Red Nose launched First Nations resources at the Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square, Melbourne on Wednesday 21st February.
The event was a celebration of First Nations culture.
The evening opened with a beautiful and informative Welcome to Country by proud Wurundjeri woman, Stacie Piper. Stacie gave a warm and powerful insight into the important history of the Wurundjeri people.
This was followed by the Djirri Djirri dancers who performed multiple dances representing the powerful connection to country, and mother with child. This was a beautiful and moving expression of Wurundjeri culture. Stacie also informed the captive audience the meaning behind the different dances.
Heartfelt speeches set the tone for a moving event. Proud Ngarrindjeri woman, First Nation artist and bereaved mum, Emma Stenhouse talked lovingly about her daughter Asha. The audience learned how Red Nose Educator, Lorraine Harrison helped Emma and the community of Broken Hill heal after the tragic loss of baby Asha. This deep connection between Lorraine and Emma was still apparent to all in the room.
Wergaia and Wemba Wemba woman, Red Nose First Nation midwife Skye Stewart talked about her visit to the remote NT community of Borroloola and how the visit impacted the small community. Skye also talked about the importance of the new First Nations resources being made for mob by mob. The production of the resources took place on Yorta Yorta country in Echuca, working with First Nations families and photographer Wayne Quilliam.
Red Nose CEO, Keren Ludski talked about Red Nose’s commitment to making a meaningful and impactful difference to First Nations families and welcomes new connections being made with First Nations health organisations.
The new resources were on display around the room including posters and brochures for Safe Wrapping, Tummy Time and Cot to Bed. Proudly in attendance were some of the First Nations babies featured in the resources (now grown a little older).
Throughout the event videos were shown on “What is SUDI?” and “Red Nose 6 Safe Sleep recommendations for Bub” and a video of support from NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.
A message from Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
Silent auction items were displayed around the room, all generously donated by First Nations artists and businesses. The funds from the silent auction will go towards creating Red Noses’ First Nations eLearning for Health Professionals.
Guests enjoyed catering from First Nations caterer Jarrah catering.
The event was attended by local First Nations health organisations and professionals, Red Nose staff, Red Nose Board Chair Nick Xerakias and Lyndy Bowden, Board Director and proud palawa woman from mouheneenner people of the South East Nation of lutruwita (Tasmania).
“I feel privileged to be a part of this incredible journey, walking along side First Nations families and communities to develop resources for keeping our bubs safe and for supporting bereaved families.“
Lyndy Bowden
“What a privilege it is to be working with Red Nose and amazing First Nations people to create resources for mob, by mob”
Emma Stenhouse
Red Nose is committed to working with First Nations families to create culturally safe information and resources to sleep bubs safely so they can grow strong.
