Indigenous Access Indigenous consumers accessing Metro North HHS 2014, 2015, 2016 Financial Years

Over a three year period, 2014-2016 financial year, analysis of data collected has indicated that there was a total 142,181 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers recorded as accessing Hospital Services within Metro North, this is outlined in the below drawing.

MNHHS Indigenous population of approximately 14,951 (ABS Census 2011). In 2016 alone MNHHS serviced 53,717 Indigenous consumers. That compared to the Census indicates there is an estimated 38,766 increase in the number of Indigenous consumers accessing facilities.

TOPTOP 55 HHS’S:HHS: ADMISSIONSADMISSIONS DAYSDAYS • Metro North 90% Monday – Friday • Metro South 10% Saturday – Sunday • Central Queensland • Wide Bay • Sunshine Coast

Over the three year period Indigenous consumers accessing the four main hospitals, has increased on average of 1,051.89 consumers per year, with the most growth at Caboolture, TPCH and Redcliffe Hospitals.

Page 8 Creating a ripple to start a change Tracy’s commitment to improving nutritional health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

“I’ve observed over the years the growing “If children have the ability to grow their rates of chronic disease in Aboriginal and own vegetable gardens at school or learn Torres Strait Islander communities, a lot how to cook meals, it has a very powerful nutrition related, either preventable or effect on the whole family. It’s important manageable with good nutrition. I feel that’s to influence the children, as they influence where I can have the biggest impact.” us,” she said. Tracy is a proud Kamilaroi woman, with “I know for my daughter she never used to her ancestors from the Barwon River area eat cucumber until we grew it in our own in North Western NSW. She was born and vegetable garden. Wouldn’t it be great raised in country in a remote town for our children to be pestering us for of a few thousand people called St George something healthy versus not so healthy?” in Central Queensland. She now resides in Kabi Kabi country on the Sunshine Coast. As for the future, Tracy believes we are on the right path. “I am very privileged to have incredibly inspiring and supportive people in my life, “We have powerful and supportive health including a community of brothers, sisters, champions. I’m excited to see the change Uncles, strong Aunties and Elders within occur and see what the outcomes will be. the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi community It would be fantastic to see in my lifetime a and the team at the University of the close in the gap,” she said. Sunshine Coast’s Indigenous Services Unit,” she said. “I’m only one person, but I liken it to being When Tracy Hardy questioned why the gap one pebble creating a big ripple of change. between Indigenous and non-Indigenous “When my schedule allows me, I am able Someone has to be the pebble to start the life expectancy and health outcomes was to connect and gather strength from my ripple and bigger wave of change.” so wide, her best friend and Aunty said, culture by attending and volunteering at “Well what are you going to do about it?”. local community events. I always Tracy, with her self-described find peace and spiritual and determination, took on the challenge and cultural connection at Nungeena TRACY’S TIPS FOR HEALTHY is now close to finishing a Bachelor of Aboriginal Corporation for Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Women’s Business.” EATING AND WELLBEING the Sunshine Coast. Tracy has just completed a 1. GET BACK TO THE BASICS She will be just one of very few Aboriginal placement at Redcliffe Hospital Don’t fall for advertising that you can buy a whole bucket and Torres Strait Islander dietitians in and Community, Indigenous of nuggets for $20 and it’s a healthy option. You can Australia and will spend the next 12 and Subacute Services (CISS) at actually create a spaghetti bolognese for all your family months undertaking an honours program Brighton Health Campus. that’s really simple and is going to cost the same or less. evaluating the cultural safety of a chronic Working at CISS confirmed her 2. EAT SOMETIMES FOOD, SOMETIMES disease project in Gympie with the Primary desire to work in a community- Don’t make take-away foods an everyday food, Health Network (PHN). based setting. make them a sometimes food. Tracy also works as the Student Board “I’m all for preventative health 3. FRESH IS BEST Director for the Indigenous Allied Health and working in a community- Eat fresh food if it is available, avoid processed Australia (IAHA), a growing association orientated environment. Working foods. 4 out of 5 Australians are not eating encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait within the hospital was a good enough fruit and vegetables. The guidelines are Islander people to consider, pursue and motivator to see the end stage 2 fruit and 5 vegetables each day. succeed in allied health careers. of where a client can be and to “When I left high school I didn’t think prevent this from happening,” 4. PREPARE TRADITIONAL FOODS I would study nutrition or even go to she said. For people living in an urban environment, university. Those were not aspirations I “The placement within the cooking with traditional foods may help maintain was encouraged to have,” Tracey said. transition care team was connection to culture. “One of my Aunties said ‘your ancestors amazing as I got to work with 5. COOK WITH YOUR FAMILY patients who are moving from have been leading you this way’. I’ve M ake it something you do together and embrace an acute or rehab stage back to known people with nutrition issues and your family connection. experienced them myself. At the time, I their home. I find that exciting, was also working in a very high-pressured as I want to work with people in 6. KEEP IT SIMPLE job in beauty therapy and seeing a lot of an environment where they are If you find something in your fridge/freezer clients with health conditions associated most comfortable, often their you can make yourself, do it. Food preparation with diet. home. I was able to see how the doesn’t have to be complicated; something like a patient was adjusting at home serving of chicken and fresh vegetables is quick, “Everything has been leading me to this and what support theyneeded easy and good for you. path. My mum was a shearer’s cook so I’ve with their healing.” As well as always been brought up with old school working with communities, Tracy traditional foods and being on the country hopes to influence the younger we didn’t have a lot of takeaway. generation.

