At HammondCare’s Tuggerah office on the Central Coast, the HammondCare at Home team is embracing the First Nations culture of the region. Since the launch of HammondCare’s Reconciliation Action Plan at the Gosford office during NAIDOC Week 2022, the team have built relationships and created opportunities to connect with local First Nations organisations and communities.
This commitment to engaging with First Nations people is driven by a genuine passion. Team members have previously worked closely with the Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit and been able to witness firsthand the impact of providing culturally appropriate care to First Nations people.
The Tuggerah team are focused on a vision of caring for First Nations people that acknowledges and respects their traditions and needs while strengthening the support systems for the care workforce.
A First Nations Action Plan, directed by a dedicated Project Team, formalises the process by outlining specific tasks and timelines that drives cross-cultural engagement with First Nations people and organisations.
“A primary goal of the Action Plan is to have the right supports in place when a First Nations HammondCare at Home client needs our services,” explains one team member. “And having a workplace where First Nations people feel welcome, acknowledged, and respected.”
Wiradjuri woman and HammondCare at Home Care Team Manager, Kylie, is a member of the First Nations Project Team and is excited by what the team on the Central Coast are doing and have already achieved.
“We have quite a few things in the office that make the work environment feel culturally safe for First Nations people who spend time here,” says Kylie.
“There’s Indigenous art on the walls, HammondCare has created First Nations Awareness posters for all their care homes, sites and offices that tells people the Traditional Lands they are on, and the Language spoken, and our meeting rooms have been named with local Indigenous animals and names, such as “Yaama”, meaning welcome.”
Although creating a respectful work environment was an important step in the process, the team also wanted to work with First Nations organisations, and reached out to Bara Barang, a local organisation that partners with employers to support young First Nations people start their careers and build confidence in the community.
Kiarra is a proud Aboriginal girl and at 16 is already an accomplished sports person with a love for AFL. Completing a two-year traineeship for a Certificate III in Business Administration, Kiarra works every Friday in the Tuggerah office. In her first year she’s working with the support team and people management and in the second year will get out on the road directly supporting clients with the care team.
“Kiarra has really embraced being part of the team, and is so good at working with everyone,” says Kylie who mentors Kiarra. “We have got to know Kiarra’s family and she has really brought us into her community.”
The Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit hosting the Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day.
Today, many First Nations people are working to ensure their culture and history are recognised and celebrated. And in NAIDOC Week, the Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit will host the Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day.
This free community event is a celebration of First Nations people and culture of the region. Along with fun cultural activities, there are important free health checks with screening and advice for anyone with health concerns.
The Tuggerah team will be there with a stall, available to speak to everyone about how they can support with services so people can stay at home longer. Or chat to others who may like to join the team.
“The NAIDOC Community Day is a great way to meet with people face to face and just have a chat, and find out their story.”
This event exemplifies the team's dedication to creating connections with First Nations people and their culture. As many First Nations people work towards recognition and acknowledgment of their culture and history, the Tuggerah team stands alongside them in their commitment to providing high-quality, culturally appropriate care and support.