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

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

“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.

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.

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