Page 9 INFOCUS Connecting services to benefit the patient

“All of the services Mark said the relationship between the joined together Indigenous Hospital Liaison service and to go above and IUIH Connect ensures they are able to work beyond to ensure out a plan to benefit the patient. Barbara would “We can have those hard conversations. return to a safe It’s about us working with community environment and as they have the support services once to help her health someone like Aunty Barb returns home,” improve,” she said. he said. “Once our patients IUIH Connect was able to work with the leave the hospital Department of Housing to find Aunty Barb we really want a more suitable lowset residence, with them to focus wheelchair access and modifications within on improving the home to reduce falls. They also liaised their health and with the Department of Housing to assist wellbeing. IUIH Barb’s son to get his own place. and other service The Indigenous Hospital Liaison Service at providers have worked seamlessly “It’s about taking a holistic approach to The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) and The together to ensure Barbara is taking health. We not only work / support the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) the right medication, that her home is individual, but the family and community Connect program are working together to set-up appropriately to reduce falls and as a whole,” Mark said. create a seamless transition from hospital she is able to attend her regular medical to community for Aboriginal and Torres appointments.” Aunty Barb, an Elder from Woorabinda, Strait Islander patients. said it has been The IUIH Connect a tough journey Aunty Barbara Bundle is a long-term client program assists moving from her of Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Once our patients leave patients with home of 32 years Mark Budd, after having a heart bypass at the transfer from in Keperra. TPCH and spending recent time within the the hospital we really want acute care back to hospital due to complex and chronic health community. them to focus on improving “At first I wasn’t conditions. happy. I had my “It’s discharge sister in law come Over the past six weeks, Mark and their health and wellbeing planning from along and say Indigenous Outreach Worker Uncle Terry the community ‘Barb take it, it’s Williams and Care Coordinator Corsino side. It could be organising a GP for a really nice’ I’ve been at Keperra for a long Bacatan (known as ‘Ino’ in the community) patient, providing transport and linking to time and moving here was a big step for me from the IUIH Connect program, have an appropriate aged care service. We’re and I still miss the place,” she said. worked closely together to ensure basically making it easier for the patients Aunty Barb can return to a new home going home and providing a continuity of “It was hard to leave, but now I am happy environment and to live independently with care,” Ino said. where I am. I like being back at home. It’s the support of other community services. really clean and I’m just happy.” Aunty Barb was receiving support from the Hospital and the Home program in recent times, but the situation at home wasn’t ideal for nurses and other health staff to provide medication and treatment. She was transferred to the medihotel for an extended stay and part of the discharge plan was to include long-term support and finding a new home with the Department of Housing. “When I was in hospital Uncle Terry, Ino and Mark helped me with a lot of things. I had trouble with my son, he wasn’t very supportive and when they got me this place I was happy,” Aunty said. Mark said he would meet weekly with Uncle Terry and Ino, the medihotel and home assist prior to Barbara’s discharge. A local removal company also donated their time to support with the move and Nexuscare provided support for food parcels.

