Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander flags are the new feature inside the Stawell Health and Community Centre.
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Grampians Community Health chief executive Greg Little and Indigenous staff members Suzie Hamilton and Jo Clack installed the flags as part of an aim to acknowledge the unity between the three communities.
Ms Hamilton said the new display was an important gesture.
“This really mans a lot to me and the Aboriginal people I work with,” she said.
“I am looking forward to being able to stand here with pride with the groups I work with.”
Mr Little arranged for the flags to be installed at the Stawell Health and Community Centre in Patrick Street after Grampians Community Health’s Horsham offices also received the flags as a gift from the Wimmera Primary Care Partnership.
“As a community and organisation we acknowledge the traditional owners of the area, the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali communities and their ancestors – They have been custodians of the land for thousands of years,” he said.
“But to be genuinely respectful and welcoming to all Aboriginal people it is appropriate that the flags are proudly displayed.”
Mallee MP Andrew Broad provided the flags to Grampians Community Health, while Horsham Men’s Shed created the flagpoles and bases.
Mr Little said the flags were installed in a high visibility area on the landing of the second floor at the Stawell Health and Community Centre.
“They are in an area where people wait for clinical appointments, staff congregate and where they also can be seen when looking upwards in the ground floor atrium,” he said.
Wotjobaluk woman Jo Clack said the new display was “fantastic” acknowledgment of Aboriginal communities.
“On behalf of my people and from me personally, thank you,” she said.
“Coming into a health service can be daunting, but now having the flags at the Stawell Health and Community Centre and Grampians Community Health in David Street, Horsham means this service is truly a welcoming place to come to.”