West Gippsland Healthcare Group has today launched a series of cultural safety videos to mark National Close the Gap Day.

The aim of National Close the Gap Day is to bring people together to share information, and most importantly, to take meaningful action in support of achieving health equality for First Nations Peoples by 2032.

National Close the Gap Day takes place on the third Thursday in March each year.

Staff gathered with local Elders from our Aboriginal community to take part in a smoking ceremony and viewed the first of three cultural safety videos to be rolled out across the organisation as part of a new training package for staff.

In the first video launched today, Kurnai Elders Cheryl Drayton and Linda Mullet talk about their own history and family experiences, and why cultural safety is so important for Aboriginal people.

The following videos explore Aboriginal history and the impact of trauma, and how we can help people feel culturally safe at West Gippsland Healthcare Group.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group Chief Executive Office Dan Weeks said the organisation was committed to achieving culturally safe health practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“These videos are powerful and moving,” he said.

“Hearing these stories will help our staff have a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and gain an insight into the challenges people might face when using our services.

“The videos are a new initiative for us and something we are proud of. We have worked closely with our Kurnai Elders to create them, aiming to help staff to build skills to reduce barriers and better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“We aim to be a place where everyone feels safe to use our services.”

All staff at West Gippsland Healthcare Group will be encouraged to undertake the new Aboriginal Cultural Safety Training package which includes watching the three videos and then undertaking a short survey.

The videos were produced by CheekyMac Productions and were funded through the Department of Health’s Cultural Safety Fixed Grant.

Media Inquiries: Public Relations Office: 03 5623 0600