Over three days, St John of God Health Care caregivers came together on Country to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture and traditions. Hosted in Yandeyarra by Traditional Owner Margie Stewart and her son Gaston, the group were warmly welcomed and encouraged to engage deeply in the first Swagging On Country experience. 

During the day, the St John of God Health Care team – referred to as caregivers – took guided walks along the red earth and bushland, learning about the Country's rich history. At night, the group of 12 came together for meals around the campfire to listen and share. 

‘We had a lot of opportunities to ask questions without any judgment. It was a very healthy place to have open discussion,’ said Lisa Carman, Marketing and Communications Manager and program participant. 

‘I didn’t expect to have such a deep connection to the Country and a real feeling for the stories of all the people who have lived here. It’s been amazing,’ said Jessica Desmond, Manager of Service Development. 

For Lisa, a highlight was visiting Jilya, a cultural site for healing. ‘A healer on site performed a ritual for one of our caregivers and called upon the Country and ancestors to help. Almost on cue, a beautiful gust of wind came through,’ she explained. ‘It was a very moving, spiritual experience and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.’ 

Since returning from Swagging On Country, learnings are already being shared. Lisa recently presented on her experience at a St John of God Health Care cultural education day. ‘I’ve shared how the trip taught me to view things differently. I want to encourage my colleagues to do the same – to get out of their head and into their heart and be open to experiencing life through the eyes of another person.’ 

Swagging On Country is part of St John of God Health Care’s commitment to cultural safety and meaningful employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Emergency Department Nurse Manager, Shaun Richardson said, ‘The more you learn as an organisation about specific cultural needs, the more you can be prepared to support them.’ 

While the experience has come to a close, its impact on culturally safe care for patients is just beginning.

'Experiences like this immersion create the opportunity for caregivers to gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture and perspectives. We look forward to seeing the fruits of this experience across the organisation,’ said Tara Peters, Chief Mission Integration Officer, St John of God Health Care. 

At Bank First, we were proud to support the inaugural Swagging On Country experience. By building relationships and ensuring that the voices of Aboriginal communities are heard, St John of God Health Care is working to create a more inclusive healthcare network.