cohealth invites community to Reconciliation Week events in Collingwood and Braybrook

In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), not-for-profit community health agency, cohealth, says that all Australians have a role to play in achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

cohealth’s Yakeen Tharn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health team is hosting two free events during National Reconciliation Week – one in the Collingwood and one in Braybrook – both of which are open to the public. 

“National Reconciliation Week is a time of reflection on our history but also as a crucial step toward healing and unity,” said Glen Scott, a Yorta Yorta man who works in cohealth’s Yakeen Tharn team.   

cohealth’s Yakeen Tharn team supports First Nations community members to improve their health and wellbeing by enhancing social and cultural connection, improving food security, and creating culturally safe pathways for Aboriginal people to access health services.  

cohealth’s Yakeen Tharn team also develop and deliver community events throughout the year to mark significant days for the First Nations community, such as Reconciliation Week.  

Raised in Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s north, Glen says the Yakeen Tharn team at cohealth are passionate about improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Glen says that reconciliation can play a crucial role in improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians by addressing both direct and indirect factors that contribute to their health outcomes. 

Following a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at each event, attendees will have an opportunity to connect with each other, enjoy some live music and a free lunch. 

“Reconciliation involves us all and it requires us all to work together to acknowledge historical injustices and find our common threads,” said Glen. 

“By coming along to one of the cohealth Reconciliation Action Week events, people can learn about the incredible contributions of First Nations people, and build bridges of empathy and mutual respect,” said Glen. 

cohealth National Reconciliation Week events 

Collingwood – cohealth Reconciliation Action Week event
Community lunch, smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country
Date: Tuesday 28 May, 11am –1.30pm
Venue: Perry Park Neighbourhood House, Collingwood
Register to attend: www.cohealth.org.au/reconciliation-week-2024/ 

Braybrook – cohealth Reconciliation Action Week event
Community lunch, smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country
Date: Thursday 30 May, 10am – 1pm
Venue: cohealth Braybrook Community Hub
107/139 Churchill Ave, Braybrook
Register to attend : www.cohealth.org.au/reconciliation-week-2024/     

– ends –

More information: media@cohealth.org.au or 0499 101 638

About cohealth: cohealth is a not-for-profit community health organisation that provides low-cost and free local health and support services including medical, dental, allied health, mental health, aged care and counselling, and many specialist health services across Melbourne’s CBD, northern and western suburbs as well as statewide.