Uncle Gilbert Wanganeen with family and friends at Echuca Regional Health.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Echuca Regional Health held a morning tea for NAIDOC Week on Tuesday, July 8, attended by staff and community members.
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The event began with an introduction by interim chief executive Robyn Rudge, followed by a smoking ceremony organised by Colin Atkinson.
Colin Atkinson preparing the smoking ceremony materials.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Uncle John Mitchell after partaking in the smoking ceremony.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
After the ceremony, attendees moved inside to the hospital’s Malka Room, which is a dedicated space for the Aboriginal community to use during difficult times.
The event focused on Uncle Gilbert Wanganeen’s NAIDOC award for 2025 Victorian Male Elder of the Year, with hospital staff, family, and fellow Elders recognising his achievement.
Uncle Des Morgan did a Welcome to Country, spoke about the significance of NAIDOC Week, and congratulated Uncle Gilbert on his award.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
ERH interim chief executive Robyn Rudge with Uncle Gilbert in the Malka Room.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
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