Maternity patients at Buderim Private Hospital can celebrate NAIDOC Week in a unique way thanks to the introduction of a special new baby milestone card that has been inspired by the custodians of the land on which the hospital stands today; the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi peoples.
Reading ‘Born on Kabi Kabi Country’, the new baby milestone card was produced in consultation with local Elders and forms part of a pack of other cards which are gifted to new parents. Parents are encouraged to use the cards to mark milestones throughout their baby’s first year of life and share photos of their baby’s growth and development with family and friends.
Proud parents Danielle and Curtis said they were proud that their baby Maddison is one of the first babies to access the new card.
“We understand how important it is to respect our history and heritage and think this will be a wonderful memory for Maddison in the future to reflect on how she was born in Buderim on Kabi Kabi land,” they said.
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Buderim Private Hospital is part of UnitingCare and together our vision for reconciliation is to be culturally responsible and committed to social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and be unified, positive and healthy.
The UnitingCare Reconciliation Action Plan Team said: “Connecting to Country is an integral part of First Nations culture and gives identity and connection to First Nations peoples in relation to our place on the lands, waters and seas.”
“For a child or jarjum, knowing the lands on which they entered the world is powerful and begins their walk with First Nations peoples and culture with small but significant steps of reconciliation and learning.”
“As part of UnitingCare’s reconciliation story we invite parents of newborn jarjums to Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians, and connect with the lands on which the most significant event of childbirth occurs.”
Buderim Private Hospital is a vital expression of the reconciliation mission of UnitingCare in our desire to reach out to people in need, provide compassionate care and speak out for fairness and justice.
As part of UnitingCare, the Buderim Private Hospital is owned by the Uniting Church and is the only not-for-profit provider of private hospital services on the Sunshine Coast.