L-R: IUIH Indigenous Outreach Worker Uncle Terry Williams, TPCH Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Mark Budd and IUIH Connect Care Coordinator Corsino ‘Ino’ Bacatan.

Page 10 Boxing their way to Word of the Month: good health “Sorry Business/ Male staff from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit are swapping their take-away lunch breaks for a joint boxing Sad News” session in an effort to keep fit and healthy. Sorry Business is the term Aboriginal people use around death anddying. Sad News is the term ’ use. The terms are associated with the activities of the family, care and funeral arrangements. This is where your roles and The initiative started with Indigenous responsibilities within Strategic Development Manager Isaac Simon and Cultural Capability Officer strict family protocols Henry Nona running a competition on who could lose the most weight over and procedures are three months. kept. You must attend Both started swimming in their lunch to your duties as it is breaks and going for walks before joining up to the Nitro Boxing Fitness Centre in expected of you. Chermside. The fitness centre is directly opposite The Prince Charles Hospital campus and a regular training spot for hospital workers. As a group we are seeing a reduction in sick leave and Cultural Capability Officer Elwyn Henaway a boost in team morale warms up

Other staff within the A&TSIHU showed interest and now all the males at the Chermside Community Health Centre office attend daily group training sessions. “Working in an office environment, I found myself sitting a lot and getting take-away for lunch. I’ve also put on a lot of weight due to this and was really encouraged by my colleague Henry to improve my health and wellbeing,” Isaac said. “What started as a bit of banter has now turned into a daily program of exercise. Not only am I personally seeing the results, as a group we are seeing a reduction in sick leave and a boost in team morale.” Senior Project Officer Phil Ahmat packs a few punches

Page 11 OUT&ABOUT Close the Gap Day Redcliffe Hospital

Redcliffe Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Rox-anne Currie coordinated a special Close the Gap day event at Redcliffe Hospital to coincide with the monthly staff BBQ.

Plenty of hospital staff took part in Medical Student Shannan Palliative Care Nurses Judy Parker (left) Indigenous Hospital Liaison planting the Sea of Hands in recognition of Searle plants a message and and Rowena Jayme (right) Officer Rox-anne Currie presents identities, cultures and history and signing sea of hands Finance Support Officer Kim the Close the Gap day pledge to reduce Simpkins with the raffle prize. Indigenous health inequality.

Ngarrama Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Ngarrama maternity program at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital organised a morning tea event for hospital staff and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in recognition of Close the Gap Day. Aunty Minnie Mace performed an Acknowledgement to Country and spoke to the significance of the Ngarrama name and Aunty Minnie Mace One of the Ngarrama babies Ngarrama midwives celebrate close the gap day program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait at the event proudly wearing her identification shirt. Islander families.

