Metro South Health reaffirmed its commitment to improving health equity during the First Nations Showcase on 2 October, which was the first event of its kind for the service.
Nearly 200 people including staff, Elders, stakeholders, and leaders gathered to share knowledge and ideas around providing high-quality, culturally safe care to the community.
There was a Welcome to Country by Uncle Steven Coghill and traditional dancers by Wajji-Walu Aboriginal Dance Group and Tana Fire Dance Group.
Attendees then celebrated the next generation of healthcare workers at a ceremony for Deadly Start graduates.
Graduate Nikita was based in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) and said she’s learnt so much during her placement at PA Hospital.
“I love BIRU, it’s honestly got a place in my heart forever. I wanted to pursue a career back in Year 10 in paramedicine, I didn’t know how to get there or how I would actually find a spot.
“I went to my Indigenous Liaison Officer at the time and asked if there were any opportunities available and I found the Deadly Start program.
“It gives you a sense of belonging because you get to connect with different people of different cultures and mobs,” said Nikita.
For Graduate Joshua, it’s given him experience and confidence.
“I’ve learnt what it’s like to work in a professional setting and I’ve had very good people around me supporting me throughout.
“I feel pretty confident because I have a certificate and if I wanted to pursue further studies in a particular area I can do that because of the Certificate III, and it looks good on my resume,” he said.
While the Deadly Start graduates celebrated their promising futures in healthcare, other attendees spent the second half of the session discussing how to use their roles to foster positive change now.
Teams gave short presentations on the initiatives and projects underway across Metro South Health which are already making a difference in their communities.
It was a fantastic way to spark curiosity and respectful conversation between attendees.
Improving health equity for the community is one of the six key objectives in Metro South Health’s new Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028.