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.