Brighton Health Campus “To close the gap I encourage hospital staff to consult with the Indigenous staff. They Over 50 guests gathered for a morning tea represent our culture and know our ways. held at Brighton Health Campus for Close Education is the top priority to closing the the Gap Day on March 16th. gap and also knowing the mental health of who you’re caring for.” Staff from A&TSIHU and CISS had the opportunity to listen to Aunty Brenda Kanofski share details about her healthcare journey. Cultural Capability Officer Melanie Kielly (right) She told the audience of health care and Indigenous Hospital Services Northern Area workers they need to walk together to Team Leader Aleacha Hopkins (left) celebrate their truly make a different on closing the gap in achievements in helping close the gap for patients, families and communities. health outcomes. “We still have a very long way to go. It’s people like you who can walk the path to increase education of not only closing the gap on health outcomes, but also the gaps with each other. We have not only a great Front row left Aleacha Hopkins, Aunty Brenda Kanofski, history but lots to share and to educate all CISS Executive Director Chris Seiboth. Front back left on the way of our health,” she said. Indigenous Health Worker Sandra Markwell and TPCH Indigenous Hospital Liaison Mark Budd. Aunty shared her story of being in a coma for months at The Prince Charles Hospital and her recovery journey. “I was nurtured by the staff, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Sandra Markwell was with me for my first shower and Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officers Aleacha and Mark helped me many times at the bedside to understand the medical staff. I took great comfort from these people and I would like to acknowledge CISS Executive Director Chris how strong you all are as healthcare Seiboth signs the organisational pledge to reduce Indigenous workers,” she said. Staff from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit promote the message ‘Indigenous Health is everyone’s business’. health inequality.

Page 12 OUT&ABOUT Record Ngarrama numbers helping Close the Gap

More local families than ever before are Ngarrama midwife and Indigenous Infant More than 95 per cent of mothers in the benefitting from Redcliffe Hospital’s and Maternal Health Worker, Jodi Dyer, Ngarrama program attend antenatal Indigenous maternity service, with the is thrilled by the success to date of the classes at Redcliffe while babies’ birth Ngarrama team now seeing triple the program she is passionate about. weights are steadily increasing with the number of families it was five years ago biggest baby born within the program “We’ve made so many gains in the past when the service began. recently weighing over 10lbs. five years and it is likely we will break even The service was introduced as part of the more records as time goes by,” Jodi said. The Close the Gap initiative has raised Close the Gap initiative to improve health community awareness as well as “My job now is to identify a family’s outcomes for . In challenged government and health service needs and meet them all. It’s a personal its first year of operation, just 50 families providers to address disadvantage and experience getting to know the family and identified as being of Aboriginal or Torres provide culturally sensitive programs such walking beside them during pregnancy and Strait Island consent – a far cry from the as Ngarrama. after birth. 175 Indigenous families Ngarrama assisted with birthing last year. “One day there won’t be a need for closing the gap because we will have closed it.”

Harmony Day The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Since 1999, more than 70,000 Harmony Health Unit hosted a morning tea at Day events have been held in childcare Chermside Community Health Centre as centres, schools, community groups, part of Harmony Day celebrations held on churches, businesses and federal, state March 21. and local government agencies across Australia. Harmony Day is a celebration of cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for This was the second event held at everyone who calls Australia home. The Chermside Community Health Centre. Staff Day coincides with the United Nations enjoyed sharing stories about their cultural International Day for the Elimination of heritage and sharing different dishes Racial Discrimination. including cabbage stew and chicken curry. Director Paul Drahm and Indigenous Hospital Liaison Mark Budd The room was adorned with cultural artefacts including traditional kente cloth from West Africa and a welcome totem from Vanuatu.

Staff from Chermside Cultural Capability Officer Henry Nona (left) Community Health Centre coordinated the event and shared stories about the celebrate Harmony Day by with Chermside Community sharing cultural stories and Health Worker Guy (right). food

Angela Scotney Farewell

Staff gathered for a special morning She also created the Accurate tea to farewell Angela Scotney. Indigenous Identification project across all Metro North Hospital and Angela, a proud Worimi and Biripi Health Service facilities - a topic close woman, has worked in Aboriginal and to her heart. Torres Strait Islander Health for the past 24 years. “Our people suffer with many complicated conditions and quite For the past six years as Director, often have several conditions at the Angela worked towards Close the one time. By identifying as Indigenous, Gap initiatives including providing the clinician can be aware of these appropriate, accessible and affordable issues and screen for other conditions services, improving the patient where there is a high prevalence. journey in and out of our tertiary Holistic health care is so important hospitals and decreasing smoking and you cannot just treat a person rates during pregnancy for Aboriginal with one condition when there can be Angela (second from left) with staff from the Aboriginal and Torres and Torres Strait Islander families. Strait Islander Health Unit many,” Angela said.

