Epworth HealthCare acknowledges the peoples of the Kulin Nations, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we work and care for our patients. We honour the unique and continued spiritual connection that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
At Epworth, we value the skills and culture that our Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander employees bring to the team and patient care. We are committed to establish an inclusive workplace and aim to:
- Provide central oversite and governance.
- Create culturally safe workplaces.
- Improve attraction and recruitment.
- Improve systems and processes.
- Enhance support for Aboriginal students, employees and those in the broader health care sector.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
At Epworth HealthCare, we are working to establish a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategy and other initiatives to improve our understanding of the traditional owners.
At Epworth, we continue to embed our Reflect RAP and are taking steps to begin an Innovate RAP in the future.
Click below to hear the Epworth purpose in Wurundjeri Language
Epworth HealthCare Aboriginal art.
This artwork by Dixon Patten (Yorta/ Gunnai) of Bayila Creative, titled Wemba dindan wurru, ‘Reflect this Country’ (Gunnai Language), depicts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' connection to Country and community. The gum leaves are used in welcome ceremony by the Traditional Owners; the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
The central circle represents connection to one another and the various circles represent the broader diverse community coming together in reconciliation, to help achieve greater health outcomes for the Indigenous community. The pathways point in different directions, signifying everyone’s unique journey.
You will notice the art and flags proudly displayed across the hospital.
Learning about the community
At Epworth, we take the opportunity to learn about the land of which work and care for our patients. Our staff have taken the opportunity to visit Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre to better understand the Wadawurrung land and the Aboriginal culture.
Evolve communities has provided our staff the opportunity to learn more about First Nation’s People and become an Ally.
Carla and Aunty Munya engage with Epworth staff throughout the year providing webinars and answering questions to assist us in developing our knowledge.