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Working together
Gold Coast Health is committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing visible, culturally safe and capable care. Partner organisations play an essential role in ensuring a collaborative approach to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our region.
Our First Nations Health Equity approach is underpinned by representation, leadership and shared decision-making with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to change the current power balance and create a health system free from racism and discrimination.
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Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud
Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Gold Coast Health at Tugun Satellite Hospital, Banyahrmabah—‘a place to be made healthy’.
Join us for two special activities promoted below:
- First Nations Artists Showcase: Experience the vibrant creativity of First Nations artists collectives.
- Art of Healing Event: Awaken your senses to the living culture and unveil Grace Brown's breathtaking sculpture
Click here for more information about NAIDOC Week and to watch the ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ video.
First Nations Art Exhibition
Celebrate NAIDOC Week with us as First Nations artists and artist collectives showcase their artwork, aligning with this year's theme: ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’. The exhibition will be held at Banyahrmabah, Tugun Satellite Hospital.
Join us to view the gallery and consider purchasing artwork for your workplace or home. This Art Exhibition is brought to you by the Creative Health Hub
Dates: Saturday 6 July – Sunday 14 July 2024
Venue: Banyahrmabah Tugun Satellite Hospital, 57 Boyd St, Tugun
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THE ART OF HEALING
Awaken your senses to the living culture within the health Garden at Tugun Satellite Hospital, Banyahrmabah “a place to be made healthy”. Join the celebration and cultural experiences as we unveil the artistic work of Grace Brown.
DATE: Tuesday 20 August 2024
VENUE: Healing Garden Tugun Satellite Hospital Banyahrmabah, 57 Boyd St
TIME: 10am - 1pm
Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory celebration of culture and community at Tugun Satellite Hospital, Banyahrmabah “place to be made healthy” as we reflect upon NAIDOC Week! Ignite your senses as we unveil Grace Brown's breathtaking sculpture Banyahr jagun - banyahr garal janabi nyubani Healthy Country – Healthy Community located in the Healing Garden. From soothing cultural soundscapes to the fragrant aromas of medicinal native plants, this event will resonate the artworks personality 'Healthy Country – Healthy Community'. Engage in cultural activities as we celebrate NAIDOC Week and honour our rich cultural heritage.
Unveiling the artistic work of Grace Brown
The artistic work of Grace Brown - Banyahr jagun Banyahr garal janabi nyubani “Healthy Country – Healthy Community” will be unveiled at the event. The art depicts the Yugambeh language region, culture and Country, view the video to find the artwork story.
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CLOSE THE GAP DAY EVENT CELEBRATION 2024
Gold Coast Health's First Nations Healthy Equity team, in collaboration with the First Peoples Health Unit Griffith University and Kalwun Development Corporation, hosted a remarkable Close The Gap Day event on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.
The event, held at the Gold Coast University Hospital Parklands, witnessed an impressive turnout, with more than 35 elders, 29 dedicated stallholders, and more than 1,500 attendees comprising Gold Coast Health staff, patients, and community members.
If you want to be involved or kept up to date, email the team
gchfirstnationshealthequity@health.qld.gov.au
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Karulbo Network
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service is a member of the Karulbo (All Together in the local Yugambeh Language) network. Established in 2010 as a Gold Coast Primary Care Partnership Council collaborative venture between Gold Coast Health, Kalwun Health Service and Krurungal Corporation for Welfare, Resource and Housing to promote health and wellbeing.
The network has partners within the Health, Education, Employment and other sectors across the Gold Coast - these members have shaped Karulbo and driven improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
In 2023, Karulbo yarning circles were held with Community and partner organisations to co-design the journey forward.
For more information, please contact the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service:
GCHFirstNationsBSO@health.qld.gov.au
or visit: Karulbo website
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Galagir Ngaurai (youth speak) Health and Wellbeing project
Community arts projects can be powerful health and cultural activities. Galagir Ngaurai (youth speak) was a public health project which engaged the regions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in health-related conversation and under the guidance of local Elder Uncle Ian Levinge and Wurundjeri artist Grace Brown, created an artwork response which has been used in the design of public health collateral
“This was an outstanding day! The facilitators provided a culturally safe and supporting environment creating a perfect learning and expressive platform. Students were supported to engage in health conversations, expressing their desire to ‘keep mob safe’ through word, art and action.” Candace Kruger, Head of Department, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
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Artwork narration: Galagir Ngaurai – Youth speak. Health and Wellbeing.
The students wanted to convey the importance of coming together to encourage responsible, respectful, and honest discussions about health and wellbeing and centred this around the ‘yarning circle’ painted by Artist, Grace Brown. They watched as Uncle Ian Levinge added his handprint to the centre of the circle, signifying the wisdom and cultural guidance Elders provide to community. The 10 large circles represented each student participant, and the three gold circles represented the artist and the Gold Coast Public Health Unit employees who developed and facilitated the initiative. The smaller circles within the yarning circle represent those positively influencing and supporting students, including family, friends, teachers, and community.
Students added their handprints to the artwork and painted their individual, yet collective health journey. Whilst individual health experiences were discussed, students united around the yarning circle to support each other as they talked about health and wellbeing and the importance of keeping each other safe. Their works were thoughtfully complementary, yet respectfully unique, just as public health efforts can be tailored to individual health issues for entire community benefit, such as the protection against viruses through vaccination, to the creation of supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity.
The inextricable link between Country and individual / community health was detailed within students designs; the inclusion of flora and fauna including totem animals, waterways, night sky, pathways, connection; students were communicating that health was strongly influenced by the health of their environment. This could be interpreted as an ecological model, those interrelationships between individuals and the social, physical and policy environment, yet the student emphasis was placed on sustainable practices to ensure clean air, waterways, and landscapes in the maintenance and enhancement of a healthy environment, Country, which ultimately provides healthier pursuits for us all.