Page 13 IN THE NEWS

Five year mental health report How Katherine Hospital, once Racism in the health system shows females, indigenous teens Australia’s worst for Indigenous plagues efforts to close the gap at risk health, became one of the best for Indigenous Australians, report The rate of mental illness among Katherine Hospital in the Northern Territory shows Australia’s young people has increased by has gone from one of the worst facilities in Yamatji-Badimia woman and aspiring nurse 4 per cent in half a decade, according to the country when it comes to Indigenous Banok Rind said racism was an enduring new analysis, with females and Aboriginal health care to one of the best. Their secret: problem among healthcare providers. The and Torres Strait Islander teenagers most engaging with Indigenous patients and 22-year-old is about to enter a system at risk. The Five Year Mental Health Youth supporting doctors. of ongoing racism that exacerbates the Report released today by Mission Australia http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-28/ yawning gap between Indigenous and non- and Black Dog Institute found almost one katherine-hospital-from-worst-in-the- Indigenous health, according to a damning in four 15 to 19 year olds “met the criteria country-to-one-of-the-best/8392792 new report. for having a probable serious mental http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/ illness”, rising from 18.7 per cent in 2012 Minister Scullion: First racism-in-the-health-system-plagues- to 22.8 per cent in 2016. Australians’ ancestral remains efforts-to-close-the-gap-for-indigenous- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/ return to country australians-report-shows-20170315- national-affairs/health/five-year-mental- guyhz4.html health-report-shows-females-indigenous- A repatriation ceremony was held at the teens-at-risk/news-story/8f85351168c8cc5 Australian Embassy in Berlin to respectfully 90d061b56d7de179f acknowledge the unconditional return of Torres Strait taking vital step three Indigenous ancestral remains from towards healing German institutions. Two ancestral remains As the people of the Torres Strait embark Culturally appropriate resource were returned to community members on a healing journey, they do so with an helps Indigenous Australians and direct descendants from Indigenous eye to self-determination.The recent launch communities located in Far North discuss end of life of the Torres Strait and Kaurareg Aboriginal Queensland and the Clarence River region New resources to help Aboriginal and Peoples’ Healing Strategy is seen as a vital in New South Wales. Torres Strait Islander people start the step towards addressing the colonisation- discussions about their end of life wishes http://www.indigenous.gov.au/news-and- related trauma affecting Torres Strait have been launched this week by Minister media/announcements/minister-scullion- communities. first-australians%E2%80%99-ancestral- for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous http://www.indigenous.gov.au/news-and- Health, Ken Wyatt. remains-return-country media/stories/torres-strait-taking-vital- https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/ step-towards-healing talking-aged-care/culturally-appropriate- Shortfall on indigenous health end-of-life-resources-launched targets prompts new reform drive Minister Wyatt: Aboriginal and The failure to adequately improve Torres Strait Islander Health — My New mums and bubs hub in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Life, My Lead Brisbane to boost indigenous has prompted the Turnbull government to order a sweeping review of its multibillion- My Life, My Lead is a new online public health services dollar primary health programs. The target consultation portal to highlight the issues Indigenous mothers and their young of closing the life expectancy gap — 16 that support or impede Aboriginal and children will have access to some of the years for Indigenous women and 21 years Torres Strait Islander people to have good best facilities and support networks in for Indigenous men — will not be reached health. The Minister for Indigenous Health, southeast Queensland after a new hub by 2031. Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said that the launch of was launched. The Salisbury Mums and http://www.theaustralian.com.au/ the new portal will give more Aboriginal Bubs Hub was officially opened last week national-affairs/indigenous/shortfall-on- and Torres Strait Islander people an by Queensland Health Minister Cameron indigenous-health-targets-prompts-new- opportunity to lead the discussion about Dick. The hub houses the Birthing in Our reform-drive/news-story/483b07d6e5edd6 the life they live now, and the life they Community program — a joint initiative 1380fd5bb14619a8e3 want in the future for themselves, their between the Institute for Urban indigenous families and their communities. The portal Health, the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Indigenous people admited will support shaping the next iteration of Islander Community Health Services to Townsville HHS more than the Implementation Plan for the National Brisbane and the Mater Mothers’ Hospital. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health anywhere else in Queensland http://www.couriermail.com.au/ Plan (2013 – 2023), the Government’s key questnews/southeast/new-mums- Indigenous people are admitted to hospital blueprint to help Close the Gap. A number and-bubs-hub-in-brisbane-to-boost- for chronic illnesses in Townsville more of face-to-face forums will also be held indigenous-health-services/news-story/ than anywhere else across Queensland. across Australia. df4edf81f36ae7bbd136fdd5191f3b88 For every non-Indigenous patient, there http://www.indigenous.gov.au/news-and- were 4.3 Indigenous people admitted to media/announcements/minister-wyatt- the Townsville Hospital and Health Service aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander- in 2015-16. health-%E2%80%94-my-life http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/ news/indigenous-people-admited-to- townsville-hhs-more-than-anywhere-else- in-queensland/news-story/3e12009ac0e8 602339037837d5b7793a

