Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and the Traditional Owners 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. It marks the day of the landing of the First Fleet, thus claiming it as British, beginning the settlement and colonisation of this land. For all people in Australia, 26 January is not a harmonious day to celebrate. It is not an appropriate recognition of history in Australia. 26 January is a Day of Mourning; also known as Survival Day and Invasion Day. It is a reminder of the removal of Aboriginal children from families and Country, genocide, dispossession of land and humanisation. Discrimination and oppression continue to this very day, with systems and structures created by and for white people failing the needs of Aboriginal people.
The staff and Board of WHISE stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Bunurong Country 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. While Australia voted NO to an enshrined Voice to Parliament last year, it does not deter our dedication to building an equitable and more inclusive Australia. 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.
In alignment with this dedication, we are set to commence our Reconciliation Action Plan in 2024, a step towards building a more inclusive and equitable future. Our newly devised 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.
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 26 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 Friday, 26 January 2024 and will operate during regular business hours.
