Flavours of the bush have been served up across the region’s hospitals in celebration of 2024 NAIDOC Week.
This week patients across Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Bundaberg hospitals have enjoyed a delightful Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake for lunch.
Additionally, the Fraser Coast Mental Health Unit will host a special NAIDOC Week event featuring a Lemon Myrtle Infused Sponge Cake with Rosella Jam.
These special menu items aim to honour and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
WBHHS Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Paul Weir, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative.
“NAIDOC Week is a significant time for us to recognise and celebrate the unique contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our community and culture,” he said.
“Incorporating native Australian ingredients like lemon myrtle and rosella into our patient menus is a wonderful way to connect our patients with the unique flavors of Indigenous cuisine.”
Paul further emphasised the importance of such initiatives in fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity within healthcare settings.
“By celebrating NAIDOC Week in this manner, we hope to enhance our patients’ experience and bring a sense of community and connection to those in our care.
“It is also an opportunity to educate and engage our staff and the wider community about the significance of Indigenous ingredients and their cultural heritage,” he added.
“By introducing these traditional ingredients, we aim to spark curiosity and appreciation for the culinary heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“It’s a small but significant step towards fostering cultural inclusivity in our community.”
NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 7th to July 14th, is an annual celebration that provides an opportunity for Australians from all walks of life to come together to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is Keep the Fire Burning Blak, loud and proud.
Food services Manager Stanley Pennant said he was excited about the special menu items.
“Incorporating native Australian ingredients into our meals is a unique way to celebrate NAIDOC Week and pay homage to the rich traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” he said.
“Lemon myrtle and rosella are not only delicious but also hold significant cultural importance. We’re thrilled to bring these flavors to our patients and staff.”
“Our team has worked hard to create these special dishes, and we hope they bring a sense of joy and connection to our patients.”
But these culinary delights weren’t the only NAIDOC activities that WBHHS staff and patients enjoyed. Our Better Cardiac Care and telecare teams dished up a healthy dose of information at this year's Bundaberg Indigenous Wellbeing Centre Block Party.
The event, a cornerstone of the community's NAIDOC festivities, was marked by cultural performances, educational activities, and health promotion, drawing hundreds of attendees.
Advanced Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Healthcare Worker Dale Brown had the honour of opening the event with a powerful didgeridoo performance, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural pride and community spirit.
Throughout the day, WBHHS teams engaged with community members, offering educational materials and interactive sessions on various health topics.
The Better Cardiac Care (BCC) team focused on heart health, providing information on prevention, management, and treatment of cardiac conditions.
Their efforts aimed to address the high rates of heart disease within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and promote healthier lifestyles.
Acting clinical nurse consultant for BCC Aaron Smith said the event was a valuable opportunity to connect with the wider community about the program.
“We are honored to be part of this vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture and community,” he said.
“Our goal is to provide the best possible care and support, and events like the Bundaberg Indigenous Wellbeing Centre Block Party are crucial in helping us connect with the community and address their unique health needs.”
The telecare team showcased the benefits of remote healthcare services, demonstrating how technology can bridge gaps in healthcare access for rural and remote communities.