Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) will celebrate NAIDOC Week with its first staff Talent Showcase on Tuesday, July 7.
The community event will be held from 12pm to 2.30pm at the main BRHS campus, on the corner of Victoria and McKean streets, bringing staff, patients, families, and community members together to recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s NAIDOC theme, Celebrating NAIDOC and 50 Years of Deadly, honours five decades of celebrating culture, strength, and community.
The local celebration will include a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, and catering supplied by local Aboriginal providers. It will also offer an opportunity for attendees to meet the BRHS Aboriginal Health Unit team and members of the Aboriginal Resource Group.
A major highlight of the afternoon will be the inaugural BRHS NAIDOC Week Talent Showcase, featuring performances from BRHS staff, with community guests joining the panel as judges. A special prize will be awarded to the winner: a hand-carved emu egg created by local artist and BRHS Koori Hospital Liaison Officer Mr Adrian Morgan.
BRHS chief executive officer Mr Peter Abraham said NAIDOC Week was an important time to celebrate, listen, and reflect.
“NAIDOC Week is a time to recognise the knowledge, leadership and cultural strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Mr Abraham said.
“At BRHS, culturally safe care is something we must continue to build into the way we work, listen and care for every person.”
Mr Abraham said the event reflected a strong sense of connection across the health service and the wider East Gippsland community.
“It is about pride, respect, culture and connection, and creating a welcoming space where people can come together,” he said.
Community members are warmly invited to attend, share some food, have a yarn, and join BRHS in celebrating NAIDOC Week.
