Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...
Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...
Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...
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<strong>Mov<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>Forward</strong> <strong>Together</strong>Janet Kellyfellow students who enjoyed the longer lunch break and fun activities. Subtlywe aimed to improve Aborig<strong>in</strong>al young men and women’s image with<strong>in</strong> theschool.Unfortunately the school did not receive the SHAW grant fund<strong>in</strong>g because thefocus that year was on over 18 year olds, but the high school managementcont<strong>in</strong>ued to support the event regardless. This reflected the effectivenetwork<strong>in</strong>g and collaborative work be<strong>in</strong>g done with<strong>in</strong> the school over manymonths. Many teachers had <strong>in</strong>terwoven the SHAW concepts of Safety,Pleasure and Respect <strong>in</strong>to their curriculum. Many students were <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>sett<strong>in</strong>g up, welcom<strong>in</strong>g and assist<strong>in</strong>g visitors, cater<strong>in</strong>g, support<strong>in</strong>g stall holdersand provid<strong>in</strong>g some stalls themselves.The day went accord<strong>in</strong>g to plan, with m<strong>in</strong>or changes on the day. The newlydeveloped outdoor area looked fantastic with new bright sunshades and redhearts attached to many surfaces. There were lots of free gifts andconversation. The red heart trail (need<strong>in</strong>g to have the paper stamped at eachstall and then get a prize) worked very well.Services who attended <strong>in</strong>cluded local council, drug and alcohol services, RedCross First Aid and Save a Mate drug <strong>in</strong>tervention strategy, university,research, and Aborig<strong>in</strong>al services, mental health, sexual health and youthhealth services. Many Aborig<strong>in</strong>al professionals attended, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g oneAborig<strong>in</strong>al man who was a well known footballer. The teacher/co-researcherensured that one of the young Aborig<strong>in</strong>al men had the role of show<strong>in</strong>g thislocal football hero around, thus <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g his own status <strong>in</strong> the eyes of hispeers. All stall holders, Aborig<strong>in</strong>al and non-Aborig<strong>in</strong>al, responded to theevaluations say<strong>in</strong>g that they had found the day very worthwhile. Most of the500 students who attended for up to three hours also voted the day a success.When we met as co-researchers to evaluate the day we reflected that it hadbeen very successful. The less successful aspects were that we had <strong>in</strong>vited thepolice to attend and perhaps provide a BBQ, but unfortunately that was notable to be arranged <strong>in</strong> time. This was unfortunately a missed opportunity forpositive relationship build<strong>in</strong>g, for a major police station was situated across theroad from the school. Also challeng<strong>in</strong>g was the withdrawal of the Aborig<strong>in</strong>al<strong>Health</strong> Team who was to have a central role <strong>in</strong> the plann<strong>in</strong>g and facilitation of288
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