St John WA celebrates NAIDOC Week through sponsorship and cultural engagement

St John WA (SJWA) has proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week by sponsoring key Aboriginal conferences and delivering hands-on, culturally sensitive first aid engagement at community events.

As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives and building stronger relationships with First Nations communities, SJWA sponsored three major events including the Aboriginal Health Council of WA’s State and Youth Conferences (AHCWA) and the NAIDOC Forum.

These events brought together hundreds of delegates and exhibitors from across the state to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and celebrate culture.

SJWA First Nations Lead Jeremy Maitland-Smith said sponsorship of the Youth Conference reflected the organisation’s desire to open doors for future First Nations health professionals.

“You cannot be what you cannot see,” Jeremy said.

“We want more First Nations young people coming through pathways into paramedicine.”

One such pathway is the SJWA Scholarship for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sciences students, made possible thanks to a $50,000 contribution from Shaw and Partners.

Jeremy said this year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,’ was strongly felt at the AHCWA conference.

“The youth committee posed the suggestion that all delegates sign on to end lateral violence so that Mob can come together in strength to support First Nations health outcomes. SJWA delegates put their names to the document.”

Beyond sponsorship, St John WA’s Aboriginal engagement teams were active on the ground during NAIDOC Week, bringing culturally tailored first aid sessions to local events in Armadale and Mirrabooka, as well as a visit to Meerilinga Children and Community Services in Beechboro.

Led by our First Nations First Aid Yarning Crew and the Youth and Community Engagement team, the Yarning Crew brings first aid education to community members in culturally appropriate language and places from local parks to community sheds.

First Nations Specialist Priscilla Moody said the program was built on respectful engagement and meaningful conversations.

“It’s about doing it more respectfully, being welcomed in by the community,” Priscilla said.

“I meet with Elders first, get to know the community, and let them guide what they need. It becomes more like a two-way conversation.”

This approach not only builds trust but empowers communities to respond with confidence in emergencies.

“It makes people feel more confident if something medical happens,” Priscilla said.

“It helps reduce fear and makes them feel more able to help someone who is sick.”

SJWA thanks all the community partners who welcomed the team during NAIDOC Week and looks forward to continuing these important relationships year-round.