Each year during Reconciliation Week, non-Indigenous people are encouraged to take time to understand the past and commit to helping achieve a reconciled future.
Many Western Health staff have learned from the insights, experiences, and culture shared by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues. This week has been a chance to pause, listen more deeply, and share those lessons.
Karen Garratt, Nurse Unit Manager of Ward 3B, shared how working closely with Lucy Webster and the Aboriginal Health Unit has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences of her career. She spoke about the personal and professional growth she experienced in learning what it truly means to be an ally - advocating without overshadowing, supporting without assuming control.
“Through Lucy and her team, my understanding of meaningful allyship deepened and shaped my approach to advocacy in a way that prioritised respect and cultural safety.
One particularly significant instance was when Lucy helped facilitate culturally appropriate end-of-life care for a family that had become disconnected from their Community.
“Her leadership was instrumental in reconnecting the family and empowering staff to provide sensitive and respectful care.”
Shane Crowe, Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, said working with Ashleigh Vandenberg, Manager, Aboriginal Health, Policy and Planning, has been a lesson in unity.
“Ash has taught me that when you play a piano, if you only play the white keys you can get a tune, and if you only play the black keys you can get a tune – but when you play the black and white notes together in harmony then truly beautiful music is created.
“She has reaffirmed through her passion and commitment, the power of connecting with Community. When you listen, understand, support and invest in individuals and the Community as a whole they overcome adversity, develop and thrive,” Shane said.
Jo Stevens, Operations Manager, has worked closely with Kaitlen Whitton Pettit, Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer, to help deliver culturally appropriate healthcare to her patients.
“Kaitlen reminds me how important authenticity and inclusion is in the delivery of health care to First Nations people.
“I know firsthand that this is what the women respect the most about Kaitlen, she never leaves any of them out and they feel heard.”
Equally, Jo’s encouragement and feedback means Kaitlen knows the important role she plays in the lives of the women in her care.
