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Echuca Regional Health staff embrace First Nations culture at Cultural Awareness Day

Darchi Clarke performed a tradional dance as part of ERH’s cultural awareness day. Photo: Shannon Colee

Echuca Regional Health held a Cultural Awareness Day on Tuesday, April 30, where staff had the opportunity to travel onto Country and learn about First Nations culture.

ERH’s director of education, training and research Meaghan Douglas said it was an important day for the hospital to hold.

"There was a recognised need within our organisation for increasing the awareness of cultural safety and cultural awareness,” she said.

Uncle Rick sharing stories about Yorta Yorta at the ERH cultural awareness day. Photo: Supplied

“We really wanted it to be meaningful about what it means to be in Yorta Yorta country and to include our Aboriginal liaison offices.”

The day began at the hospital, where Uncle Rick Ronan performed a Welcome to Country and discussed various cultural items and their use. During that part of the day, Darchi Clarke also performed a traditional dance.

ERH staff at cultural awareness day. Photo: Supplied

Afterwards, they travelled to the Barmah Lakes and the Barmah Forest, where they were invited to go to Country.

“It was amazing just to feel the spirit and connect with nature and outside the organisation walls,” Ms Douglas said.

The morning session of the cultural awareness day took place at ERH. Photo: Shannon Colee

“Going out on Country was much more engaging and a really good opportunity for staff to meet Elders as well and ask questions.”