The Royal Melbourne Hospital's Aboriginal Health Unit were busy putting on a spectacular show of culture, history and celebration for NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. National NAIDOC Week events are held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievement of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Week is an opportunity for all Australians to come together and learn about the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme – ‘Get up! Stand up! Show up!’ – reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a shared future.

Staff at the RMH were treated this week to a range of cultural activities for NAIDOC Week.

The week kicked off with the Aboriginal Health Unit working alongside the Food Services team and dietitians to prepare some traditional Aboriginal foods, including kangaroo served with wattleseed or lemon myrtle and Johnny Cakes with jams, honey or relish.

Staff members were then treated to these delights at NAIDOC Week BBQ at the RMH Parkville.

Nina Wright and Lani Wilson at NAIDOC Week event
EARTHwise Culture business-owner Nina Wright and member of the RMH Aboriginal Health Unit Lani Wilson.

RMH mob and allies alike were then invited to and participated in sold-out Workshops facilitated by Nina Wright of Aboriginal-owned business EARTHwise Culture. Staff had the opportunity to make smudge sticks, used in Indigenous cultural ceremonies around the world in cleansing ceremonies.

Nina then held a Clapstick painting workshop, which was a chance for staff to learn more about the traditional percussive instrument used by Indigenous Australians. Staff also had some fun getting creative with their clapstick designs!

On behalf of staff at the RMH, we would like to extend our thanks to Steve Portelli, Moira Raynor, Lani Wilson and the entire Aboriginal Health Unit for their efforts in showcasing Aboriginal history and culture this NAIDOC Week.

Mobile Stroke Unit with Ambulance Victoria paramedic and the RMH Stroke team
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