News

Staff across Albury Wodonga Health came together this week to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week with a variety of events centred on connection, conversation and reflection. 

The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week, 'All In,' encourages all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day, reminding us that meaningful progress requires action from everyone. 

Activities took place across multiple sites and teams, including Walk and Yarn events at the Albury and Wodonga campuses, a Reconciliation Lunch and Yarn hosted by Community Health, and a reconciliation BBQ at Nolan House. 

Led by AWH’s Aboriginal Liaison Team and executive staff, the Walk and Yarn events encouraged employees to step away from their daily routines, walk together, share stories, and learn from one another in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 

After the walks, staff wrote reflections, commitments, and messages about what reconciliation means to them and how they can help foster a more culturally safe and inclusive workplace. 

The Community Health Reconciliation Lunch and Yarn provided an opportunity for staff to connect over a shared meal and continue vital conversations about reconciliation, cultural safety, and community connection. 

At Nolan House, staff and consumers had the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture and storytelling through discussions and displays featuring traditional items including pelts, weaving and boomerang.  

Interim Chief Executive Officer Andrew Way noted that the week’s events underscored the importance of creating opportunities for reflection and meaningful conversation throughout the organisation. 

“National Reconciliation Week is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility,” Professor Way said. 

“It was inspiring to see staff from across AWH come together to listen, learn, and reflect during the week’s events.” 

“Being ‘All In’ means striving to create a workplace and health service where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel respected, valued, and culturally safe.” 

Yarning has been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for thousands of years as a way to share stories, knowledge, and experiences in a safe, respectful environment. 

Liz Heta — Wiradjuri Elder, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Nolan House, and a longstanding advocate for Aboriginal health, cultural safety, and community connection — said reconciliation begins with humility, listening, and connection. 

“It’s important to understand our own bias and be humble to listen as we all journey together to know more about Australia’s First Nations people,” Ms Heta said. 

“Not everyone has the same life experiences. Cultural diversities are not only learnt from books, but also from participating in community. Reconciliation is about connecting.” 

Albury Wodonga Health is currently working with Reconciliation Australia to draft our first innovate RAP with the aim to publish later in 2026. AWH is committed to working towards a Reconciliation Action Plan that holds us accountable to building respectful relationships, supporting First Nations employment and health equity, and ensuring our services are culturally safe for consumers, staff and community.   

National Reconciliation Week takes place from 27 May to 3 June each year.