People and Lifestyle
Event helps connect the indigenous community
A SHIELDS of Emotion Festival in Wangaratta at the weekend was a hit, highlighting connections and services for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the North East and Border regions.
Event manager from Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Services (AWAHS) said as a health service they want to highlight the many services they have including doctors, dentists, family violence support, drug and alcohol and mental health counselling.
“We also wanted to bring community together because it is a very fragmented indigenous community in Wangaratta,” he said.
“Events like these help bring people together and share culture and community.
“It’s part of game plan to keep the connection between culture, community and healing strong.”
Organisers thought the event was well attended considering the location change away from Apex Park due to inclement weather in the days prior.
“It was great to see people coming from far and wide, and we had people travelling from Moyhu and as far as Albury,” he said.
Mr Jones said the AWAHS health van visits Apex Park every Thursday and up to 40 people generally show up, with some seeing the doctor but others just to share a meal and see community.
It’s hoped that the event can be held each year to perpetuate the values of connection within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
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