Celebrating Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey in Australia – the successful 1967 Referendum, and the 1992 High Court Mabo Decision, which led to the Native Title Act in 1993.

The theme of Reconciliation Week 2022 was ‘Be Brave Make Change‘ and was a challenge to all Australians, asking them to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make changes that support a safer and more inclusive Australia.

Beginning the week was National Sorry Day on 26 May, a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation survivors who were forcibly removed from their families as part of government policies, and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for Aboriginal people.

LiverWELL collaborates with Aboriginal Communities to:

• Improve access to health information about viral hepatitis and liver health for Aboriginal communities
• Break down barriers to seeking testing, and treatment where required for viral hepatitis
• Improve access to support services for testing and treatment
• Encourage healthy lifestyle approaches for liver health
• Identify knowledge gaps and better understand personal experiences, to inform the development of future projects for Aboriginal communities affected by viral hepatitis.

In 2021 LiverWELL developed our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal Healthy Living Guide. Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan demonstrates our commitment to reconciliation and we implement it through consulting with Aboriginal Communities and organisations. We commit to being a supportive and respectful partner, working toward better health outcomes.

The Aboriginal Healthy Living Guide is a vibrant resource that offers multiple tips and links to support healthy living in our Aboriginal Communities. It has steps that Aboriginal people can take to look after their liver health and promotes healthy food, drink, activity and general wellbeing.

LiverWELL is grateful for the input that informed the Guide from workers at services for Aboriginal people and community members, especially Aboriginal artist and health worker Peter Waples-Crowe, for providing cultural guidance in the finalisation of the project. The Guide was designed by Aboriginal graphic designer Sean Miller and features a number of exciting Indigenous art pieces from The Torch Project to add to its appeal.

LiverWELL would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. To view our Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal Healthy Living Guide, click below.