Being A Voice For Generations at Tweddle

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

The theme for National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is Be a Voice for Generations. It encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

At Tweddle, we can play our part in disrupting intergenerational trauma. As a healthcare provider, we can act and use our voice, ensuring we provide culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal babies, toddlers and their families.

Intergenerational Trauma

Aboriginal intergenerational trauma refers to the ongoing impacts of historical events and policies on Aboriginal communities in Australia, which have been passed down through generations.

This trauma is rooted in the history of colonisation, dispossession of land, forced removal of children from their families, cultural suppression, and systemic discrimination faced by Aboriginal peoples.

The concept of intergenerational trauma recognises that the effects of these past injustices continue to be felt in present-day Aboriginal children, parents, and communities. This can occur through cultural disconnection, socioeconomic disadvantage, and exposure to racism and discrimination.

Tweddle recognise the significance of addressing intergenerational trauma within Aboriginal families and communities. Tweddle is now in the process of consulting with the Aboriginal community on our Reconciliation Australia RAP journey.

Tweddle’s RAP Journey to Reconciliation

This will ensure that the next step on our RAP Innovate paves the way for strategic and meaningful action to advance reconciliation and better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander babies, toddlers, families and communities.

As part of Tweddle’s RAP journey, we commissioned Dixon Patten, proud Yorta Yorta and Gunnai man and Director/Graphic Artist at Bayila Creative to illustrate our Tweddle RAP Reflect. The artwork tells the story of Tweddle’s commitment to Reconciliation with the Aboriginal community.

Tweddle is committed to providing accessible, inclusive practices and programs in the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families for a safe, thriving, and strong start to life.

We’re hosting an Afternoon Tea for Culture (VACCA)

This year we will gather during National Reconciliation Week to host an Afternoon Tea for Culture to help raise awareness and funds to go towards VACCA cultural programs, art mentoring and the Koorie Tiddas Choir. This will help Aboriginal children in care connect with their culture and heal from trauma.

You can read about Tweddle’s RAP here

Visit National Reconciliation Week here.