By Ewen McRae
The new Melton Health and Community Services building continues to take shape, with the opening of a new indigenous garden last week.
The garden, which is near the entrance to the building, was officially opened as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations with a smoking ceremony from local indigenous elders.
Djerriwarrh Health Services chief executive Belinda Scott said the opening marked an important moment for the new building.
“It was a really lovely smoking ceremony, truly moving,” Ms Scott said.
“We had Wurundjeri elder Uncle Bill Nicholson there, and he told the most wonderful story and related it back to the local land we were standing on and explained the symbolism of the garden and the ceremony.
“This was always part of the plan to have this garden at the centre, and we’ve been working with community groups to get this just right.”
The garden features local plants donated by Bunnings Melton, and there was extensive work done with the Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation on the project.
Ms Scott said the garden went beyond plants and green spaces.
“I got a lovely note from Sharon Sowter, the chairperson at Kirrip, saying it was great for us to make the health service such a welcoming and culturally sensitive space,” Ms Scott said.
“Days like today really do go a long way towards that messaging to the community that we’re partnering with them in health, and committed to improving health outcomes for our indigenous community.”