Page 14 A Day in the Life of Caley Malezer

1. What does your role involve? 4. Have you always been interested in I’m currently working as a Support Project working in the field of Indigenous Health? Officer in the Indigenous Safety and Quality I’ve worked with Queensland Health for the portfolio. past 10 years. This includes during a few I support our Safety and Quality Officer, restructures and now operating as Metro Tracy Grant, to ensure all processes within North Hospital and Health Service. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander I started as a receptionist then moved to Health Unit (A&TSIHU) are in accordance an Executive Support Officer when we were with the National Safety and Quality Health called Southern Area Health Services. Most Service Standards. This includes within our of the time I’ve worked within facility roles. parents. The rest are half siblings and are hospitals and Community, Indigenous and With my type of skills I didn’t realise there all spread out across Australia and New Subacute facilities. would be an opportunity to work within the Zealand. 2. You worked as the Executive Support Indigenous Health Unit. When I was told Officer for the Director of the Aboriginal and about the Executive Support Officer role 7. Your father, Les Malezer, is well known Torres Strait Islander Health Unit for the past with the Director of the Aboriginal and Torres for campaigning for Aboriginal and Torres 4 years. What was this experience like and Strait Islander Health Unit I jumped at the Strait Islander rights and has represented what are some of the main highlights? opportunity. I didn’t end up winning the community interests at the local, State and national levels. He is the previous Co- It was one of the best roles I’ve worked in. position but was second in line after the first Chair National Congress of Australia’s First The experience gave me the opportunity to person left after a couple of months. grow and learn new skills. It challenged me The role as given me the opportunity to Peoples. In 2008 he won the Australian to improve my current skills as well. learn more about my culture and myself. Human Rights Award, and his contribution to coordinating Indigenous Peoples’ I learnt a lot about our culture working within I’ve learnt a lot about the health issues surrounding our Indigenous people. advocacy for the adoption of the UN the role and I still continue to learn on a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous daily basis. 5. What does a typical day look like for you? Peoples by the UN General Assembly is well I had the opportunity to work with a really In any of my roles no two days were the known and respected. Do you draw strength great and supportive boss, Angela Scotney, same. I’ve only just joined the Safety and from your father and have any desire to who mentored me and provided opportunity Quality portfolio a few weeks ago and during follow in his footsteps? for me to grow into a higher role. a busy period of accreditation. Most of my family on my dad’s side Some of the highlights were organising our Each day I check with my Manager, Tracy are strong Indigenous activists. I draw NAIDOC event at Musgrave Park a few years Grant, to see what she needs support with. leadership and strength from my mum and ago, having the opportunity to get out and We are currently reviewing all of the Safety dad - both are leaders. about and attend community events and to and Quality folders and are developing an Unfortunately due to my dad’s work he was travel to all teams to work and interact with Action Plan for each healthcare standard. staff across