Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in need of palliative care and their carers can now access easy-to-read information specific to the South Western Sydney region in a new booklet.
Launched ahead of this year’s NAIDOC week (July 4-11), A journey into Sorry Business supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share their wishes and preferences for their end-of-life care through “sorry business’’ – cultural practices and protocols associated with death.
South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) partnered with local Aboriginal Elders, the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) to develop the booklet.
SWSPHN chief executive officer Keith McDonald thanked everyone who contributed to the development of the booklet.
“This is an important resource and the first of its kind in our region,’’ he said.
“We would like to thank our local elders, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, their families and the community who have shared their insights on the Aboriginal journey through Sorry Business.
“This resource has been developed to provide culturally appropriate, respectful and mindful information to encourage Aboriginal people to yarn about their rights, wishes and how to plan ahead when circumstances change through their lives,’’ he said.
South Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Amanda Larkin also attended the launch of the booklet.
“This resource highlights the need to start a conversation within the Aboriginal community to ensure wishes are heard as health needs change,’’ Ms Larkin said.
“Yarning about things that matter, while ensuring that values and choices are taken into consideration is important.”
A Journey into Sorry Business will be available at Aboriginal Medical Services and general practices in the South Western Sydney region as a free resource.
It will also be available online at https://www.swsphn.com.au/aboriginal-palliative-care
