Special guests call for change

Addressing a roomful of staff, the Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities and descendant of the Kalarie peoples of the Wiradjuri nation, Todd Fernando, said within a decade we will weed out homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Victoria. 

“We will not achieve the same for racism. And that’s because of how the system is set up," Mr Fernando said. 

Asking the audience to consider what changes they could make within their own work areas, Mr Fernando said that systemic and historical factors impact how Aboriginal people participate in health and that dismantling these barriers must become a priority. 

“We need to look at how services support Aboriginal people, particularly those from the LGBTIQ+ community, rather than contribute to feelings of marginalisation and isolation.” 

“These groups deserve to thrive and be affirmed to simply exist as they are.” 

Alfred Health Chief Operating Officer Simone Alexander reiterated the importance of working with Aboriginal communities to deliver meaningful health care. 

"As a public health service, it’s important that our entire community has equal access to our care,” said Ms Alexander. 

“Ensuring our model suits everyone requires sensitivity and understanding, and in order to do that we need to listen and learn.” 

Melbourne Football Club players Kysaiah Pickett and Toby Bedford were also on hand to talk about what their Aboriginal heritage and this year’s NAIDOC Week theme meant to them. 

“When you think about the theme – Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up - it’s really about being you and being proud of who you are,” said Kysaiah. 

Today’s session was organised by Proud Bunuba Wiyi and Community Development Worker at The Alfred, Della Bedford, and is part of a range of NAIDOC Week celebrations happening across the health service.