the A&TSIHU. away a lot. I missed a lot of opportunities I’m also studying a Certificate 4 in to learn everything I could from him. As I’ve also seen staff numbers double during Government through Queensland Health. a child I remember going to public rallies this time, with new teams coming on board We are already learning about Safety and and watching him speak. He used to take including Indigenous Strategic Development. Quality and Project Management, so this us for work trips to Darwin, Palm Island, 3. You have worked across various Metro new role is a nice fit. Townsville, Hobart and Canberra. We also North Hospital and Health Service facilities, 6. Can you share where you come from and travelled to Europe when he was based with including at Butterfield Street, the Royal your family history? the UN in Geneva. Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Aspley My father’s family is from the Gubbi Gubbi One of my highlights was attending the Community Health Centre and now Pine tribe on the Sunshine Coast, with ancestral Woodford Folk Festival with him and my Rivers. How positive has the experience links to the people. sister. He would do yarning circles and been working with MNHHS? My dad’s grandfather was born in Noumea public speaking. As a kid, I didn’t realise I feel like we are now in the right place with in New Caledonia, hence the Malezer what he was doing. To me, my dad is my dad, CISS. Our Executive Director, Chris Seiboth, name which is French and originally not a public figure. But my understanding is very supportive of our agenda and an spelt ‘Malezieux’. He jumped ship in the and appreciation of his work and role has active champion for Indigenous health Torres Strait Islands and married my great grown now since I’m older. and our unit. It’s a good fit as most of our grandmother, an Aboriginal woman from services are community based. I guess in some ways I have taken a Kilkivan. leadership role from him, but public Most of the staff I’ve come across at Metro My mum is from Irish descent. She was born speaking is for my dad, not for me. I prefer to North Hospital and Health Service are and bred on the Gold Coast and now resides work behind the scenes. supportive of the work we do, but there is across the border in Byron Bay. She used to I feel like working in Indigenous health gives still a lot of work to be done. We provide a work in Queensland Health as a Business lot of interaction and education, but it would us a bond and mutual respect. Each time I see Manager and now works for NSW Health him we talk about work and what I’m doing. be nice to see more MNHHS staff willing to supporting the Chief Financial Officer for the participate and take leadership towards our district. I, along with all my family, am very proud of close the gap initiatives. This could be as him and all he has done. I was raised by my mother in Redcliffe and simple as attending more of our culturally 8. What do you like doing outside of work? hosted events throughout the year, providing would see my dad on school holidays and feedback and utilising our services to further weekends. I like hanging out with my friends and family. build a culturally safe environment for our My dad has two sons and four girls including I love outdoor activities - fishing, camping patients. I hope to influence this agenda me. My mum also has four girls including me. and four-wheel driving. within my new role with Safety and Quality. My younger sister, who lives in Ipswich, and I also recently built a house with my fiancé so I are 13 months apart and have the same at the moment we are busy with landscaping.

