NAIDOC lunch encourages St John WA team to inspire next generation 

St John WA team members and Aboriginal leaders joined together for a special NAIDOC lunch on Thursday.  

More than 50 people attended the event, an opportunity to catch up and share important conversations on how to take meaningful action towards reconciliation.  

Whadjuk Elder Aunty Frida Ogilvie kicked off proceedings with an inspiring Welcome to Country after a smoking ceremony performed by her daughter Narelle. 

Tim Kelly and his sons Thomas, Troy and Tyson, known as the Deadly Yongas, captivated the crowd with a traditional didgeridoo and dance performance.  

City of Kwinana Deputy Mayor and Auspire Director Barry Winmar delivered a heartfelt speech charting his rewarding and varied career spanning emergency services, business and government.  

Mr Winmar, a Whadjuk Noongar man with connections to the Ballardong region, reflected on his time on the frontline during his 15 years with WA Police as a Police Sergeant.  

He urged the SJWA team to do their part to actively encourage the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to join the team across WA. 

“How can we get young people to aspire to something if they can’t see it,” he said. 

“It is about starting that little fire inside. 

“As elders and Aboriginal leaders in our community, it is our responsibility to share knowledge and pass down traditions and culture through song, dance and language. 

“It’s the same within professions where you look after the community, you are in a position to demonstrate integrity and passion for your community and work in a way that makes everybody feel important and connected and to want to be a part of your community. 

“They will not always remember what happened, but they will remember how they were treated and if they were treated with respect and dignity they will think, ‘I can do that’.” 

Formalities were followed by a lunch of First Nations inspired food from Liyan Mayi.

SJWA is currently in the Innovate phase of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which is focused on strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, piloting strategies for further reconciliation commitments and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

SJWA’s RAP is the organisation’s shared vision to ensure its network of services reflect a culture of deeper understanding and respect for First Nations peoples, their histories and cultures, while fostering better healthcare opportunities and building relationships based on inherent mutual trust. 

Read more about SJWA’s commitment to reconciliation here.