General News
5 June, 2026
Health service committed to closing the gap
SOUTH West Healthcare (SWH) has celebrated National Reconciliation Week with a special event in the Warrnambool Base Hospital foyer.
Staff and visitors were last week treated to a colourful celebration which recognised staff leadership in reconciliation and highlighted the organisation’s continued commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across south-west Victoria.
Members of the SWH Reconciliation Choir, which first performed last year, reunited to perform the popular Midnight Oil song, ‘Beds are Burning’ alongside local artist, Lee Morgan.
Choir members have also been learning songs in Gunditjmara language as part of efforts to strengthen cultural understanding and local cultural connections.
The ‘Care with Respect and Integrity Award’ was presented to the medical ward team for its dedication to providing culturally safe and respectful care to Aboriginal patients and families.
The award recognises the ward’s collaborative approach, commitment to honouring cultural practices, and efforts to uphold dignity, understanding and compassionate care.
The ‘Cultural Safety Champions Award’ was presented to the emergency department team for its commitment to improving cultural safety and supporting Aboriginal patients and families during times of hardship and crisis.
“The Aboriginal Programs Team wanted to acknowledge the strong partnerships built with both departments and to thank staff for their ongoing compassion, service and commitment to culturally safe healthcare,” South West Healthcare Aboriginal liaison officer Nathan Davies said.
“The choir performance reflects the organisation’s broader commitment to reconciliation, culturally safe care and walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities towards health equity.”
As the region’s largest health service, SWH recognises the significant role healthcare providers play in helping close the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and continues to work throughout the year to create culturally safe, welcoming and healing environments for patients and families.
The Reconciliation Week event builds on a significant year of reconciliation activities and Aboriginal health initiatives across SWH.
In 2025 and 2026 alone, the health service’s Aboriginal Programs Team supported more than 500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families across inpatient and community settings.
The service also introduced specially designed NAIDOC scrub tops featuring the winning artwork ‘River Meets Ocean’ by local artist Tarni Jarvis.
The design, selected by a panel of Eastern Maar citizens, symbolises journey, connection to Country and the passing of knowledge between generations.
“The scrubs and matching lanyards have since become a visible symbol of support, culture and safety across hospital wards and services, so that community know we are here for them, we are safe to approach and we are culturally-supportive,” Mr Davies said.
Additional Aboriginal health initiatives delivered by South West Healthcare over the past year include:
The appointment of three new Aboriginal Liaison Officers to support cancer patients across the south-west region and a new Aboriginal Chronic Care Liaison Officer based in Warrnambool;
Continued investment in the Aboriginal Family Room at Warrnambool Base Hospital, providing a culturally safe space for families and patients accessing hospital services and the Emergency Department;
Partnerships with regional health services and Aboriginal organisations to deliver locally informed cultural safety training;
Trauma-informed care training delivered in partnership with Aboriginal organisations including Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Gunditj Mirring;
Aboriginal maternity education and birthing support programs helping families access culturally safe birthing options On Country;
A new Indigenous scholarship program launched in 2026 to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing careers in healthcare through financial, academic and professional support pathways.
Staff have also participated in community events including Close the Gap Day at Kirrae Health Service in Framlingham and the annual Warrnambool Koorie Karnival, strengthening relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal organisations and communities throughout the region.
National Reconciliation Week is held annually from May 27 to June 3 and encourages all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements while considering how each person can contribute to reconciliation.
