Echuca Regional Health held a National Reconciliation Week event on Thursday, May 29. Pictured are Cynthia Robins, Robyn Rudge, Uncle Des Morgan, Aunty Denise Morgan-Bulled, Uncle John Mitchell, Merinda Slater and Uncle Gilbert Wanganeen.
Echuca Regional Health marked National Reconciliation Week with an informative event and morning tea held in the health service’s Malka Room.
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Colin Atkinson first held a smoking ceremony outside the hospital main entrance, inviting Elders, the executive team and staff members to partake.
Colin Atkinson preparing materials for the smoking ceremony.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Colin Atkinson, Uncle Des Morgan and Uncle Gilbert Wanganeen.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Mr Atkinson spoke about the importance of the ceremony, which cleanses the mind, body and spirit.
Inside, ERH interim chief executive Robyn Rudge addressed the crowd of about 50, and said the hospital was delighted to acknowledge the week’s significance.
ERH interim chief executive Robyn Rudge in the Malka Room.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“ERH are grateful to the community for sharing this with us — the oldest living culture in the world,” she said.
“Through collaboration, traditional teachings, respect and understanding, ERH strives to create shared cultural belonging, enabling everyone to have a spiritual connection to Country so that we may talk together as one.”
Ms Rudge said the event was a chance to acknowledge the significance of the Malka Room, and launch new guidelines for the space following misuse.
Uncle Des Morgan spoke about his family’s and community’s battle to make the room a reality, and its meaning.
Uncle Des Morgan.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“We have this space, and it’s for us to debrief, to solidify our spirit, to pay respects and remembrance to the people that we lose,” he said.
“Malka is a shield. It’s your shield of protection that sits over the top, and shields you at a time when you need to have your spirit not touched, and your spirit rebuilt.”
Reports of ERH staff using the room for meal and rest breaks have reached the Aboriginal community, which Uncle Des said was an improper use of the room.
“I know people don’t mean any disrespect for things like that. You may not know the importance of this place,” he said.
Uncle John Mitchell, who helped design the room, said it needed to be inviting to the community, and told the crowd its misuse is damaging.
Uncle John Mitchell.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“We're very strong and passionate as Elders and representatives of our community, how this place should be respected 24/7 for our mob,” he said.
“We've really got to work together and make sure that purpose is followed through, so our community has faith and trust.”
Executive director of community services Cynthia Robins said that the Elders’ concerns had been heard and valued, and were reflected in the new guidelines for the room.
Executive director of community services Cynthia Robins.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“We apologise. We did lose our way, and we are on a journey of reconciliation,” she said.
“Today, we’re officially launching it back to the community, that this is your space.”
Ms Robins also acknowledged the hospital’s history of segregation, and said ERH was committed to continuing the journey of reconciliation.
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