A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MOU) has been signed that formalises the important collaboration that has been occurring over recent years between Heywood Rural Health and Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation.

The aim of the MOU is to continue the positive relationship, improve health services to the Heywood community and achieve the best care and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The MOU was signed by Leigh Parker, CEO of Heywood Rural Health and John Bell, CEO of Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation.

The signing enshrines a commitment to continue to provide Aboriginal client services at Heywood Rural Health; assistance with the transition from living at home to living in Residential Aged Care; a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing all HRH services and culturally appropriate services reinforced by staff attendance at cultural safety training provided by Winda-Mara. It also aims to continue to provide appropriate palliative care services to Aboriginal Elders and the community in either Residential Aged Care or our Acute hospital facilities.

Some of the initiatives already agreed upon to provide a safe and culturally sensitive environment for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members include; new acknowledgement signs have been installed at the main reception, Urgent Care Centre and all meeting rooms; working closely with Aunty Janice Lovett to organise and celebrate 2024 Reconciliation Week – Now More Than Ever, and developing an expression of interest for local Aboriginal artwork which tells a ‘Working Together’ story.  Both organizations are working to develop an Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Leigh Parker, CEO of Heywood Rural Health, said “HRH and Winda-Mara look forward to exploring the many ways the two organisations can work together on community focused health projects that make Aboriginal and Torres Islander people experiences a positive and welcoming one”.