In a significant step towards reconciliation and improved care for Australian First Nations people, aged care organisations Juniper, MercyCare, Bethanie, and Hall and Prior have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and Stolen Generations Advocate, Yokai.
The signing ceremony, held at Juniper’s Central office in Perth, marked a milestone in the journey towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Australian First Nations people.
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell says that this initiative aligns with Juniper’s mission to provide compassionate and inclusive care for all.
“By prioritising cultural safety, we can ensure that our services are responsive, inclusive, and respectful of the diverse cultural backgrounds of our employees and the older people we support. We stand united in our dedication with MercyCare, Bethanie, and Hall and Prior.”
Russell Bricknell, CEO of Juniper
Jim Morrison, CEO of Yokai, highlights the importance of addressing both the clinical and cultural needs for older First Nations people, particularly survivors of the Stolen Generations.
“It’s encouraging to see aged care organisations committing to understanding that caring for older Aboriginal people should focus not only on their clinical needs but also on their cultural needs, such as their connection to Country and lived experience.:
Jim Morrison, CEO and Founder of Yokai
Yokai, a Noongar call to action meaning ‘enough is enough’, was developed by the Bringing Them Home Committee (WA) and the WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation. The organisation’s work is grounded in extensive consultation and research aimed at delivering better outcomes for the Aboriginal Community and Stolen Generations Survivors.
Tony Hansen, Aboriginal Co-Chair of Bringing Them Home WA Inc. and a Stolen Generations Survivor, highlighted the significance of the MOU.
“I am pleased that aged care service providers have committed to working with Yokai to ensure that our Elders can receive appropriate care. As a younger Stolen Generations Survivor, I look forward to working with them to fulfil these commitments,” Mr Hansen said.
The event saw the presence of prominent representatives from each organisation, including Yokai leaders Tony Hansen, Jim Morrison, and Alan Carter, alongside board members Dallas Phillips and Dorothy Bagshaw. Pamela Thorley, Manager of Aboriginal Pathway Strategies, and Phil Martin, Executive Director of Aged Care Services, represented MercyCare. Roule Jones, CEO of Bethanie, and Graeme Prior, CEO of Hall and Prior, were also in attendance, with Russell Bricknell, CEO of Juniper, hosting the event.
