National Reconciliation Week 2019

Central Bayside Community Health Services (CBCHS) acknowledged National Reconciliation Week at a special event held in May.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The event included a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Boon Wurrung man David Tournie.  A plaque was also unveiled to acknowledge the Boon Wurrung people as the traditional owners of our land.

Acting CBCHS CEO George Robinson said working to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is an important part of reconciliation.

‘It is an unfortunate fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can expect to live 10-17 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians while experiencing higher rates of chronic disease.

As a community health service, we have an important role to play in helping to ‘Close the Gap’ on Aboriginal health inequality.

Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, we are working on a range of projects to help ensure our services meet the needs of Aboriginal people and increase access in a safe and welcoming environment,’ he said.

The city of Kingston is home to around 400 people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

CBCHS offers free services for people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.