Sea of Hands a commitment to Reconciliation

This Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), staff from across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service will again be asked to contribute to a ‘Sea of Hands’ to symbolise a commitment to Reconciliation. 

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) acting Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Amanda Cooms, who is a proud Nunukul (or Noonuccal) woman from Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island, said Reconciliation was about working together. 

"This year’s theme for Reconciliation Week is ‘Be a voice for Generations’ and I believe it is about encouraging all Australians to be a voice for Reconciliation in tangible ways," Ms Cooms said.

"Each year Reconciliation Week begins with the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum which starts a week-long journey of learning our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in our everyday lives.  

"It is only through working together that we can identify our common goals to become a better, more just and culturally proficient organisation."

Ms Cooms said the Sea of Hands would be a symbol of collaboration and healing.

"Individual reflection and formalising of our commitment on paper, brings us together and unites us to work towards the shared goal of improving outcomes for our First Nations patients and community. 

"We can demonstrate our commitment to hearing, listening and truth telling, enabling change, walking as equals and celebrating our shared future through opportunities, – Together Way - Journey Way, as is reflected in our health service’s Health Equity Strategy, Workforce Development Strategy and our developing Reconciliation Action Plan.

‘‘Ultimately, achieving equitable health outcomes for all will be achieved through Reconciliation and building relationships on trust, respect and understanding."

Ms Cooms said staff from Townsville University Hospital would be also asked to add their hands to ‘the sea’ in the hospital’s front garden at 10am on Monday, 29 May. 

"We’re also encouraging our staff located at rural sites to create their own sea of hands, to mark the beginning of the week," Ms Cooms said. 

"We hope the sea encourages people to stop, reflect and think about how they can each be a voice for generations past, present and future."

Townsville HHS chief executive Kieran Keyes said the Sea of Hands was one of two special events being held by the health service to mark Reconciliation Week.

"On Friday, we will also hold a staff forum which will look at what Reconciliation means to different people and particularly, what Reconciliation means in a healthcare context," Mr Keyes said.

"It’s important that as a health service we think about past experiences and a connection to country when considering how we’re delivering care because this ensures our care is thoughtful, considered and culturally appropriate.

"Coming together to share experiences and learn from one another at events like today’s and Friday’s forum sets a solid foundation for Reconciliation, healing and moving forward together.

"These shared experiences also underpin the work associated with our Health Equity Strategy that aims to close the gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders by 2032.  

"While the strategy is a template for working together to deliver real outcomes for our patients, it is collaboration with community, trust and honesty that will create lasting change for generations to come."