Ngangkari clinics held at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital When Matt White entered the room, he did not tell Debbie Watson what was wrong with him. And not many words were exchanged in the 20 minutes he spent with her, but Debbie – a traditional Ngangkari Aboriginal healer- pinpointed his condition and realigned his spirit. much more relaxed and different.” Debbie, together with Dr Francesca Panzironi, founded Anangu Ngangkari Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation which provides Ngangkari healing to communities around the country. (L-R) Adam Cryer, Ruth Stachowski, Aunty Debbie Watson, Francesca Panzironi, Jami Walk, Tavia Bernsdorff, Anthony Schembri, Karen Filocamo
Ngangkari are the traditional healers of the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara (NPY) lands in the remote western desert of central Australia. Ngangkari have looked after people’s physical and emotional health for thousands of years. It is passed down through families with children learning from a young age the art of healing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Acting Director Adam Cryer said: “It is important for the community to be offered culturally safe and traditional wellness activities within the district. This is an opportunity for learning, connection, and culture with a focus on holistic and traditional healing.”
As part of Reconciliation Week, Ngangkari clinics were held at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital for indigenous communities to connect with their culture and be offered a chance to experience traditional healing by an elder. Matt was the first patient Debbie saw as part of the week-long clinics, held at Bungee Bidgel. Suffering from anxiety and not able to sleep, Matt was not sure what to expect from the appointment with Debbie but was relieved when she identified his issues immediately. “I didn’t know much about it (Ngangkari), so I wanted to go in with an open mind,” he said. “It was amazing. I got off the bed and felt so
Ngangkari healer Aunty Debbie Watson providing traditional healing to patient Matt White
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