THE University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health, in collaboration with Primary Care Connect and Murray Primary Health Network honoured local Indigenous women of the Goulburn Valley region during a special celebration last week as part of NAIDOC Week.
Titled in the spirit of this year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘Because of her, we can,’ the community event saw attendees enjoy entertainment by 12 year old Indigenous girl, Lillie Walker and story-telling by Aunty Gwen Atkinson, Sharon Jones and Natarsha Bamblett.
Indigenous-themed food was also served at the event, which recognised the active and significant roles Indigenous women fulfil at the community, local, state and national levels.
Department of Rural Health deputy head, Professor Bill Adam said Indigenous development is a collective responsibility.
“A theme in much of the work we are involved in is about Indigenous people and communities controlling their own destinies: something evident across many sectors now.
“This greatly benefits not only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but all Australians,” Prof Adam said.
