Powerful story telling part of Galup’s healing journey towards Reconciliation

Hundreds of Western Australians from all walks of life and organisations attended the Walk for Reconciliation at Galup on October 30, and St John WA Event Health Services and dozens of team members were among them.

Leading the way was the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group, including Group CEO Kevin Brown, Chief People Officer Rene Anderson and Chief Preventative Officer Megan O’Donnell.

First Nations Lead and Paramedic Jeremy Maitland-Smith welcomed St John WA’s team involvement.

“Walk for Reconciliation is a powerful moment of place-based truth-telling, reflection, and solidarity,” he said.

“Acknowledging the difficult past and celebrating a positive outlook for the future is key to moving forward and the speakers spoke eloquently to this important point.”

The Walk at Galup honoured the storytelling that was passed down to Doolann-Leisha Eatts (Garlett) by her grandmother Yurleen Bennell (Garlett) and acknowledged all Carriers of the Galup massacre story.

Galup (Lake Monger) was a place of deep cultural and historical significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people, according to Reconciliation WA.

The journey began with a Welcome to Country, key speakers, song and Smoking Ceremony.

Powerful stories were shared, including about restoring the area’s Whadjuk Noongar name, before everyone walked in truth and unity.

Group CEO Kevin Brown said it was a moving event and just one step in many being supported at St John.

“Our shared vision for Reconciliation is to ensure St John WA’s network of services reflect a culture of deeper understanding and respect for First Nations peoples, their histories and cultures, so that means coming together to listen to the stories and learn from the generational impact of the past,” Kevin said.

“Our aim is to foster better healthcare opportunities for First Nations peoples, from first aid through to ambulance, and that has to be built from respectful relationships based on inherent mutual trust.”

Learn more about St John WA’s RAP.