Framework launch strengthens commitment to First Nations’ health and education in Bendigo
Monash Rural Health launched its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Framework 2021-2030 on Dja Dja Wurrung country on Friday 31 May. The launch brought together Monash Rural Health staff and representatives from Bendigo Health and the wider community. Held during National Reconciliation Week, partnership was the recurring theme of the event.
Head of School, Professor Shane Bullock, acknowledged the significance of the event being held during National Reconciliation Week, and spoke of the need to work together for reconciliation and healing. He shared the story of the framework’s origin at a World Cafe staff and community consultation in Mildura. Monash Rural Health is now the first School within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to have a dedicated framework. This framework will guide the School across our footprint towards improving cultural safety and health outcomes, embedding Indigenous ways of learning and cultural content within our curricula and creating more opportunities for First Nations communities to study and work at Monash.
“The burden of change is on our School. We must listen properly and respectfully to the community as to their priorities, build trust and pledge to work together to meet community needs.”
To highlight activities already underway to deliver on the framework’s key pillars, Kamil Chetty, Clinical and Community Engagement Administration Officer, shared the journey to implementing a new First Nations health education program in Bendigo, embedded across each year level. Working collaboratively with a local First Nations education group, the program is designed to build medical students’ understanding of Dja Dja Wurrung culture and stories during their placements in Bendigo, as well as understanding how they can support Indigenous communities accessing healthcare. This includes cultural learning sessions with Djarra, developing culturally safe clinical skills and access to health research led by First Nations academics.
Attendees also heard from Barkindji Ngiyampaa Maligundidj artist Tracy Wise, who created ‘Koote Wurrin’ (One Day in Gunaikurnai language), the artwork on the cover of the framework. Tracy shared the artwork’s story, inspired by the creators Bunjil and Waa, Emu and Brolga and Borun and Tuk. The artwork reflects the colours and landscapes of the country - flat plains of Mildura, the Mallee rivers and Gippsland waterways.
Leadership and commitment from Monash Rural Health staff will be key to the success of the framework’s implementation in the years to come, according to David Byrnes, Monash Rural Health’s Aboriginal Communities Engagement Lead. Eighty-five percent of Monash Rural Health staff have already signed up to complete the professional development unit - Allies in Indigenous Health - demonstrating their commitment to taking the foundational first steps for lifelong learning in Indigenous health allyship. David commented that:
“The most empowering thing about Monash Rural Health and the staff is that everyone is prepared to listen and learn and be a part of the implementation of the Framework. This is flowing from leadership to all staff, everyone wants to make this happen and contribute to Aboriginal equity in our rural communities.”
Learn more about the Monash Rural Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Framework 2021-2030.