The renaming of the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) Aboriginal Mental Health Service is reconnecting our Aboriginal consumers with spirit, Country and themselves.
NBMLHD representatives celebrate the launch of Namurugunya
Namurugunya, the Darug name of the relaunched Aboriginal Mental Health Service, represents the journey of consumers. Translated, Namurugunya means ‘to see the way to find the path home’.
Proud Biripi/Dhungutti man and NBMLHD Manager of Aboriginal Mental Health, Stephen Ainsworth says the renaming is a commitment by our Local Health District to provide culturally appropriate health care.
“We want to guide our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through some of the complexities of our health system to ensure each individual is seen, heard and valued,” says Stephen.
“We are using their insights to shape the way we deliver our Service. The dedicated team we have here in our District is proactively engaging the community and building confidence in our health system so our consumers have better health outcomes.”
Some of the ways the Service is building trust within the community is through the easy identification of their team. Aboriginal peer workers and clinicians will proudly wear a new uniform. The design by First Nations artist Emma Hollingsworth has a strong family theme that embodies the holistic nature of the work Namurugunya does and the results the team aspires to achieve.
To mark the renaming of the Service, the District held a traditional smoking ceremony that celebrated the path of renewed health and wellbeing for Aboriginal consumers.
Namurugunya smoking ceremony
NBMLHD Director of Community and Integration, Cathy Crowe says the ceremony marks a significant milestone in our journey towards better mental health care and inclusivity within our community.
“We gather to not only celebrate a renaming but to embrace a shift in perspective, understanding and commitment. The new name of the Aboriginal Mental Health team isn’t just a name; it embodies the spirit of resilience, unity and cultural sensitivity,” says Cathy.
“In Aboriginal culture, names hold profound significance, reflecting identity, history and purpose. And so as we adopt this new name, we also embrace the responsibility it carries – to uphold the values it represents and to honour the legacy of those who came before us.”
The renaming of the Aboriginal Service coincides with the establishment of a dedicated Koori Consumer Council for Mental Health services in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District – also a first for NSW Health.
The Council will work alongside the District’s existing Consumer and Carer Council to improve mental health services, including service planning, policy development, setting priorities, training and evaluation, and addressing quality issues in the delivery of services.
