On Wednesday 28 May South Gippsland Hospital hosted a Flag Raising service, along with performances from Foster Secondary College and Toora Primary School students, to celebrate National Reconciliation Week. Students from Foster Primary School were also in attendance.
The National Reconciliation Week 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future and urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Samantha Park, Director Community Care at South Gippsland Hospital, invited guests at the event to “take a moment to consider that this land we stand on has been cared for by First Nations peoples for tens of thousands of years. Tens of thousands of years of knowledge, language, culture, and healing - traditions that have shaped and sustained these lands and waters around us long before our presence.”
Kane Horvath, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at South Gippsland Hospital also spoke. Kane, a Woka-Woka and Yuggera man from Queensland, outlined the importance South Gippsland Hospital places on cultural safety and the role the whole community plays in fostering an inclusive system.
Kane asked guests “to take the time to reflect on our past histories, grow and commit to walking together.”
During National Reconciliation Week, we are called to reflect on our shared histories - the truths of dispossession and injustice, and the strength and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their resilience in maintaining their culture, and willingness to share this knowledge.
Toora Primary school students, staff and local choir members performed a passionate rendition of the Goanna song ‘Solid Rock’ - a call to the broader Australian community to understand the truth of our history. Following this, attendees were deeply moved by a haunting performance of Archie Roach’s song ‘They Took the Children Away’, laced with true stories from families of the Stolen Generation, sung and recited by Foster Secondary College students.
Following the formalities South Gippsland Hospital hosted a BBQ lunch for participants and community members to share stories and further connect with each other.
Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort. Wide spread community support at this event demonstrates how important it is to have time to come together, to learn and listen, connecting in the spirit of reconciliation, equity and healing.
