Kooweerup Hospital – part of Bayside Health – proudly hosted Cardinia Shire Council's first official NAIDOC Week community event at the Koo Wee Rup Aboriginal Meeting Place and Bush School on Sunday, 5 July.
Kooweerup Hospital hosts Cardinia Shire Council’s first official NAIDOC Week community event
July 10, 2026
Proud Bunurong man and knowledge holder James Brown conducted a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
The well-attended event brought together First Nations community members, Cardinia Shire councillors and staff, Kooweerup Hospital staff and residents, community members and families to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Marking NAIDOC Week 2026 and its theme, 50 Years of Deadly, the event began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by proud Bunurong man and knowledge holder James Brown, supported during the Smoking Ceremony by Bunurong/Palawa man Danny West.
Bunurong/Palawa man Danny West supported James Brown to conduct the smoking ceremony
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Owen addressed the community and reflected on the significance of Council's first official NAIDOC Week event and its ongoing reconciliation journey.
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Owen addresses the audience.
Kooweerup Hospital General Manager Aileen Thoms said the hospital was honoured to host the celebration and reaffirm its commitment to creating culturally safe healthcare.
“We are certainly working very hard towards creating culturally safe healthcare, and we know that it is an ongoing and enduring journey built on listening, learning and the meaningful partnerships that we can make with others,” Ms Thoms said.
Kooweerup Hospital continues to strengthen the cultural capability of its workforce and build stronger connections with First Nations communities.
“In this way, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to Closing the Gap and to delivering safe, responsive and appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Thoms said.
Kooweerup Hospital General Manager Aileen Thoms speaks to the gathering.
The community celebration featured First Nations market stalls offering clothing, cultural items and Indigenous plants, live music from First Nations singer and ukulele player Wren Arkose, and a range of activities for children and families.
The Koo Wee Rup Men's Shed provided a free BBQ and samples of First Nations-inspired foods featuring kangaroo, emu and crocodile, while the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags were raised during the ceremony.
The event was held at Kooweerup Hospital's Aboriginal Meeting Place, the first of its kind in Cardinia Shire, created for education, cultural connection and community engagement.
From left, Cardinia Shire Councillor Collin Ross, Kooweerup Hospital Youth and Community Development Officer Brian Harlow and Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Owen.
From left, Kooweerup Hospital General Manager Aileen Thoms, Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Owen and Kooweerup Hospital Aged Care Coordinator Karen Herbert.