At Qualitas Health, we are proud to join in NAIDOC Week. This important occasion recognises and pays tribute to the rich culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, “For Our Elders,” holds great significance as we strive to deepen our knowledge and understanding by engaging in various learning opportunities.
Our Windaroo and Regents Park sites in QLD actively participated in the Improving Indigenous Access to Mainstream Primary Care (IIAMPC) training. A dedicated doctor and clinical support staff member from each practice were privileged to attend an extensive 8-hour workshop. The objectives of the IIAMPC program encompass a broad range of goals, including:
• Improve the capacity of mainstream primary care services to deliver culturally competent services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Increase the uptake of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items, including health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and follow-up items.
• Support mainstream primary care services to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to self-identify.
• Increase awareness and understanding of measures relevant to mainstream primary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Foster collaboration and support between mainstream primary care and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sectors.
Furthermore, our Head Office staff in NSW had the privilege of engaging with Erica Eurell, a Traditional Custodian from the Yugambeh Language Region of the Gold Coast and a descendant of the Wollumbin/Mount Warning region. During this enlightening experience, Erica shared her profound knowledge of basket weaving while imparting invaluable lessons from her tribe. We embraced particularly, the spirit of the Emu, that it never runs backward—a symbol of progress, resilience, and forward momentum.
Reflecting upon NAIDOC Week and the vital message of honouring our elders, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment within Qualitas Health. We acknowledge the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and actively seek to learn, grow, and collaborate to provide equitable healthcare for all.
