Ramsay Newsroom

The celebrations featured a smoking ceremony by local Guringai man Uncle Laurie Bimson, a tree planting and a bush tucker BBQ for staff.   

Mt Wilga Private Hospital CEO, Lorrie Mohsen, said the celebrations were important to the hospital’s patients, staff and the local community. 

“NAIDOC Week celebrations are a wonderful way to celebrate and recognise the history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Ms Mohsen said.

“Our wonderful staff volunteered their time to prepare the Yarning Circle in the lead up to NAIDOC Week to ensure it was a welcoming place for all to gather, reflect, connect and share.”  

Ms Mohsen said the seating in the Yarning Circle had an interesting history. 

“The stump seats in our Yarning Circle came from a 30-year-old eucalyptus tree that once grew on a local property,” she said. 

“The tree was healthy and well established when it was sadly ring-barked by a vandal - this meant the tree was destined to die slowly. Our neighbour instead had the tree properly felled and donated it to our Circle.”

The artwork for the Yarning Circle signage was also donated, with local aboriginal artist Kris Khamis designing the sign.