Celebrating NAIDOC Week across the district The strength of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community was honoured in ceremonies held across the district as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.
culturally safe. At Ryde Hospital, a smoking ceremony was held in conjunction with a Adopt-a-Seedling initiative for the local community to plant native seedlings in the adjacent Blue Gum High Forest. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital hosted NAIDOC week smoking ceremony at its yarning circle, while Mona Vale and Macquarie hospitals also held cultural ceremonies. The NatureFix app, which connects listeners to nature’s surroundings, at five hospitals in our district - Royal North Shore, Adolescent and Young Adults Hospice, Manly, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai, Mona Vale and Macquarie – now features narration from local Aboriginal elder Uncle Laurie Bimson.
All sites held cultural ceremonies, including performances from First Nations’ groups and smoking ceremonies. At Royal North Shore Hospital, the district held its first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander awards to recognise staff and their valuable contributions. The NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Excellence Award was presented to Teahne Lyons, who is a senior Aboriginal mental health care navigator. Teahne was recognised for her empathetic and compassionate support to her clients and families, working to ensure the services are
Ryde hospital’s NAIDOC celebrations
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 13| 25 JULY 2025
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