Artwork: Going Home by Lisa Kennedy

A culturally sensitive service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. Aboriginal liaison officers are employed in hospitals to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have equitable access to mainstream health care services, and to increase the cultural awareness and sensitivity of health care services to the distinct needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families.

Being in a hospital can be a frightening time with feelings of fear, sadness, homesickness and isolation.

The Wadja Aboriginal Family Place is a place where you can come for a yarn, a cuppa or just to sit in the Family Room.

It is a friendly place where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are welcome.

Staff of the Wadja Aboriginal Family Place are committed to providing any support possible in assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families attend outpatient clinics, emergency or families who have a sick child in hospital.

• Provide emotional, social and cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families who use the hospital.
• Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and their families understand medical procedures and routines.
• Raise awareness within the hospital ensuring that a culturally sensitive service is being provided.
• Advocate and liaise on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Families can  contact us directly on (03) 8341 6894 or hospital ward staff can refer families to our unit.