Far West Local Health District staff have shown their support for Reconciliation Week by wearing new Indigenous-themed shirts as a sign of acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land upon which we work and live.
The new shirts feature in its cultural design the recently developed Far West LHD ‘Nharatji’ Aboriginal artwork which symbolises the District.
All staff in the LHD received a shirt to wear on Monday (30 May), chosen as the designated day for all staff to wear the shirt and show their support for Reconciliation Week.
This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is ‘Be Brave, Make Change’.
“Far West LHD is taking the opportunity to embrace Reconciliation Week this year with culturally appropriate shirts that demonstrate our support,” said Mr Umit Agis, Chief Executive, Far West LHD.
“We commissioned the new Nharatji shirts so all staff can stand together in support of Reconciliation Week and Aboriginal people in the District, those in the past, the present and in the future,” he said.
Far West LHD Aboriginal Health and Consumer Relations, Corina Kemp, said the shirt’s design incorporates the LHD’s newly commission Nharatji logo, by artist Corey Payne, a proud Wilyakali / Ngiyaampa / Paakintji man.
The artwork features the colours of the Far West region and represents holistic health care and connection to health, support and guidance and the 8 communities within the LHD.
“I hope that this shirt will help show our commitment to working to bring our communities to come together,” said Ms Kemp.
“This year’s theme to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements and the importance of coming together and working together for better health outcomes for Aboriginal people,”
The Far West LHD will be hosting small gatherings of staff across the District during the week which will include morning or afternoon tea to celebrate Reconciliation Week and its theme.