Tahnee Weeks, Bayside Health Service Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker.
At the heart of NAIDOC Week is the celebration of achievements of Indigenous healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to improving the health and well-being of the community.
Among them is Tahnee Weeks, Bayside Health Service Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker, whose passion for her cultural background permeates every aspect of her practice.
"Indigenous patients face unique challenges within the healthcare system, stemming from historical and cultural barriers,” Tahnee said.
"A lack of information and literacy and daunting and unfamiliar environments often deter Indigenous patients from the care they need.
"I work with my team to ensure that information is accessible, using language that resonates with my mob."
But Tahnee's impact extends well beyond the hospital walls.
“Our team engages with the community directly which means we are able to deliver educational sessions on healthier choices, reading labels as well as affordable and nutritious eating.
“I help my mob to navigate the system; it can be hard for them."
She said it was wonderful to see the positive change on the horizon.
“We are already witnessing the initial steps and the Metro South Health First Nations Health Equity Strategy is essential to that positive change.
"The plan shows that our leaders are listening to frontline workers and amplifies the concerns and insights of those who understand the needs of their communities best.
"It's different to the things I've seen in the past.
"It uses strong words like 'actively eliminate racial discrimination’.
"It shows our mob (Indigenous Health Workers) that we will be part of conversations and gives us more of a voice," she said.
Congratulations Tahnee on the work you and your team do every day to deliver outstanding and culturally appropriate care.