CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES IN ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKSHOP

Acknowledgement

The Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health acknowledges the traditional owners Wilyakali and custodians of the land where this facility is located. It also recognises the diversity of other Aboriginal peoples who now reside in this community.

For students on placement in Broken Hill, the BHUDRH provides an intensive day-long cultural education workshop designed to give students an understanding of local Aboriginal communities and their experience.

The objective of the Cross Cultural Education Workshop is to assist students in their interactions with local Aboriginal communities and support appropriate communication and respect for the traditional owners of the area.  The Workshop is mandatory for all university students commencing clinical placement in the Broken Hill region. 

The Workshop is based on an initiative by Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, the BHUDRH, the Royal Flying Doctors Service (South Eastern Sector) and the Far West Local Health District. This program has been developed with Indigenous community consultation and participation, as it is a living program and there is an expectation that the information presented will grow and expand. 

PRE-REQUISITE ONLINE MODULE

All students participating in the Workshop are required to complete the online Aboriginal Cultural Education Module prior to the workshop. (Please print off a copy of the completion certificate and bring it with you.)

As you progress through this workshop, you will:

  • Explore your own thoughts regarding why there is currently such a discrepancy in the life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in Australia
  • Look at the importance of Aboriginal lifestyle and cultural practices prior to British colonisation and the impact of colonisation on these elements
  • Challenge the myths that have (and still do to this day) negatively stigmatise Aboriginal Australians
  • Examine your current practices and interactions with Aboriginal individuals and communities
  • Reflect on how you can contribute to improving cross cultural communication, interaction, health outcomes and well-being.

We are aware that this introductory workshop can only provide you with a brief insight into the complexities associated with working with Aboriginal people regardless of their place of residence. However, the challenge we pose to you, as students, is to explore further the individuality of the specific communities you will be interacting with, as well as the events that have had a positive and negative impact on the communities and individuals.

Your journey will also include the opportunity to appreciate the richness and diversity of Aboriginal culture in Australia today.

The organisations and communities responsible for this program are conscious of the need for students to have an awareness of the pre- and post- colonial history of Aboriginal communities in western New South Wales, and the associated link to the current health and well-being of individuals and communities.

This history, in many instances, is a living history and the ramifications continue to have an impact on Aboriginal communities and people. This history relates to the aim of this Cross Cultural Education Workshop, and they are to:

  • Provide students with a basic understanding of the history of Aboriginal people at a national, state and local level
  • Assist students to gain an initial understanding and insight into Aboriginal communities in western NSW, with the aim of improving health outcomes
  • Assist students to gain communication skills relevant to today’s Aboriginal communities in western NSW
  • Allow students to explore Aboriginal concepts of health and models of care.

Full-day Workshop commences at 9.30am

Minimum: 6 participants
Maximum: 20 participants

Please direct inquiries to: 

Denise Hampton

Denise Hampton
First Nations
Special Project Officer

Mariah Goldsworthy

Mariah Goldsworthy
Lecturer
First Nations Lead