YARNING CIRCLE AT RYDE
Ryde Hospital General Manager Heather Gough and Deputy Director of Aboriginal Health Paul Weir at the site of the yarning circle at Ryde
The construction of a yarning circle started at Ryde Hospital this year to help foster collaboration between Northern Sydney Local Health District and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Director of Aboriginal Health Peter Shine said: “Yarning circles have been used for thousands of years by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have discussions in an inclusive and collaborative manner whilst building respectful relationships, and passing knowledge. “At Ryde, the yarning circle offers a respectful place for people to come together to reflect, learn and yarn.”
“All staff and visitors are welcome to visit and use the yarning circle.” The yarning circle is located next to the communitymental health centre under the shade of an old jacaranda tree, and is managed by the NSLHD Aboriginal Health Service together with the Ryde Hospital executive team. The privacy the site offers is ideal for the nature of the yarning circle and will create opportunities for building respectful relationships in a culturally safe and welcoming environment.
The construction of the yarning circle was undertaken by NPM Indigenous, a majority Indigenous owned company representing the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri Nations. They place emphasis on constructing culturally inclusive environments that have a positive influence within the community. The project at Ryde is the first of a series of yarning circles that will be established at Royal North Shore, Hornsby and Mona Vale hospitals.
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