Some inspiring World Hepatitis Day activities took place at the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative in Warrnambool on Thursday 28 July.
Partially supported by LiverWELL’s World Hepatitis Day Incentives Program, events included an inspirational talk from Gunditjmara Elder and Chairperson of the Cooperative, Uncle Locky Eccles.
A First Nations Elder, Uncle Locky received the 2021 Healthy and Active Living Award for his intergenerational leadership; sharing language, culture and passion for sport with the community.
Uncle Locky drew on his own health journey to encourage others to speak to their GP, get regular checkups on their health, to get tested for viral hepatitis, and to be mindful of their own health.
The event also aimed to provide a safe space for elders and community members to speak about getting tested and reduce the stigma and shame surrounding viral hepatitis.
LiverWELL was proud to provide support for this event, and we’d like to thank the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative for providing a valuable experience to the Aboriginal community in Warrnambool.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.