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The new cohort of WSU students commenced their 12-month placement in early July 2019. It was a very busy first week for them including a two-day cultural immersion. This year we held the immersion in Alstonville, in a quiet setting, surrounded by lush gardens and views to the ocean.
The purpose of the immersion is to take time away from the university environment to have open discussions about Aboriginal culture, recent history and the effects it has on us today, to experience cultural activities, walk on Country and hear from people working in health.
Sixteen of the eighteen students attended to sessions, many with eagerness, who engaged in the sessions and shared stories of their own. Our team, Emma, Susan, Tracey, Faith and Libby got an opportunity to learn more about the students themselves while getting them ready to move into placements at Aboriginal Medical services during the year.
Western Sydney students have an opportunity to spend two days over eight weeks, or 4 full weeks immersed in an Aboriginal community controlled health service, (ACCHS) working alongside every staff member to better understand the working of a wraparound multi-disciplinary service and see the health status of Aboriginal people up close. Many students build long term relationships with these services, and connection to the community.
On day two, we started the day by driving to Lennox Head and meeting with Marcus Ferguson, a story keeper from the community. Marcus knows the depths of our community/cultural history, about the environment, plants and people. He shared his knowledge freely about the bora rings, middens, lore, and important sites all the way to Ballina. This was followed by a panel session with Aboriginal clinical staff including chronic care and youth mental health. Dr Jane Burgess generously came to dinner where the students cooked a meal of kangaroo, fish and prawns, and talked about the GP term and working, self-care and finding a GP and working in an ACCHs.
Initial feedback from the students has been positive and we look forward to a great year working alongside the students.
Emma Walke
Academic Lead, Indigenous Health
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