Aboriginal Support

GV Health acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land in the Goulburn Valley region. We pay respect to past, present and emerging elders of this land.

The Greater Shepparton area holds significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. It is amongst the most culturally diverse municipalities in regional Victoria. Historically, there were eight tribes that occupied what is now known as Greater Shepparton, including the Yorta Yorta, Bangerang, Kalitheban, Wollithiga, Moira, Ulupna, Kwat Kwat, Yalaba Yalaba and Nguaria-iiliam-wurrung clans.

We acknowledge the history of inequality in health status and inequity in health service access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. GV Health is committed to working with Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, other health services, agencies and our local community to close the gap in Aboriginal health status.

GV Health is a signatory to the Koolin Balit (Aboriginal health strategy) and has a range of initiatives in place to improve care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

GV Health’s Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALOs) provide emotional, social and cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families. Our ALOs are based in the Minya Barmah Room. The Minya Barmah Room is a place where you can come for a chat, a cuppa or just to sit. It is a friendly place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are welcome. An ALO is available 8.30am to 5pm weekdays. If you have any questions or would like to access this service, please ask a nursing staff member in your treatment unit or call (03) 5833 8658.

GV Health’s Mental Health Aboriginal Liaison Officer (MHALO) provides emotional, social and cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families when they use the mental health services at GV Health. For more information or to speak to our MHALO, please call (03) 5832 2141.