Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waterways and skies where we live, work, rest and play.  

Australia Day is the annual, official National Day of Australia and has been observed on 26 January since 1994, marking the day of the Union Jack with landing of the First Fleet, thus claiming it as British, beginning settlement and colonisation of this land. 26 January is not a harmonious day for all to celebrate nor an appropriate recognition of history in Australia. It is a Day of Mourning and is also known as Survival Day and Invasion Day. It is reminder of the removal of Aboriginal children from families and Country, of genocide and of dispossession of land.  Discrimination and oppression continue to this very day, with systems and structures created by and for white people failing the needs of Aboriginal people. This results in poorer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, such as severe and preventable health inequalities, reduced life expectancy, and disproportionate rates of interpersonal and institutional violence, including incarceration.  

The staff and Board of WHISE stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Bunurong Country and all First Nations peoples across Australia noting sovereignty was never ceded and for 65,000 years this was and always will be Aboriginal land.  

We can do better. WHISE will not be complacent in our commitment to truth-listening and truth-telling. We stand in solidarity with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. We recognise and value the voices, strength and resilience of First Nations women across the Kulin Nation; and aim to create a work environment that not only acknowledges but seeks to actively dismantle colonial structures and improve the social and economic equity, health and wellbeing outcomes for the Indigenous community. We understand that the path to reconciliation can be challenging, but our commitment stands, and we will continue to strengthen our determination and practice to support the critical work of reconciliation. 

WHISE has established a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group with a commitment to a RAP in 2025. Meeting monthly, this group is committed to centreing the lived experiences of First Nations peoples and furthering our reconciliation journey. WHISE’s strategic plan emphasises a commitment to dismantling the systems and structures, both internally and externally, that support ongoing colonisation, discrimination and oppression. 

For WHISE, decolonisation is the practice of taking action to undo the structures and ways of working that continue to oppress communities impacted by colonisation. This involves centring the knowledge, experience, sovereignty and self-determination of First Nation’s people and acknowledging the harm caused by colonisation whilst recognising the continuous and dynamic cultures of First Nation’s people in Australia. We see and respect the unbroken spirit of First Nations people. 

This proactive approach is integral to our vision, as it seeks to establish a foundation for collaboration, understanding, and respect, fostering a workplace culture that is not only diverse but also actively contributes to the broader process of decolonisation. Through these initiatives, we aspire to play a role in the collective effort towards reconciliation and a more just society, informed and guided by Aboriginal people and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. 

This year, staff at WHISE are supported to work on 27 January, if they choose, and instead are offered the opportunity to not work another day to celebrate this beautiful country that we are privileged to call home.  

WHISE will be open for business on Monday 27 January 2024 and will operate during regular business hours.