Page 15 UPCOMING EVENTS

...... 26 May 2017 3 June 2017 9 August 2017 National Sorry Day Mabo Day International Day of National Sorry Day offers the Mabo Day marks the anniversary of the the World’s Indigenous community the opportunity to High Court of Australia’s judgement in acknowledge the impact of the policies 1992 in the Mabo case. This is a day of Peoples particular significance for Torres Strait spanning more than 150 years of The International Day of the World’s Islander Australians. forcible removal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples is observed Torres Strait Islander children from ...... on August 9 each year to promote their families. The first National and protect the rights of the world’s Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1 July 2017 indigenous population. 1998 following the 1997 HREOC report Bringing Them Home which Coming of the Light This event also recognises the recommended that a national day of achievements and contributions that observance be declared. This is a particular day of significance indigenous people make to improve for Torres Strait Islander Australians. world issues such as environmental ...... It marks the day the London protection. Missionary Society first arrived in the It was first pronounced by the General Torres Strait. The missionaries landed 27 May 2017 Assembly of the United Nations in at Erub Island on 1 July 1871. Anniversary of the December 1994, marking the day of Religious and cultural ceremonies are the first meeting of the UN Working 1967 Referendum held by Torres Strait Islander Christians Group on Indigenous Populations of across the Torres Strait and on the the Sub-commission on the Promotion In 1967 over 90% of Australians voted mainland to commemorate this day. and Protection of Human Rights, in in a Referendum to remove clauses 1982. from the Australian Constitution which ...... discriminated against Aboriginal and ...... Torres Strait Islander Australians. 2 July-9 July 2017 The Referendum also gave the 6 September 2017 Commonwealth Government the power NAIDOC Week to make laws on behalf of Aboriginal NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Indigenous Literacy and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to Day ...... recognise the contribution of Indigenous Literacy Day aims to help Indigenous Australians in various raise funds to boost literacy levels and 27 May–3 June 2017 fields. The 2017 theme is Our improve the lives and opportunities of Reconciliation Week Languages Matter. Indigenous Australians living in remote ...... and isolated regions. This day needs National Reconciliation Week was your support to help raise funds to initiated in 1996 to provide a special 4 August 2017 buy books and literacy resources for focus for nationwide activities. children in these communities. The week is a time to reflect on National Aboriginal achievements so far and the things ...... which must still be done to achieve and Torres Strait reconciliation. Islander Children’s Day 13 September 2017 National Reconciliation Week Children’s Day and the week leading Anniversary of the UN offers people across Australia the up to it, is a time to for Aboriginal opportunity to focus on reconciliation, Declaration on the and Torres Strait Islander families to to hear about the cultures and celebrate the strengths and culture of Rights of Indigenous histories of Australia’s Aboriginal their children. and Torres Strait Islander peoples, People and to explore new and better The day is an opportunity for all ways of meeting challenges in our Australians to show their support The United Nations Declaration on communities. for Aboriginal children, as well as the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was learn about the crucial impact that adopted by the United Nations General The Week is timed to coincide with two community, culture and family play in Assembly during its 61st session at UN significant dates in Australia’s history, the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Headquarters in New York City on 13 which provide strong symbols of our Strait Islander child. September 2007. hopes and aims for reconciliation: 27 May and 3 June......

Page 16 RECIPE Cabbage Beef Stew by Jarrod Parter Cultural capability services

INGREDIENTS • Chuck (Stewing) Steak • 1 Large Capsicum • 1 Clove Garlic (x3 wedges) • 1 Whole Cabbage (either normal or sugarloaf) • 4 Rashers Bacon • Salt and Pepper • Soya Sauce (x5 tablespoons)

What to do 1. Cut the chuck steak into small cubes and place into pot on medium with garlic, until brown. 2. While the steak is browning cut up your capsicum, bacon and cabbage and set aside until steak is Here to support staff cooked. 3. Once the chuck steak is cooked; firstly place your cabbage then your capsicum followed by your Building a culturally capable bacon on top of the chuck steak. Drizzle your soya sauce, salt and pepper and a tablespoon of water. hospital and health service Did not stir through. 4. Put the lid on and put temperature to medium, give 15 minutes for steam to go through cabbage, Contact: 3139 3237 or [email protected] bacon and capsicum.

Supported by the MNHHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit. 5. Once you have noticed the cabbage has gone down due to the steam, take lid off and stir through. 6. Put temperature to simmer for another 5 mins, stir through again. 7. Repeat step 6 another (x4) times. Version 1 review April 2018 8. Turn stove off and let it sit for 15 mins before serving.

We welcomeWe welcome your your feedback, feedback, contributions, contributions, story story ideas ideas and anddetails details on any on anyupcoming upcoming events. events. PleasePlease contact contact Aboriginal Aboriginal and andTorres Torres Strait Strait Islander Islander Health Health Unit Unit Communications Communications Manager Manager Renee Renee Simon Simon at [email protected] at [email protected] or phoneor phone (07) (07) 3139 3139 3235. 3231. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/ © State© State of Queensland of Queensland (Metro (Metro North North Hospital Hospital and andHealth Health Service Service ) 2016 ) 2016 ProducedProduced by the by Metrothe Metro North North Communication Communication Directorate Directorate PagePage 17 17